Game: Candy Crush Friends Saga by King
Genre: Casual
Platforms: Android and iOS
One of the first games most of us played on our mobiles is Candy Crush; many of us continue to play it. Basically a simple but colourful match 3 puzzler, there have been multiple variations of the game in past years by the parent company and others but the original has managed to make a permanent place in our hearts. Candy Crush Friends Saga continues that journey while innovating on graphics and mechanics.
The basic rules of the game remain unchanged. You have to match tiles in different combinations in order to eliminate them or make boosts out of them. The most striking aspect of the rebooted Candy Crush version is that the game looks gorgeous. Every little aspect of Candy Crush Friends Saga jumps out of the screen and wows you at every chance it gets.
The objectives to complete the levels are simple to understand but difficult to predict and master. One specific objective — where you have to capture octopuses — is my favourite as it looks very lively and colourful. Each objective type is different and the variation keeps the game fun. If you are in a pinch, you can use boosts to help you out.
The all important addition to the game are the pets. These are characters that you unlock as you play the game. The characters are represented in 3D, they run around and stare at you through the screen.
Each character has a distinct personality of its own and also helps you with the game. Take for example, the white yeti with its long arms. If you unlock the yeti, you get a boost for collecting a specified number of blue candies. Every level has a recommended pet that works best with it. There are multiple characters to collect and each of them have a menu of costumes too.
The daily quest system is also a welcome addition. In this you need to complete given objectives to earn rewards in the form of boosters and pets. There are also special quests with unique but difficult levels that help you get even more rewards.
VERDICT: Candy Crush Friends Saga is a very beautiful addition to the series. Like any other Candy Crush game, it gets frustrating, especially when you get stuck at a particular level. Apart from that, if you are looking for a pretty game to pass the time, this is a safe option. I would rate it nine out of 10.
Similar games we like
Pokemon Shuffle Mobile: This is an addictive match 3 puzzle game that should be popular among both fans of simple puzzles as well as Pokemon fans. The goal is to clear a series of stages by lining up the same Pokémon and clearing these matches from the puzzle area. Within each puzzle stage, you can deal damage to the wild Pokémon you face by lining up three of the same Pokémon to clear them. Battle and try to catch the Pokémon before you run out of moves as most levels have a maximum number of allowed moves.
Price: Free to play on iOS and Android, with in-app purchases
Indy Cat Match 3: In this match 3 puzzle game, help Indy Cat — with the distinctive fedora and whip of fictional archaeologist Indiana Jones — find the magical Ball of Fate. The intriguing storyline keeps you invested in what is otherwise a simple jewel-matching game while the entrancing music is a huge bonus. There are endless levels, loads of different events and plenty of cats to make the adventures funny and addictive.
Price: Free to play on iOS and Android, with in-app purchases
