Revamping Tile-Matching
When Gina Linetti catches Captain Holt playing ‘Kwazy Cupcakes’ in the 19th episode of season one of Brooklyn Nine-Nine, all of us feel the Captain’s slow descent into the world of tile-matching mobile games. Just like Captain Holt, we know the game is straightforward and addictive, but as Gina says, “it’s just bright and stupid and fun.” And that is why we keep playing.
The question is for how long? A simple tile-matching (or in Brooklyn Nine-Nine’s instance, cupcake matching) game can only be played so far before it gets repetitive. After all, the only thing you are doing is matching the same colors. So, can it be improved?
The Pucca Puzzle Adventure by Takeone Company is a three-tile matching mobile game with flair. The game, released on January 30th, has seen a significant number of downloads.
Taking the basic idea of tile-matching, Pucca Puzzle Adventure features interesting narratives and RPG elements. Pucca, the famous character from the South Korean animated series, has been revamped. Known for her ‘Pucca Hair,’ the character had a global fanbase even before she became a video game character.
Besides the well-known tile-matching gameplay, the developers added some layers of narrative by making it a puzzle RPG. There are bosses to fight as well as create villages and collect various items for decorating.
As Pucca and her friends try to save the world from the clutches of the evil villain Dong King, players help these characters by winning various levels.
Cute & Colorful
The art style of the game is bubbly and catchy even though it is based on an elementary format. You can find more than 100 characters that add a certain flair. There are no random blocks to shuffle around, plus there are two sets of characters: heroes and villains. They are powered and defeated based on the way the coloured tiles are shuffled. The more you play, the more strength the characters get and the more exciting and satisfying it is to beat the villains.
The game allows players to collect characters as they proceed through levels. While the stories and quests continue, players have the option to choose from an array of characters with interesting powers to clear the level. There are subtle elements of RPG factors within the story. It is done by making the game function on two levels. First, match the tiles. Second, clear out the villains that deplete their resources and power. As soon as your team becomes balanced, you can open special attacks. After the players match a 3-tile combo, they can attack the enemy. The game also features healers, which are indispensable and a must-have for strategic gameplay during battles.
More To It
In addition to the basic layout, some embellishments make this game more appealing. There are over 1,000 stages that weave in various characters, the team plays and strategic RPG elements that make the game different. Along with the main levels, there are side quests and different game modes. These include Puzzle Quest, Challenge Mode and Village and Boss Raids.
There is a new addition to the game that makes it more enjoyable. The player’s roster can only have five characters at a time. They all have different elemental powers, such as fire, water, nature, light and darkness. This is the Element Spectrum. It is essentially the order in which each element can be beaten. Players who follow this rule will find it easy to deal with the enemy. Also, using the wrong element within the game will waste moves and deplete the character’s energy.
The elements are beaten in the following way: Fire beats Nature, Nature beats Water, Water beats Fire and Light and Darkness beat each other. The objective is to match the common element tile. The more you match, the faster the character’s respective elements can be used. With a stronger roster, it is easier to clear the enemies and head on to the next level.
As the roster starts to improve, and the player follows the Element Spectrum to their advantage, they can gain different themed gacha capsules. The company behind the game collaborated with the famous boy band Treasure. Players will find the member’s avatars in the later levels of the game. These avatars feature as characters with unique abilities.
Since the game features a team versus team play, the players can opt for either defensive or offensive strategies. This makes the game more interactive than a simple tile swipe-and-match.
Is It Hardcore?
Yes.
Consider this game a revamped version of Candy Crush. But this has added twists to it. The levels and narrative seem interesting. The plotline and new characters make the game engaging. However, there is a slight chance of it being repetitive.