Witch Puzzle - Fun Match 3 Games and Puzzles - Upbeat Games

This review of Witch Puzzle - Fun Match 3 Games and Puzzles was completed by the Australian Council on Children and the Media (ACCM) on 2 August 2017.

About the app

This section contains details about the app provided by an ACCM Reviewer.

ACCM review

This review of Witch Puzzle - Fun Match 3 Games and Puzzles contains the following information:

• The level to which the game was reviewed
• App description
• Reviewers comments
• In App purchasing
• Online information
• Gambling
• Advertising and product placement
• Gender stereotypes and sexual references
• Coarse language
• Game playing behaviour which may be of concern to some parents
• Other

The level to which the game was reviewed

Played to level 4.

App description

In this match 3 puzzle game, objects like skulls, pumpkins, witch hats, mushrooms and moons must be swapped in different directions to arrange the same items in increasing numbers and different shapes as levels are completed. When the app is opened, a title screen opens encouraging players to connect to Facebook to receive additional lives from players, see their friend’s progress through the game and save their progress when playing on multiple devices. The player is then told that they need to help the witch collect an item for her magic pot and details of magical rewards with a countdown of when these expire. Players then begin on the first stepping stone which leads players through the witch’s village. The objective is to progress through levels of increasing difficulty, learning new combinations and matching more items where possible. The skills required to play are spatial/visual, lateral thinking, and problem solving.

Reviewers comments

Fine motor control is required to slide items using a forefinger as well as judgement of spatial relationships between items, which may frustrate younger players with limited spatial abilities. As players progress to the next level there are different objectives such as reaching target scores and clearing spider webs. The game also advertises free “boosters” that expedite levels when played daily, which may encourage excessive play and screen time.

In App purchasing

Additional game currency in the form of gold coins that unlock other content can be purchased for real currency, ranging from $1.49 to $159.99. This can be easily accessed if in-app purchasing restrictions are not enabled on the device.

Online information

• Identity details
• Log ins Contacts  
• SMS
• Phone
• Connectivity with social media

Players are encouraged to log in via Facebook to receive additional lives and see friend's progress. If you select ‘I do not wish to see the Log in to Facebook screen again’ from the first time it appears, it doesn’t appear again but inducements to log in to Facebook to see friends on the leader board continue throughout play. Access to text and email is also possible through the game.

Gambling

There are several concerning features of this game, beginning with the idea that players are in control of the game along with the inclusion of “boosters” that allow players to believe they are affecting the outcome of the game, which they can rarely do.

Advertising and product placement

Advertising of additional content with a countdown “Sale” is seen on the home screen. This offer claims to offer players the chance to buy additional boosters and game currency for $7.99 instead of $21.99 but only for a limited time with a clock counting down the number of hours and minutes.

Gender stereotypes and sexual references

None of concern.

Coarse language

Nothing observed.

Game playing behaviour which may be of concern to some parents

None. 

Other

None. 

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