Math Matrix Mixes Learning with Entertainment on the iPad

Wuxi Haohai Information Technology is the developer behind several education games targeted at younger audiences. However, a more recent release for the iPad, called Math Matrix, has shown that education can successfully blend into a fun and addictive game. A math puzzle game, Math Matrix focuses squarely on basic arithmetic, but has a design that ought to look familiar to match-three puzzle players. Tasking players with two very different types of thought, it’s a game that becomes both addictive and surprisingly challenging. All the same, I do have a few quips in the progression department that may turn prospective users off to the game. The game is set up similarly to Bejeweled. The key difference is that everything is hexagonal - matching things in six directions - and the matching is done in pairs, rather than threes. The biggest difference, however, is that matching isn’t based on colors, but based on mathematics; specifically addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. No worries, quadratic equations and derivatives are in the expansion (okay, not really). Anyways, matches are based on a random number that is shown within a prismatic gem at the top of the screen. In order to make a match, players must select two adjacent numbers from the game space that will equal that solution through any of the four basic forms of arithmetic. Furthermore, the game will automatically use the correct equation, so there is no need to choose. Each time an equation is solved, a new number appears and after a set amount have been completed, users move on to the next level. Early on, the levels are fairly easy, allowing users to use basic addition and subtraction most of the time. Additionally, a large amount of numbers are reused in the space, so it’s easy to find the numerics one is looking for. That said, as users progress in Math Matrix, more numbers are added and division and multiplication becomes a must. It’s actually a great way to practice basic math, because once the levels reach a certain point, users have to search for all possible ways to make their matches equal the presented solution. To make matters even more challenging, each level has a time limit, forcing players to constantly work on the math in their head (no time for calculators) while searching for the correct numbers to use. To help with this challenge, slightly, players can users can make use of their actual score to purchase power-ups while playing. These consist of Free Pass, Switcher, 30 Seconds, and Shuffler. The first puts a new number to solve for; Switcher allows users to swap the positions of two numbers on the game board; 30 Seconds, expectantly, adds 30 seconds to the clock; and Shuffler rearranges the entire board. As yet another helping hand, whenever users touch a number, the game will give a hint that shows what other number could match with it to reach the solution presented (it does not show what math function it will use though). The score mechanic is also supported by reusing numbers multiple times. Every time players use a pair of numbers in an equation, the point value for using the numbers on that hex increases (starting at 50 and moving up from there). Of course, the numbers do change once used, but it does add an extra layer of thought. Moreover, since the high scores are tracked on Game Center leaderboards, it does create a moderate amount of competition as well. While Math Matrix is a very interesting concept, it does have one very obnoxious shortcoming. If the player returns to the main menu at any time, they have to restart the entire game from level one. From an educational standpoint, this might be useful, but from a game play and challenge standpoint, it’s most irritating to have to replay everything that’s already been completed just to get back to where one left off. This is even more annoying because there is another game mode called “Never End” that is a bit more laid back and relaxing than the direct puzzles. However, users must complete all the puzzle levels to unlock it. This means users have to sit and play the game, in its entirety, during one sitting, before unlocking this mode. Despite complaints, Math Matrix is a surprisingly fun game and is actually quite effective at learning arithmetic or just recalling and brushing up on it. Great for kids, and not too shabby for adults, who have inevitably forgotten their multiplication tables, either. All in all, it’s an unusual and addictive twist for math puzzle games, and not too terrible at $1.99. Unfortunately, the game is currently only available on iPad, but with any luck an iPhone version, as well as some improvements - or implementation of, in general - level selection will be out in the near future.

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Math Matrix Mixes Learning with Entertainment on the iPad

Christopher Mack

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Christopher Mack