2fuse review: it’s fastest fingers first

It’s a puzzle game. No, it’s a match-3. Whatever you want to classify it as, there’s really only one definite genre that Mojo Forest’s hit game 2fuse fits into: and that’s one that reeks of mojo.

This compact little puzzler gives you a 4 x 4 grid where you match numbered tiles with each other to create combinations. 1 plus 1 creates a single tile of 2; 2 plus 2 creates a single star tile; two star tiles disappear from the board completely, and add generous points to your score.

The tiles are continually replaced by new ones, and you have to stab your screen furiously until your time is up. I played its first few iterations, and having played its newest, my verdict is still the same: it’s very addictive.

So what is 2fuse’s secret sauce? There are a few things worth mentioning.

It has the best audio. Ever.

Each time you match a tile, the game pings. These pings crescendo up to a certain point, then there’s a small explosion to signify you’ve completed the combo. That crescendo is possibly the most satisfying audio I’ve heard in a mobile game ever.

It has great usability.

Once you’re done with a game of 2fuse, you’re taken to the score screen, where you get to compare your score with your Facebook friends’. After that, you’re hustled into the in-app purchase area. You don’t actually have to purchase anything, but below the items is a button which you can hit to play again. Immediately. No questions asked. It’s a viciously addictive cycle.

Social features, social features!

2fuse has done a great job integrating social features with its game. It’s also very easy to earn volts, the in-game currency, from doing simple things like liking Mojo Forest’s Facebook page. Its in-app purchases are only for bundles of volts, and while not expensive, they are also absolutely unnecessary for you to enjoy the game.

Finally, 2fuse has very commendable visuals. Each tile is well designed and pops with a pleasing, ‘just right’ effect. The whole screen always looks very active even when you’re struggling to find a combo; the background is dynamic and the ticker at the top is always moving.

In summary, 2fuse is a simple game that works well either as a casual game you play while waiting for the bus, or used as competition between friends and foes. It is compact, yet leaves a big impact on players, and will certainly leave you wanting for more.