If ninja-themed puzzle games are your thing, Shinobi Match caught our eye in our February showcase of games made with Phaser. It is a Japan-themed match 3 puzzle game that puts a fresh spin on a familiar genre, replacing the usual tile-sliding mechanics with ninja weapons, enemy traps, and strategic combat across 120 levels.
A Match 3 Game with a Tactical Twist
Rather than simply sliding pieces to form groups, Shinobi Match puts you in the role of a skilled ninja. Your goal is to protect a diverse cast of characters by wielding an array of weapons to launch attacks against enemies while strategically uniting your allies on the board.
Each of the 6 weapons has its own attack pattern, giving you multiple approaches to tackle each challenge. Finding the right weapon for the right situation is a core part of the strategy, and the game rewards players who think several moves ahead.
Traps, Missions, and Escalating Difficulty
The game is structured across 20 missions with 6 levels each, totalling 120 levels to solve. As you progress and become comfortable with the weapons, enemies start deploying traps, of which there are 5 distinct types, adding layers of complexity that demand increasingly careful planning.
The game encourages you to think several steps ahead in order to beat each puzzle successfully.
Immersive Japan Aesthetic
The Japan-themed setting gives Shinobi Match a distinct visual identity that sets it apart from most match 3 games on the market. The cast of characters, the weapon designs, and the overall art direction all reinforce the ninja theme consistently throughout the experience.
Pricing and Availability
Shinobi Match is available for $3.99 on Steam and itch.io, offering 120 levels of strategic gameplay. If you enjoy puzzle games that reward planning and offer genuine tactical depth, Shinobi Match is well worth picking up.