Where is the explosive item? Match 3 game mechanics explained
During the testing of your Match 3 game, it may take you a few plays to actually make the explosive item appear.
The frequency of its appearance is actually a direct result of how skilfully participants play the game.
Matching 3 icons in a row will blow up that row and score points, however:
Match 4 horizontally: You get an explosive version of a regular item, which when matched, will clear an entire horizontal row.
Match 4 vertically: You get an explosive version of a regular item, which when matched, will clear an entire vertical row.
Match 5 horizontally or vertically: You get THE explosive item, which when matched in a line of 3 or more, will clear all pieces of the same type.
Match vertical and horizontal lines simultaneously: You get an explosive version of a regular item which will clear all of its immediate neighbouring icons (9 icons total).
If it's important to your campaign for the the explosive item to be visible, you have a couple of options:
Make your game longer so there are more chances for a player to generate the explosive item
Make the explosive items one of the regular items so it comes up more often (and leave the generic bomb as your explosive item)
Customise the instructions or the copy to highlight what happens if they can match 5
Please note, less is more on the copy, especially with marketing games, so the third option should only be taken if it's essential to your project.
The frequency of its appearance is actually a direct result of how skilfully participants play the game.
Matching 3 icons in a row will blow up that row and score points, however:
Match 4 horizontally: You get an explosive version of a regular item, which when matched, will clear an entire horizontal row.
Match 4 vertically: You get an explosive version of a regular item, which when matched, will clear an entire vertical row.
Match 5 horizontally or vertically: You get THE explosive item, which when matched in a line of 3 or more, will clear all pieces of the same type.
Match vertical and horizontal lines simultaneously: You get an explosive version of a regular item which will clear all of its immediate neighbouring icons (9 icons total).
If it's important to your campaign for the the explosive item to be visible, you have a couple of options:
Make your game longer so there are more chances for a player to generate the explosive item
Make the explosive items one of the regular items so it comes up more often (and leave the generic bomb as your explosive item)
Customise the instructions or the copy to highlight what happens if they can match 5
Please note, less is more on the copy, especially with marketing games, so the third option should only be taken if it's essential to your project.
Updated on: 08/11/2024
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