Tip Tap Monsters (Video Game Review)

Tip Tap Monsters, also known as Mahjong Monsters, is an addictive new puzzle game from developer Crazy Labs and TabTale. The new title offers tile matching gameplay fans of the puzzle genre can easily get addictive too, and it helps that the game has nice graphics and some of the cutest, square monsters ever seen. The game is built in a free-to-play model that allows players to download the game to try it out and purchase additional levels at the price of 10 for $0.99. Tip Tap Monsters isn't just a one trick pony either, since the game includes two game modes to give players additional reasons to come back and play the game even after clearing each level for the first time. The 40 levels featured in the game doesn't exactly give it an abundance of content, but there is more than enough fun gameplay to give fans their money's worth for the title.

Gameplay in Tip Tap Monsters is modeled after the classic tile matching board game Mahjong and other similar puzzle games such as the Bejeweled series. Matching tiles clears them off of the level, and the main object of the game is to clear all of the monsters off the board as quickly as possible. Monsters are color coded and have distinctive facial features that help players tell them apart, though it can still be a bit difficult to quickly find matches when some of the monsters are the same color. Once a level is completed, players will get a score from one to three stars based on their performance in the game, and the score system will make players want to unlock three star rating on all levels in the game before putting the game down for a while.

Tip Tap Monsters introduces a few unique game mechanics to help separate it from other puzzle games of its type. The game is a lot easier to pick up and play for beginner level players with a hint button that can be clicked at any point during a match to find an available move. The game does get progressively more difficult though, so players won't be able to easily breeze through every level using the tool to do so. The game also features a separate button that randomizes the placement of all remaining tiles, so that players can find better moves than are currently available on the board. There are two different game modes included in Tip Tap Monsters as well. The standard timed mode forces players to quickly make matches and move on to the next move, while a much more relaxed Zen mode is available to play with no time limit as well



One of the main problems with Tip Tap Monsters in its current release is a severe lack of content. Downloading the game for free only allows players to gain access to a select few levels in the game. Players can purchase additional level packs for the Lost Islands, Moon Beach and Desert Island areas, and each pack contains 10 levels for only $0.99, which isn't a terrible deal considering the full game can be unlocked at only $3. Still, 40 levels isn't much content in a game where some levels can be completed in just a few seconds after the round begins. The endless, untimed mode does give players a bit more value for their money, but it's still a bit difficult to recommend a game that can be completed in about 30 minutes for skilled players.

Tip Tap Monsters is a fun game though, so gamers looking for an addictive new title to pick up on iOS can definitely do a lot worse. The new title offers family safe gameplay and some really cute sprites that will no doubt attract a large audience. Players can also compare statistics and other content with other players in the Game Center or record and share game clips of their best performances, so Tip Tap Monsters makes for a fun social experience too. Gamers looking for a fun new puzzle game for mobile should look no further than Tip Tap Monsters!

Tip Tap Monsters is now available free-to-play exclusively on iOS. Tip Tap Monsters has been rated appropriate for ages 4+. For more information on the game, check out the official Tip Tap Monsters website.

Game Features:

• Singe Player
• Timed and Zen Game Modes
• 4 Worlds and 40 Levels Total
• Earn Stars Based on Performance
• Record and Share Game Clips

Game Information:
Developer & Publisher: Crazy Labs by TabTale
Available exclusively on iOS (reviewed)
Release Date: April 29, 2014

Score: 7 out of 10