Match Collector, developed by Staple Games, puts a fresh spin on the hit match-3 puzzle type with its innovative “Collection” system. Unlike with many match-3 games, where the progress goal is merely to finish the game, here the game has as a reward the gradual expansion of the set of collectible tiles, which provides a new goal and lasting differentiation to the continued playing.
The mechanics are pretty standard match-3 style puzzling at their base, though: you tap on the tile adjacent to another one, and it will be interchanged to create a line of three or more matching icons, which will be removed. However, the unique feature of Match Collector is that not only the tiles are used in the game but also they are the elements of a forming collection which will determine further matches. By passing the level, you get experience points which can be used to unlock new tiles categorized into Rare, Epic, or Legendary. The tiles, after they have been unlocked, will start appearing in the next levels, making your progression of collection have direct connections with the tiles that you can match.
This expanding pool of tiles adds an additional element of strategy and suspense to the game. The player is motivated to keep progressing, wondering what new additions will be made to their tile set next and how this will affect their matching strategy. The unlocking of the special tiles also adds gameplay variety since each tile type may have slightly different appearances or behaviors, keeping the game from growing old.
One certain advantage is that this “Collection” system spans short-term play and longer-term reward. The majority of match-3 games lose the interest of the player within a brief period since the puzzle format seldom, if ever, digresses. Match Collector, however, maintains the interest by intermingling plain match-3 gameplay with a sense of development and discovery.
Nevertheless, this system does not come without disadvantages. Special tiles are slowly added to the game and can make it too complicated to new or casual players. The game makes you adapt to new tile types, which can be a little learning curve that might frustrate those who want purely casual, no-frills matching fun. Additionally, some players might find the pace of new collectible tiles unlocking to be uneven — progressing quickly in the early levels but much more slowly in the later ones.
But the positives tip the scales against these minor faults. The collecting mechanic encourages experimenting with new strategies and makes the gameplay dynamic. It also adds a subtle narrative component as your personalized inventory of tiles represents your unique journey through the game.
Another distinguishing feature associated with the collection is how the game rewards visually new additions. Whenever there is a new tile unlocked, Match Collector presents it with pleasing animations and sound effects, giving the player a sense of achievement. This rewarding feedback mechanism enhances motivation and player satisfaction beyond merely clearing levels one by one.
In short, Match Collector revitalizes the match-3 formula by turning the act of matching itself into something collectible. Its tile collection mechanic is dynamic and creates a rewarding cycle of progression that makes players want to keep going and scheming as new tiles join their lineup. The added complexity might scare off absolute beginners, but it serves to further gameplay and makes the title stand out in a crowded genre. For fans of puzzle games who prefer their puzzle games with a fresh twist and a personal flair, Match Collector’s collection feature is a major selling point to find.
By Jerry | Copyright © Gameyaya - All Rights Reserved
