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Editor's Review
Match Collector, created by Staple Games, is a game that goes beyond the simple match-3 concept. While the core gameplay revolves around matching three or more identical-colored tiles, the game operates on this concept with intentionally developed challenges and active components that test strategy and timing equally.
The crux of Match Collector gameplay is the classic tile-swapping mechanism where players swap tiles adjacent to each other to form sequences of three or more identical icons. This makes the game deceptively easy to play, but beyond this common convention, the game adds obstacles that make tedious matching into a puzzle game. For instance, crates, glass blocks, and capsule machines are scattered around in the levels for players to find. These are obstacles that impede spontaneous matching in certain locations, compelling people to think ahead about what tiles to clear and when.
Each class of barrier works differently: crates must be destroyed by matching tiles next to them; glass blocks must be broken by matching tiles next to them a few times, and capsule machines typically take more complex interaction or chain reactions to destroy. This variety causes players to shift their play style according to the design of the level, generating depth without infuriating complexity.
One of the fascinations is the smooth integration of power-ups into game play. A mere sprinkling of colorful balloons flowing across the screen periodically appears throughout every level. These balloons may as well be popped to give valuable power-ups to the players, like things like rockets that eliminate all the pieces in a row or bombs that detonate the nearby tiles. Since the power-ups are fair and pop up regularly but liberally, they inject elements of strategic flexibility without seeming to be pay-to-win mechanisms. The power-ups are no-cost and earned through play rather than purchases, maintaining fairness.
Challenge pacing is also a bonus. The game starts slow, bringing players in gradually by presenting obstacles very slowly and getting them used to each new item. As the player progresses farther, levels are fuller of blocks and require multi-step thinking to clear out objectives. The objectives can be various things like reaching a target score or clearing certain obstacles or collecting certain tiles, which varies up the progress.
But then again, there are some players who will feel a sense of repetition after hours and hours of play because, although there are disappointments and shifting goals, the basic matching mechanism does not shift. This is de rigueur for casual puzzle games but worth noting for those interested in having constantly new gameplay. Players who desire radically different mechanics per level will find this less exciting.
The interface is clean and simple and provides unobtrusive control. Swapping tiles is instant, and the board layout is clear, enabling players to focus on the puzzle undistracted. The only possible flaw is that the occasional increase in difficulty occurs on the later levels. Despite the game trying to balance challenge and simplicity, some levels take more than one attempt or usage of power-ups as they become difficult enough, which could infuriate some casual gamers. However, these difficult sections create satisfying moments when they are conquered.
In general, Match Collector’s gameplay mechanics are a good balance of easy tile matching and intellectual challenge creation. Deliberately integrated obstacles demand strategy and compensation, and random, unassigned power-ups provide pleasant moments of manipulation and surprise. Some repetition does set in with long-term use, but changed goals and layouts throughout the game maintain interest and attraction for casual gamers as well as puzzle enthusiasts wanting a moderate challenge.
By Jerry | Copyright © JoyGamerss - All Rights Reserved
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