2048 Match 3 Game Review

2048 Match 3 Game Background

2048 Match 3 is a number-based match 3 game inspired by the hit merging game 2048. Arrange numbers on the grid in groups of three or more identical numbers to merge them. Be careful, though, each move you make without merging adds an extra three tiles onto the grid.

This game was developed by PaintGame.

How to Play 2048 Match 3

To select, left click with your mouse or tap on the touchscreen with your fingers. On the welcome screen, select the play button near the center to begin.

Select a number tile, then select anywhere on the grid to move it there. Select the power ups on the bottom of the screen to use them.

Basic Gameplay Advice

Basic Rules

You begin with a 5 x 5 grid and three number tiles. Move any number tile without merging any of them to add three more tiles to the grid. Merge three or more identical number tiles to form a tile that’s twice the value. Remember: you can only move numbers if they have a clear path toward their destination. The next five number tiles you’ll be receiving appear on the bottom row, of which only three will be added to grid at any given time.

Each time you form a large number for the first time (128, etc.), the game will launch missiles from that number tile that targets two numbers on the board and one on the list.

Repeat the process until you form higher and higher values. The game ends when you run out of space to place in more number tiles.

Scoring

You earn points each time you merge three or more number tiles together. The points you earn come in multiples of 20. Merging a trio of 2s, for instance, gets you 20 points, while a trio of 4 is worth 40 points, and so on. Merging four tiles at once increases the value of the merge by 20.

Your web browser automatically saves your best score. Your best score updates in real time and can be viewed above your current score at the top center of the game screen.

Coins & Power Ups

You begin the game with 200 coins and earn a coin every time you merge a trio of tiles. Use the coins you’ve earned to buy the two types of power ups available in the game.

• The bomb will take out a set of 9 tiles from the perimeter of any space it’s placed on. This costs 100 coins.
• The switch will let you choose a pair of adjacent tiles to trade places. This costs 50 coins.

Select the power up’s button, then select the area where you want it to take effect. You need to choose only one space for the bomb and two adjacent spaces with tiles for the switch.

Advanced Playing Tips & Strategy

At the start of the game, you’ll need to put tiles on the screen. Feel free to make random moves or arrange tiles to get more tiles into the grid. Once you’ve enough tiles to start merging, try to merge at least once or twice every few turns at the start of the game, then merge a tile every other turn toward the middle and late game.

While you can choose to move tiles around if you need to make space for more tiles, try not to do it too often. There is a chance that the tiles you freed up will get covered up by other tiles. Outside times when the board is particularly clear, we recommend making no more than two moves without making any merges.

Use power ups to get you out of a tight spot. The switch power up in particular is a good substitute for trying to move individual tiles. Meanwhile, use the bomb to declutter a tightly packed grid

Educational Aspects

This game hones a player’s spatial logic and problem solving skills.

Player Age Recommendations

This game is suited for older school-aged players and above. We recommend it for fans of 2048-style number merging games.