Reviewing games for a living might sound like a dream job, but it comes with its own set of challenges. Imagine trying to write a review while constantly battling the urge to play just one more level. What if your productivity hinges on waiting for the game to replenish your lives? It's a real struggle.

Triple Match, developed by Boombox Games, is a prime example of a casual match-three mobile game that can throw reviewers into this dilemma. While it shares the familiar free-to-play loop of countless other games, Triple Match introduces a fresh twist to the genre. Since its launch in April 2022, it has amassed 20 million downloads across iOS and Android, according to SensorTower. It's even sparked a new sub-genre, inspiring titles like Peak's Match Factory, which debuted 18 months later.

Invented a Sub-genre

Let's dive into what makes Triple Match both familiar and novel. You'll find yourself racing against the clock to complete puzzle stages, utilizing power-ups and boosts to enhance your chances of success. Completing levels earns you coins, which you can spend on boosts, power-ups, additional attempts, and even gifts for your teammates. The game includes a subtle multiplayer feature that allows you to request lives and make donations.

As you progress through the campaign, you can work towards various goals, such as constructing your Kyoto Zen Oasis, building an entire village, unlocking new features, and competing in tournaments. It's the classic match-three experience, but with a unique twist.

How Do I Play?

Unlike traditional match-three games where you slide objects into a grid, Triple Match presents a heap of items—pianos, notebooks, umbrellas, letters, clouds, cakes, and more—and challenges you to clear them by tapping three identical objects in succession. The game features a bar at the bottom with seven slots; tapping an item moves it to the bar, and when three matching items appear, they disappear. Fill the bar or run out of time, and you lose.

Initially, the game seems simple as you only need to tap on similar-looking items. However, as you advance, the objects become increasingly similar, making it harder to differentiate between, say, a red and yellow rocket and a pair of binoculars, or an apple and a tomato. The 3D jumble adds another layer of complexity, as shapes can appear deceptive.

This forces you to make quick decisions based on the information available, challenging your nerves, accuracy, and eyesight. Scattered throughout the jumble are various boosts like lightning strikes to clear three items, clocks to extend your time, and other bonus items. Power-ups allow you to shuffle the playing area, remove items from your bar, freeze the clock, or instantly match three objects.

In Conclusion...

Triple Match can be best described as "Mahjong meets Fruit Ninja". It's an addictive, colorful, and innovative addition to the match-three genre that penalizes hasty play, poor eyesight, and clumsy fingers, yet rewards teamwork. Themed events, such as those for Earth Week or Saving the Reindeer at Christmas, keep the game engaging throughout the year.

You can find Triple Match on Google Play and the App Store, and visit the game's official site [ttpp] for more information.

A Must For Puzzle Game Fans

If you enjoy casual free-to-play puzzlers on your mobile device, Triple Match is highly recommended.

Overall Rating: 8.1
Graphics: 8
Gameplay: 8.3
Controls: 8