The simple law of averages says that if you are an avid Casual Gamer (and if not, what are you doing on this site?) you probably played Magic Match. In fact, odds are you played it and liked it. So many people played it and liked it that it became a surprise hit and even now remains on the top seller lists at many distributors. Why? Well, it had some beautiful graphics, surprisingly addictive gameplay, and a cute little goblin-teddy-bear-thing named Giggles that was so horribly annoying that it was actually cute. You will be pleased to note that all of these things are present in the sequel, much to its advantage.
You know, the original Magic Match was cheesy, and it’s good to see that the developers… get the joke. They make it quite clear in the first seconds of the game by actually having the intro to the game sung to you in rhyme – which is exactly as cheesy as it sounds. It is also endearing in strange “takes itself too seriously” or “doesn’t take itself seriously at all” struggle of themes that somehow completely sets the genre apart from other casual games. It is, as one look at Giggles the helper stuffed gremlin-thing will show you, a very cute game. Don’t believe me? Start the game, and then go click on Giggles a few times. The first time he tells you, very sincerely, that “he likes you too” you’ll see what I mean. Again, it is a very cute game.
As for the gameplay – as we said, you have probably already played it, so you probably need no explanation. It’s a match-3 or more, with the difference that the player “drag-selects” sets instead of swapping, which is actually a little faster and easier. Because, you know, Bejeweled was such hard work. As you collect more and more jewels – oops, we mean “components” – you save them all up to use in making magic spells that help you… get more components. Yes, it’s cyclical, but all casual games are at the end.
The production values are very high – the art especially is really top notch. Everything shines, glistens, and just looks good and appealing. The music is strong, and in a new twist, Giggles now speaks instead of just squeaking. And for some reason, he sounds somehow like an upsetting cross between Gilbert Godfried and Cheech Marin. You may be tempted to turn him off (and he does offer to shut up) – but don’t. He grows on you. There is a gentle affirmation in having him tell me “You’re the best” after each level that I wouldn’t give up for the world.
The final judgment is that it’s a great little sequel to a game we love from a team we like – so we give it a bunch of stars or thumbs up or whatever brownie points we’re giving away these days. In truth, you probably downloaded this game weeks ago; but just in case you didn’t, consider this a reminder to go do it now. Now go play.
Review by
Nick Kojima
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