| Price | Free |
| Version | 2.6.6 |
| Category | Puzzle |
| Developer | Big Fish Games |
| Source | iOS, Android |
| Rating | (4.7) |
Your first glance may suggest that Cascade is another generic gem-swapping puzzle game, but take a look again and you’ll see that there’s something else under the hood. This game is free to play, supported by in-app purchases that can be ignored if you so choose. There’s always some trepidation about playing a free game, but this one is certainly among those that provide a surprising level of quality and entertainment without asking for anything in return.
Gem matching and a slot game mechanic combine in this game, creating a refreshing mixed rhythm. Cascade’s slogan is Spin, match and win, which, to be fair, sums up the game very well. The essence of the game is a combination of slot games and three match trading, so you get a slightly different feel to the usual gem-swapping games and there is something a little different to do between rounds. Visually, the game is clever and crisp, with nicely drawn artwork on the symbols and backgrounds. There is also a cute character to follow, Jasper the Mole, who takes you on the adventure and acts as a tutorial. Overall, this makes the game very accessible and helps focus on a casual feel. If you want a game with that slightly addictive feel, but with a laid back and easy to use feel, this is perfect.
A big selling point that has made Cascade popular and pulled it out of the crowd of very similar trading games, is that you won’t be bothered all the time. You’re not constantly bombarded with requests to buy more in-game currency and, unlike other games in this genre, you don’t have to invite all your friends to progress at a reasonable rate. In fact, there are 400 levels for you and Jasper to discover, with more promised in the future. The game starts with the slot round that randomizes the gems you’ll start with, and then you move on to the match-3 cascade game. There are the usual special gems to mix things up a bit, such as Shifters and Hammers, Wilds and Burst Gems. All in all, the game isn’t revolutionary, but it is refreshing for this genre. The visuals help keep you entertained, with beautiful hand-drawn artwork, which in turn is supported by a friendly and upbeat soundtrack. Naturally, you can also use the standard social connections, so you can enjoy unseating a friend from that top position on the leaderboard.
Cascade is certainly a typical game of its kind, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. If you enjoy trading gems, you’ll know what to expect and you’ll pick up the reins in a game or two. The addition of the slot round keeps things interesting, and the overall friendliness and accessibility of this game gives it some major advantages over the big names in mobile gaming.
