3SwitcheD
- March 29, 2012
- Reality Pump
"3SwitcheD" is an addictive arcade game that combines classical gameplay with innovative 3D technology, allowing players to change the view by looking in the desired direction through a connected camera. The game offers six challenging modes with vastly different objectives and an innovative 3D environment, providing a unique gaming experience with real 3D looks. Without the 3D feature, it still offers fantastic looks and numerous challenges for players.
Reviews
- 3SwitcheD offers a variety of game modes that can provide a fun diversion for casual players.
- The game runs smoothly without bugs, and the graphics, while outdated, are not terrible.
- It can serve as a decent time-waster for those who enjoy match-3 puzzle games.
- The game is often criticized for being a boring and uninspired clone of Bejeweled, lacking originality.
- Many players find the DRM and server issues frustrating, as they can prevent access to the game.
- The gameplay quickly becomes repetitive, with no real progression or engaging mechanics to keep players interested.
- graphics8 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 38 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are generally considered outdated and mediocre, with some users noting that while they are clean and sharp, they lack interest and variety. The implementation of face-tracking technology is criticized for being ineffective, leading to a frustrating experience. Overall, the visuals do not enhance the gameplay and are seen as a missed opportunity for improvement.
“There are six game modes included and the game has competent music as well as widescreen graphic support.”
“While the 3D graphics are attractive, they don't compensate for the lack of originality.”
“However, 3switched is nothing of such; the different game modes are dull and boring and bring nothing exciting. The graphics are horrible, and I know this shouldn't be the main focus for this type of game, but seriously, it could have been so much better.”
“Although on their own the graphics are, while not interesting or overly varied, clean and sharp, the camera is so bad at face tracking that the whole game is always shaking around in a manner that made my head hurt.”
“The game reports to use 'face-tracking technology,' which is a fancy way of saying you can turn on your webcam and look around the 3D playfield... but you will never do that because there is absolutely no reason to. The graphics, animations, and environment hold nothing special at all and look mediocre at best with poor optimization. When you play a match-three puzzle game, you are not going to be moving your head to get a better angle; this all doesn't matter anyway because none of it works... seriously, it works for like a few seconds then pops back to normal.”
- gameplay6 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 17 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The gameplay is simplistic and lacks advanced mechanics, focusing more on graphics than depth. While it offers some extra modes, the experience is marred by an annoying puzzle board shift feature and is generally considered less engaging compared to other puzzle games. It may serve as a brief distraction, but many reviewers suggest opting for more established titles like Bejeweled instead.
“The one and only thing I can praise about this game is that it is actually functional; the gameplay and its controls flow just fine, and it can also be a good distraction.”
“It has some extra modes, but there are no advanced game mechanics and seems mostly focused on graphics.”
“The puzzle board shifts if you move your computer/webcam as well, which doesn't make gameplay difficult, but is very annoying.”
“The gameplay, although there are a fair few modes, is simplistic and was done better in 10,000,000.”
- music5 mentions
- 60 % positive mentions
- 20 % neutral mentions
- 20 % negative mentions
The music in the game receives mixed reviews; while some players appreciate the calming soundtrack and animations, others find it repetitive and headache-inducing. The commentary is also divisive, with some recommending it be turned off. Overall, the game features competent music across its six modes, but opinions on its quality vary significantly.
“Sure, there might be better match-3 games out there, but this one has a calming soundtrack in the background, some nice animations, a good announcer, and not that bad designs either.”
“There are six game modes included and the game has competent music as well as widescreen graphic support.”
“The soundtrack is pretty bad; it's just a few sounds that replay until it gives you a headache.”
- optimization2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game's optimization is notably poor, with graphics and animations described as mediocre and lacking any compelling features. The face-tracking technology is ineffective and serves little purpose, as players are unlikely to utilize it in a match-three puzzle context. Overall, the experience feels unrefined and underwhelming.
“The game reports to use 'face-tracking technology,' which is a fancy way of saying you can turn on your webcam and look around the 3D playfield... but you will never do that because there is absolutely no reason to. The graphics, animations, and environment hold nothing special at all and look mediocre at best with poor optimization. When you play a match-three puzzle game, you are not going to be moving your head to get a better angle. This all doesn't matter anyway because none of it works... seriously, it works for like a few seconds then pops back to normal.”
“Now I am going to skip explaining what you do in a match-three game and focus on what is 'new' here. There are six game modes, with 'Snazzy Swap' being your standard game mode that plays like a poorly optimized version of Bejeweled. The combo clock makes a man's or woman's voice go higher and higher as you gain combos until it sounds like he or she is having a real good time from your abilities to match three (and really, who wouldn't?).”
- emotional1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players find the game emotionally rewarding, as it fosters a sense of achievement and positivity, making them feel like winners regardless of the outcome.
“It's a competent and fun game that made me feel like a winner every step of the way, even when I do lose.”
- story1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The story aspect of the game has been criticized for lacking progression and a quest mode, leaving players feeling disappointed despite the game's appealing visuals.
“The story feels disjointed and lacks a clear direction, making it hard to stay engaged.”
“There are interesting ideas, but the execution is so poor that it fails to captivate the player.”
“The characters are one-dimensional and the plot twists are predictable, leaving little room for excitement.”
- replayability1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
While some users feel the game may not justify its price, they agree that it offers a level of replayability that makes it worth revisiting.
“I wouldn't say it's worth $10, but it is definitely replayable.”