Blast Annual


Critical Match

Author: Andy O'Flaherty
Publisher: Scott Lembcke
Machine: Nintendo (US Version)

 
Published in Blast Annual 2020 Volume 1

Critical Match

Critical Match attempts to bring a unique gameplay mechanic to the block matching puzzle genre by having the player control a little man as he attempts to re-organise the playfield to match the coloured blocks.

The visuals are clear albeit a bit limited in terms of colour selection, and in terms of sound we have some basic sound effects and no music - which is a shame as puzzle games tend to benefit greatly from the inclusion of a few relaxing tunes. One button jumps while the other allows you to grab and move the blocks.

A match occurs when you create a shape that matches what is presented in the UI, and gameplay basically revolves around you constantly organising the playfield. As soon as the blocks reach the top of the screen it's game over. The game has an interesting premise, but sadly the controls do become a bit fiddly as the screen starts filling up with blocks, and that ultimately is the game's downfall.

The best puzzle games are always simple to play, and here the controls and basic game mechanics become too cumbersome once the player is put under pressure. There is a good idea buried under here, but the gameplay basics need some fine tuning if it wants to be played beyond a couple of minutes.

Andy O'Flaherty

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