HOME: Boov Pop! Review

HOME: Boov Pop! is the game of the movie of a similar name and, somewhat predictably, it’s a Match-3 puzzler. It’s a bit different from others, but admittedly you’re still going to have to enjoy the genre to really enjoy this.

The main twist is that while you have to clear a certain number of colored bubbles, you do this through a different method than usual. Physics plays an important role with these bubbles in that they move around, rather than stay still. Clear a few of them and the others surrounding them move around. The trick to many of HOME: Boov Pop!’s levels is to set off a chain reaction of combos, for maximum efficiency and points.

If you clear a certain number of bubbles in one turn, you form special bubbles that clear entire lines in one go. This can make all the difference when you’re limited in how many moves you have, plus it’s pretty satisfying to see. Thanks to HOME: Boov Pop!’s physics engine, things scatter around at speed, making you feel all the more pleased for yourself.

After a few levels, some stages offer obstacles which affect the direction in which the bubbles go. That adds a small challenge to things, causing you to plan accordingly. They’re also a glimmer of how things change as you work your way across the world popping bubbles, but it’s nothing hugely iconic. Plus, there’s the usual bevy of in-app purchases to speed things up, as well as an energy system to interrupt your progress.

Ultimately, that’s the issue with HOME: Boov Pop!. It’s kind of similar to the rest of the genre. Special abilities emerge through different playable characters and the objectives change from clearing a set number to focusing on achieving a certain high score and so forth, but you’re still popping bubbles.

There’s some fun to be had here but don’t expect to be amazed. It’s a fun distraction if not entirely enticing.