aMathing – completely new & different spin on block match games, you solve math problems to ‘match’
by Antonio Wells
Oct 4, 2012 4:21 PM –
Install
aMathing is a challenging new arithmetic puzzle games. Designed to stimulate your noodle by enticing you to solve simple math equations in a grid of numbers similar to block match & word search puzzles. As you progress you learn new tactics to combine numbers to solve, and of course introduce new obstacles. It is simple to start and difficult to master… are you up for the challenge?
Price: Free, optional In-app purchases
Tested on: Samsung Galaxy S3
Content Rating: Everyone
Pros & Cons:
Pros
- Extremely challenging test of your math skills!
- Really unique blend of simple math, block matching and word search puzzle-like gaming mechanics!
Cons
- A bit unresponsive and has force close moments.
- Might be a bit too challenging, thus causing frustrations for non-mathematicians to stay engaged for long.
Features:
aMathing introduces an interesting concept of solving math problems of addition, subtraction, multiplication or division in a grid of numbers. The game guides you through different levels, in these levels you learn new ways to play. Initially you Exchange or swap connected tiles that touch vertically, horizontally, or diagonally, however, you are limited the number exchanges you can execute each round (this is denoted as the goal at the start of the round.)
aMathing How to Play (Exchange)
As in the figure above you score points when you solve the equalities (yes, equalities as the app refers to frequently) from the tally of the super-script numbers to the top right of the tiles. As you progress, you are introduced to new ways of playing; Flip will mirror the selected tiles as you must swipe your finger over the tiles, then double tap over them to invert the order of the tiles. Additionally you can Drag a whole group of vertically/horizontally connected tiles to adjacent tiles. Plus there are Teleport (swapping non-connected tiles) and Fusion (or merging) moves; all of which you can earn bonus points from. Once you solve an equation, and like other block matching games, all tiles above shift down- making it possible to earn extra bonus points as newly shifted tiles recalculate.
Of course as you are introduced to new techniques in gameplay, so are more obstacles and power-ups. For instance, you may start to see the electric tile, which cannot be moved, and power-ups like the hammer for removing any tile in a level, which can be earned by unlocking even tougher achievements or just buy them starting at a buck via in-app purchases.
aMathing is genuinely a gem for math and/or science majors as even some of the challenges reference advance mathematics jargon, i.e. “Find the first 12 numbers in the Fibonacci sequence.” I did experience some stability issues with it slow to respond and even forcing close a few times. I believe ultimately the game will fare well with folks who desire a good math challenge in their casual mobile line-up of games. As this is definitely not your typical silly time-waster game!
Watch on Mobile
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aMathing Gameplay 1
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aMathing Gameplay 2
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aMathing Gameplay 3
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aMathing Gameplay 4
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aMathing Gameplay 5
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aMathing Play Newton Puzzles
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aMathing Mini Puzzles
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aMathing Level Complete Scoring
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aMathing Level Complete Scoring 2
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aMathing Start Screen
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aMathing How to Play Tutorial
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aMathing Flip Tutorial
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aMathing Drag Tutorial
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aMathing Purchase Hammer to Remove Any Tile
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aMathing Purchase from Toolbox
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aMathing Achievements
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aMathing Achievements to Achieve
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aMathing Options
Fun Factor:
I would say aMathing is more the intellectual challenge than built on merit of fun, though there is some fun to be had. I fear that it may be a little too challenging for the average player to appreciate, and may frustrate rather than entertain. 
Addictive:
It will be addictive to some and maybe not all for reasons mentioned above.
Graphics:
The interface consists of an 8×8 grid plus an information bar along the bottom (and my personal opinion is that some of the pertinent information is not intuitive to understand, so it is vital that you read & try the interactive tutorials to understand things.)
Accelerometer, Vibration & Sound:
The game enables a few sound effects based on your actions, and this can be turned off in the options menu.