Candy Crush Saga is an upgraded variation of the popular Candy Crush game. The puzzle game was developed and released by King on April 12, 2012. The game was initially developed for Facebook, then configured for Android, Windows phone, iOS, and Windows 10. The game is easy to play, and the navigations are convenient for players of all kinds. 

Players can play the game in two ways; free and premium. It is often considered one of the best and most played games with freemium models. However, you can play the premium model, which makes certain levels much easier. Candy Crush Saga rose to over 2.7 billion downloads five years after its release making it one of the most popular games during that period. 

Candy Crush Saga Gameplay

As the name implies, Candy Crush Saga is about candies. The game primarily has to do with swapping candies. These candies are of different colors and shapes, making it easy to identify them while moving. The distinctions between the candies also form part of the gameplay, as you need to swap the same candies only. You play the game by swapping two candies that are adjacent to each other. The swapping’s end-aim is to make a row or column on the gameboard with at least three matched candies. When the candies are moved to form a row or column of matching candies, they disappear, forming empty boxes. The other candies around occupy the empty spaces. There will also be empty spaces at the top of the gameboard that will be filled by new candies dropping from above. 

The gameplay is quite simple and straightforward. This is because the player’s major move is to ensure he forms a set of matching candies either in one row or column. When it happens, the matching candies disappear like before, and new candies emerge and fill empty spaces. This continues, clearing matching candies in the same routine. As the candies are matched and disappear, the player scores points that add up progressively. The game gets more interesting as it has a chain reaction feature. A chain reaction occurs when empty spaces are also filled with matched candies. This means, when two or more matched candies disappear, a new set of matched candies fills the empty spaces. This feature favors the player and can help him gain higher points. 

The game has several levels. And the player must form a sequence by completing one level before proceeding to the next.  It is worthy to note that each of the levels poses a different level of challenge. Part of the setup that explains the varying challenges includes reaching a minimum number of points in a specified number of moves, clearing candies within a specified time, and bringing special ingredients to the bottom of the gameboard. Another aspect of the gameplay is the different board configurations. The boards are configured differently to explain each level in the game. For instance, the boards may come with special spaces, ingredients, and specific rules. When a player meets the goals for the level, he will get from one to three stars, depending on his scores. He can then proceed to the next level. 

When a player loses the game, he will lose one life and can replay the level. If he loses all the three lives allotted to him, he has to wait for a certain period in real-life to regain the three lives before attempting the level. This Candy Crush version offers some expansions, which makes it more adventurous. These new gameplay expansions and mechanics include additional levels to episodes and special tasks that carry specific play instructions. There is the Dreamworld, where you have an entirely new play mode involving Odus, the owl. In this mode, you have to balance matched candies of two randomly selected colors. 

The Big Candy For A Big Bang

There is a bit of luck in the game. Sometimes your play just ends up giving you special candies with special effects. Whenever I play the game, I am always looking out for special candies formed by matches of four or more candies. For instance, when you match four or more matches together, they form one big special candy with a special effect. While the two disappearing candies may appear like using a shotgun, the big candy is a bomb. I can use this special big candy to clear a row, column, or any other part of the gameboard. Special candies can also be used to target specific colors of candies. Sometimes, this is just what you need for your breakthrough in the game. And I am always happy to bomb some candies whenever I have the chance. 

Becoming A Technician  

One of the things that interest me is the strategic movements some of the levels required. As you progress, you will have different tasks to complete apart from clearing the candies. In some cases, you may have to place ingredients at the bottom of the board or reach a number of points. To complete such a level, you don’t just play. You either seek to combine multiple candies for higher points or create spaces for the ingredients to fall down. This game works your brain, and you are super-active and conscious of your every move. 

Spend For A Better Chance Of Winning 

I can tell you that some levels will take your time before you win. To boost my chances of winning, I spend a small amount of money to acquire extra power-ups. This increases my board clearing abilities, and I can play the difficult levels with better chances of winning. You can call this a getaway from losing too often. No problem if you cannot spend, it only takes a little patience to win, but I enjoy the game better when I bolster my abilities. 

Beware, This Puzzle Game Is Addictive

I probably should let you know this game is addictive. With the gameplay setup, models, and candy characters, it will be hard not to live this game. I figured the idea behind the game is to allow you to have control. It all depends on your moves and experience with them, but you will surely enjoy every part of it. This game is my resting place during free hours and sometimes before I sleep. Matching colored candies give me thrills, and I am sure it does for everyone who plays it. 

Finally…

I can assure you this puzzle game will take a lot of your gaming time before you know it. It is fun and interesting to play. I have been playing this game for years, and I do not hesitate to jump in whenever I have the time.