I haven’t spent any money on games – match 3 or otherwise – for a long time, but tonight I broke that streak of abstinence to remove ads on a game I’m not really even that into: Dazzly Match, “the mesmerizing diamond matching app”.
Here’s the thing: it is super relaxing and sparkly with delicious little clicky noises. Like, ideal for actually going to sleep without getting over-stimulated by actual gameplay.
The only problems are some aesthetic inconsistencies (the cute animals in transitions and splash screens, for example, do not jive with the lovely gemstone objects and vibe, and are a distraction IMO) and … the ads.
Normally in-game ads do not bother me. Like I read reviews other people leave on games I enjoy, and these people will just be losing their minds over ads and I really don’t get it when you’re getting to play these games endlessly for free. HOWEVER. With a more dumbed-down matching “game” like Dazzly that is all about aesthetic and a subdued dreamy benzo vibe, the ads really do take away from the experience.
I’m not sure if I’d have invested the $7.99 plus tax to go ad free if it weren’t for feeling I can justify it as “research” for this blog. I haven’t actually been playing Dazzly Match at all the past few weeks / since I downloaded it and first gave it a whirl for a few nights in a row. But I could really use some soothing eye and ear candy before bed this evening.
I’m looking forward to seeing how much of an improvement the ad-free version is in inducing a trance-like state while matching colored gemstones in different cuts to one another.
Also, it wasn’t clear whether the purchase is recurring or a one-time charge / how long of a period you get without ads for the price of $8.74 total. Some of the reviews in the google play store made it sound like it is a recurring charge and/or wildly expensive, but it does NOT appear to be recurring.
Fingers crossed I’ve just guaranteed myself a lifetime of ad-free play, and that it maximizes the tranquilizing effects of this relaxing game: an “entertainment app centered around precious gemstones.”