Homescapes
Editor's Review
Homescapes by Playrix is a popular match-3 puzzle game that also incorporates elements of a home design simulation. Released in 2017, Homescapes allows players to help the lovable character Austin renovate his parents’ old mansion by completing match-3 puzzle levels and earning stars to purchase decorative items. With over 1,000 puzzle levels and thousands of potential home decoration combinations, Homescapes provides a unique and addictive gameplay experience.
The game begins with a cutscene introducing Austin, a butler who has returned to his childhood home only to find it in a state of disrepair after being uninhabited for years. Austin reminisces about all the happy memories from his childhood in this grand mansion. However, Austin’s parents are unable to take care of the home anymore due to their old age. Austin makes it his personal mission to lovingly restore the mansion to its former glory. This is where the player comes in.
The core gameplay revolves around completing match-3 puzzle levels by swapping two adjacent tiles to make a row or column of at least three matching tiles. Tiles come in a variety of shapes and colors, and some are even wrapped in paper or boxes that must be cleared off first. The player has a limited number of moves to complete puzzle objectives, which generally involve achieving high scores, collecting a certain number of special tiles, or clearing obstructions. Stars are earned by beating levels, with up to three stars available per level.
These stars are essential, as they allow Austin to order new furniture, appliances, and decorative items for each of the mansion’s rooms. After a few puzzle levels, the game transitions to a home decoration mode where the player can spend their hard-earned stars to remodel areas like the kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, yard, and more. Players are free to customize these rooms how they see fit. The game features thousands of decorative items spanning various design aesthetics from cozy country cottages to sleek modern mansions. It’s incredibly enjoyable picking paint colors, designing floors and walls, choosing furnishings, and decorating until each area regains its former splendor.
Seeing the once rundown rooms transform into beautifully designed spaces bit by bit creates a powerful sense of accomplishment. And Austin is there every step of the way, enthusiastically cheering on your designing decisions. His charming personality and heartwarming dedication to restoring his family’s home creates an emotional connection that bolsters the rewarding feelings derived from the core loop of playing puzzle levels to earn stars to decorate the house.
On top of the match-3 puzzling and home decoration gameplay, Homescapes also features an overarching narrative told through cutscenes focused on Austin and his parents. Level completions and house upgrades often unlock short vignette scenes that reveal more about Austin’s backstory and relationship with his family. These stories pack an surprising emotional punch, allowing you to understand Austin’s motivations while also becoming invested in this endearing family of characters.
With its approachable match-3 puzzle gameplay, deep home customization elements, and charming narrative all working in unison, Homescapes manages to offer something for all players regardless of their gaming experience and tastes. The match-3 puzzles provide bite-sized gameplay sessions perfect for killing time, while the long-term home renovation progression and emotionally resonant story give each play session a greater sense of purpose. It’s a game that’s easy to pick up and hard to put down again.
Homescapes is free-to-play, with optional in-app purchases that allow players to speed up progression or access special customization items. However, the core experience remains intact even without spending money. For puzzle game fans, virtual decorators, or anyone looking for a gameplay experience with surprising heart, Homescapes delivers countless hours of enjoyment and satisfaction. So why not join the game’s 120 million players, help Austin restore his childhood home, and rediscover the simple pleasures of puzzles and DIY design?
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