Join Blocks: Fun Number Puzzle

Join Blocks: Fun Number Puzzle for Android is a new spin of merge puzzle formula where you shoot numbered blocks onto a grid instead of swipe. Combine matches to climb toward bigger values.

What You’re Actually Playing

In this game, you shoot numbered blocks like the 2, 4, 8, 16 etc on the board and you can merge them if you put them near each other. The twist? You are launching tiles as opposed to sliding them thus adding an element of spatial planning to the existing «2048»-style progression. The absence of a timer gives you the luxury of leisurely plotting each move, which makes the game far more of a strategic “logic puzzle” rather than a fast-paced arcade affair.

When the board is full, don’t worry. There are tools in the game to come to your rescue. You can change the block positions, rewind (go back) a move, or use a hammer to smash away a problem tile. These assists don’t come free, though. As you play, you’ll gather diamonds to unlock power-ups, extending your runs for longer durations. The graphics or visual design of the game is modern and colorful. The lines are clean and there is a numerical tile used that makes it easy to scan the board at a glance. It isn’t cluttered nor does it cause any confusion.

The Freemium Trade-Off

Join Blocks uses a freemium model. This means that while you get the core game free of charge, there is ad-support and in-app purchases. Users say advertising pops up pretty often to break-up the flow. Generally, you have to spend actual money to unlock certain tools or remove ads altogether. If you don’t mind an ad or paying a few bucks, then all for a nice experience. Those who like casual puzzle games and wish to play the game without an ad should not set high expectations.

A leaderboard that ranks players by high score lends the gameplay a social hook that is light but competitive. No matter if you are playing against the best to be the best or just enjoying a few rounds to kick in your ‘cognitive skill improvement’, the sense of progression always feels fantastic, until it doesn’t. According to the community, the gameplay might get repetitive after a long time as the main mechanic does not change much as you progress. The game is also competing with many titles that look similar and belong to the number merge game genre.

Who Should Download It

Join Blocks is a good game for those seeking a casual video game that also helps to improve your math and logic skills. This game is so easy to learn that everyone can play it regardless of their age. But then you have to think of the right angle to shoot from and then manage how space is limited on the board so you can’t treat it like it’s nothing. The absence of a timer is truly a bonus for players who prefer to take it easy rather than go at it with a full-on adrenaline rush.

Still, if you are looking for a premium, interruption-free experience, this may not be the best option, due to its frequent ads and reliance on in-app purchases. It is at its best as a handy puzzle you can plug into while travelling and in waiting rooms, when a few minutes of «strategic gameplay» will satisfy your need to puzzle; there’s no need for a longer session. If you’re fine with the freemium model and you’re a sucker for «leaderboard ranking» encouragement, Join Blocks makes a splash in a bloated genre with its shooting twist and complete arsenal. Don’t expect it to change the game though.