Match Three Pirates II

Match Three Pirates II is a vibrant tile-matching puzzle game set in a fantasy Caribbean pirate world. After freeing the pirates from Davy Jones, players help Bobby and the crew build an ultimate pirate-themed amusement park on their island. By matching three or more pirate-themed items like crabs, cannons, and steering wheels, players unlock boosters, earn coins, and complete level goals to construct rides, paths, and attractions. The game features three difficulty modes, obstacles to overcome, and a cheerful soundtrack, all while revealing the personal stories of each pirate.

Match Three Pirates II: A Comprehensive Review

Introduction

Match Three Pirates II is a puzzle game that blends the classic match-three mechanics with a pirate-themed narrative and light city-building elements. Developed by Graphium Studio and published by Denda Games, it was released in December 2021 for Windows and Nintendo Switch. The game follows the adventures of Bobby and a crew of pirates as they build an amusement park on Pirate Island, using match-three puzzles to earn coins and unlock new attractions. While it doesn’t reinvent the genre, it offers a charming, if somewhat flawed, take on the match-three formula.

Development History & Context

Denda Games, a Dutch publisher specializing in casual games, has a long history of releasing accessible titles across platforms. Match Three Pirates II is the sequel to Match Three Pirates! Heir to Davy Jones (2019), continuing the story of Bobby and his pirate allies. The game was built using the Unity engine, a common choice for indie and casual titles due to its flexibility and ease of use.

The match-three genre has been dominated by games like Bejeweled and Candy Crush, but Match Three Pirates II attempts to differentiate itself by tying progression to a light narrative and park-building mechanics. However, the game’s development was constrained by its casual focus, leading to some design oversights, such as unclear power-up mechanics and a lack of depth in its storytelling.

Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive

The game’s story is simple but serviceable. After freeing the pirates from Davy Jones in the first game, Bobby and the crew find their island lacking the joy of children’s laughter. To remedy this, they decide to build a pirate-themed amusement park. The narrative unfolds through brief dialogue sequences between levels, introducing players to the pirates’ personalities and motivations.

While the story is forgettable, it provides a framework for the gameplay. The pirate theme is well-integrated, with match-three elements featuring pirate-themed icons like cannons, crabs, and treasure chests. However, the narrative doesn’t significantly impact the gameplay, serving more as a backdrop than a driving force.

Gameplay Mechanics & Systems

Match Three Pirates II deviates from traditional match-three games by focusing on objective-based puzzles rather than high-score chasing. Players must clear specific items from the board, such as pirate heads or treasure chests, or eliminate a set number of icons. The game introduces obstacles like immovable objects, irregular board shapes, and monkeys that disrupt strategies.

The core gameplay loop involves:
1. Matching Icons: Swap adjacent icons to form groups of three or more.
2. Earning Coins: Completing levels rewards in-game currency, used to build park attractions.
3. Unlocking Boosts: Special power-ups, like tornados or bombs, can be purchased or earned by matching four or more icons.
4. Difficulty Modes: Players can choose from three modes, adjusting move limits or time constraints.

While the game offers replayability through difficulty settings and skull ratings (1-3 based on performance), some mechanics are poorly explained. The power-up system, in particular, lacks clarity, making it difficult for players to understand their effects. Additionally, the game’s pacing can feel slow, as setting up meaningful combos is challenging.

World-Building, Art & Sound

The game’s visuals are bright and colorful, with a hand-drawn art style that suits its lighthearted tone. The pirate theme is consistently applied, from the match-three icons to the park attractions. The sound design is generic but functional, featuring pirate-themed music that, while unremarkable, fits the setting. There is no voice acting, and sound effects are minimal.

The world-building is minimal, with the park construction serving as a visual reward rather than a deep simulation. Players can see their park grow as they unlock new rides and decorations, but the process is automated, limiting player agency.

Reception & Legacy

Match Three Pirates II received mixed reviews. Critics praised its relaxing gameplay and charming presentation but criticized its lack of innovation and unclear mechanics. The game’s Metacritic score is not yet available, but user reviews on platforms like Steam and Nintendo Switch are generally positive, with players appreciating its casual appeal.

The game’s legacy is likely to be modest. While it doesn’t stand out in the crowded match-three genre, it offers a pleasant, if unremarkable, experience for fans of casual puzzles. Its pirate theme and park-building elements provide a slight twist on the formula, but it doesn’t push the genre forward in meaningful ways.

Conclusion

Match Three Pirates II is a decent but unexceptional match-three puzzle game. Its pirate theme and park-building mechanics add a layer of charm, but the gameplay lacks depth and innovation. The unclear power-up system and slow pacing detract from the experience, but the game’s relaxed difficulty and cheerful presentation make it a suitable choice for casual players.

Final Verdict: A serviceable but forgettable entry in the match-three genre, best suited for fans of light puzzle games with a pirate twist.

Score: 6/10 – Good for casual play, but not a must-have.