Match Collector by Staple Games stands out from so many match-3 games with the endearing presence of in-game character The Curator. In contrast to most puzzle games that can get by on nothing more than graphics and bare sound effects, The Curator brings some personality and humor to the situation that makes the entire experience feel warmer and more interactive.

Already at the opening scenes, players are presented with The Curator, a slightly quirky and tongue-in-cheek but also guiding, commenting, and co-protagonist throughout the game. Gameplay is interspliced with witty asides, motivational and lighthearted verbal sparring from the Curator as he narrates in a British accent. More than just a starchy, by-the-numbers matching puzzle, this character’s presence infuses the game with personality, wit, and lasting humor.

One of the most powerful features of The Curator is how it individualizes what would otherwise be a routine process. When players pull off fantastic combos or blast through challenging obstacles, The Curator cheers them with lively or humorous remarks. If players fail or bomb a level, the character’s annotation is likely to be light-hearted and supportive rather than vicious, and this can soothe annoyance and prompt players to try again.

Besides, The Curator every now and then drops some earthy advice or enigmatic prompting, helping players get through difficult levels in a more strategic manner. Such guidance makes the game less intimidating to newcomers or sporadic players and encourages learning without appearing too didactic. The dynamic nature of the character’s advice — adapting to how the player plays — makes each session different and personalized.

Presentationally, The Curator’s voice acting and appearance add to the shine and allure. The character design with this offbeat wardrobe and dramatic body language suits the bright, cheerful appearance of the game well. The voiceover is crisp and clear, with a high level of professionalism and accessibility that enhances the production value of the game.

Although this character-based approach offers some advantages, there is some drawback to it. Certain players who prefer a relaxed puzzle game with no voice for long periods of time will find themselves diverted by The Curator. The constant repeated voice lines after a while, though informative, may frustrate those who require only music and sound effects and not continuous commentary.

fortunately, Match Collector allows the player to turn off the narration but not the other sounds, leaving space for varied tastes. Still, even the fact to have a voiced character is a design decision that not all of match-3 game fans will cherish in an equal way.

Another interesting observation is the way The Curator assists in contributing to the overall tone of the game. Flippantly whimsical and even meta-conscious at times, the character playfully teases the genre conventions, creating a light-hearted meta-story that charms players who value humor in games. This differentiates Match Collector from dozens of other generic or formulaic match-3 games.

Overall, the Curator is Match Collector’s strongest suit, injecting personality, humor, and a heart into the time-honored puzzle experience. The character reprises what could otherwise be a solitary tappage and makes it more fun and rewarding to do. The charming narration keeps gamers on their toes and engaged and inspired enough to form an emotional connection most casual games never can.

While the constant voice commentary is not necessarily for everyone, having the option to mute means that this feature is valuable without being forced on the player. If players enjoy games with a strong character feel and personality, The Curator makes Match Collector seem like a clever and bubbly puzzle adventure.

If you like humor, a chatty guide, and a lively atmosphere with your match-3 puzzles, The Curator’s special quest is well worth playing in Match Collector.

By Jerry | Copyright © Game-Nook - All Rights Reserved