Editor's Review

Empires & Puzzles: Match-3 RPG is an intriguing mobile game that blends the popular match-3 puzzle genre with RPG mechanics and base-building elements. Developed by Small Giant Games, this hybrid game invites players to assemble a team of heroes, engage in strategic battles, and build and upgrade their stronghold. Its unique combination of gameplay styles has garnered a substantial following, making it a notable title in the mobile gaming landscape.

One of the most significant strengths of Empires & Puzzles is its engaging gameplay. Players must match tiles to create combos that power up their heroes' special abilities during combat. This mechanic adds a layer of strategy, as players need to think critically about their moves to maximize damage and support their team. The match-3 battles are fast-paced and satisfying, with colorful animations that enhance the overall experience. Each hero has unique skills, encouraging players to experiment with different team compositions and tactics.

The RPG elements are another highlight of the game. Players can collect and upgrade a diverse roster of heroes, each with distinct abilities and attributes. This variety adds depth to the gameplay, as players must consider their team's strengths and weaknesses when facing various enemies. The progression system is rewarding, allowing players to level up their heroes and improve their skills, which provides a sense of achievement as they advance through the game.

However, the game is not without its drawbacks. One of the primary criticisms is its monetization model. While Empires & Puzzles is free to play, it heavily relies on in-app purchases and ads. Players may find themselves facing a paywall as they progress, which can be frustrating for those who prefer a more balanced experience without the pressure to spend money. The availability of premium heroes and items can create an uneven playing field, particularly in competitive modes.

Another issue is the pacing of progression. While the early stages of the game are engaging, players may find that advancement slows down significantly as they reach higher levels. Farming for resources and waiting for building upgrades can feel tedious, leading to moments of stagnation where players may lose interest. Introducing more efficient ways to gather resources or reducing waiting times for upgrades could improve player retention.

The storyline, while present, is somewhat generic and may not captivate all players. It serves primarily as a backdrop for the gameplay rather than a driving force. A more developed narrative, with deeper character backgrounds and engaging quests, could enhance the immersive experience and encourage players to invest more in the game's world.

In terms of overall experience, Empires & Puzzles: Match-3 RPG successfully combines addictive match-3 gameplay with RPG elements and base-building mechanics. Its strengths lie in its strategic battles, diverse hero roster, and engaging progression system. However, the reliance on monetization, pacing issues, and lack of a compelling narrative may detract from the overall enjoyment. Despite these drawbacks, the game remains a solid choice for players looking for a unique blend of genres in a mobile format.

In conclusion, Empires & Puzzles: Match-3 RPG is an entertaining and engaging mobile game that offers a satisfying mix of puzzle-solving and role-playing elements. While it has its flaws, particularly regarding monetization and pacing, the overall gameplay experience is enjoyable and rewarding for fans of both genres.

About Game

Empires & Puzzles is an innovative game that flips the script on traditional match-3 puzzle games. With an epic mix of RPG elements, thrill-packed raids, and the challenge of building a powerful castle, topped off with exciting PVP duels, it takes you on a fantasy adventure unlike any other.

This game is not just about matching colorful shields and creating epic combos. It's a journey through different worlds across three seasons of content. It flings you into a majestic fantasy world loaded with detailed monsters, mythical creatures, spectacular loot, powerful heroes, and dazzling visual effects. It's a free fantasy game with a refreshing take on role-playing games and fantasy battlers. Along with thrusting you into the heart of unbelievable match-3 duels, it also lets you engage in the base-building of a formidable castle Stronghold.

How to play

• In Empires & Puzzles, you start your strategical moves by solving match-3 puzzles, where you send your army to triumph by matching colorful shields and fabricating epic combinations. In your journey, you explore the content spread over three seasons, each offering a new world of adventures.
• But that's just the beginning. Empires & Puzzles enable you to rebuild an immense war fortress where you can cultivate resources and train your army for battles. You can summon hundreds of legendary heroes and mighty troops, and level up your army of extraordinary heroes to prepare for online raids. You can battle with other Empires in intense match-3 RPG battles. Besides, you can lay your hands on great loot for raiding adversaries' castles in PVP duels. What's more, you can craft legendary weapons to aid your heroes in their battles.
• To top it all, you can level up your army, your castle, and your Unique powers. Plus, you can farm to gather valuable resources to construct your Empire. What's adding icing to the cake is that you can also combat epic Titans together with your Alliance! Ultimately, the power to become a Hero and erect your Empire is in your hands.

Features

• Unique Blend: An exclusive blend of match-3 puzzles and thrilling RPG elements.
• Graphic Rich: High-quality graphics and an immersive fantasy world filled with detailed monsters, epic loot, and powerful heroes.
• Base Building: It allows you to reconstruct an immense war fortress, farm resources, and train your army.
• Expansive Gameplay: Offers expansive gameplay with match-3 puzzles, world exploration, online raids, looting, crafting, upgrading, farming, and more.
• Social Integration: You can fight alongside your Alliance to tackle epic Titans for a collaborative gaming experience.