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

Updated on: 08/11/2024