【How to play】

Homescapes presents players with a delightful gameplay experience centered around renovating a house. The game begins with the protagonist, Austin, returning to his family's mansion, which has seen better days. The goal is to help Austin restore the mansion to its former glory by completing various renovation tasks.

To progress in the game, players need to solve match-3 puzzles. The puzzle system in Homescapes requires players to match three or more adjacent pieces of the same type. By swapping and aligning the pieces strategically, players can create matches and clear them from the puzzle board. Matching more than three pieces in a single move results in special power-ups and boosters that can help in achieving objectives.

Each puzzle level in Homescapes has a specific requirement that players must fulfill. The required piece that needs to be cleared is displayed on the left side of the puzzle section. Players must focus on creating matches that include the required piece to make progress. It's important to strategize and plan moves carefully within the limited number of turns provided for each level.

As players successfully complete match-3 levels, they earn stars, which serve as a currency for renovating different areas of the mansion. With each renovation task completed, new rooms and areas of the mansion become accessible, revealing more of the captivating family story and unlocking further adventures.

【Game highlights】

The gameplay revolves around completing colorful match-3 levels to renovate and decorate various rooms in the mansion. By swapping and matching pieces, players earn stars and unlock new chapters, unveiling exciting adventures in the storyline. The match-3 puzzles feature unique boosters and explosive combinations, adding an element of fun and challenge.

A distinctive feature of Homescapes is the ability for players to exercise their creativity through interior design. Players have the freedom to decide how the mansion will look by selecting furniture, decor, and arranging rooms according to their preferences. This customization aspect allows players to personalize their virtual home and create their own unique style.

The mansion itself is vast and visually appealing, offering players the opportunity to explore its secrets as they progress. Additionally, the game introduces a cast of lively characters who interact with each other through an in-game social network. Players can witness the characters' lives unfold and engage with them, adding depth to the game's narrative.

A playful and mischievous cat serves as a delightful companion throughout the game, bringing charm and humor to the experience. Players can also invite their Facebook friends to join them, fostering a sense of community and allowing for collaborative efforts in creating a cozy atmosphere in their virtual home.

Homescapes follows a free-to-play model, although it offers in-app purchases for real money. Players have the option to disable these purchases through device restrictions if desired.

【Pros and cons】

Homescapes excels in its visually appealing graphics, creating a visually stunning and immersive gaming experience. The detailed artwork, vibrant colors, and attention to detail bring the mansion and its surroundings to life, captivating players as they embark on their renovation journey.

The game's idea of combining home renovation and match-3 gameplay is a stroke of brilliance. It offers a refreshing twist to the traditional match-3 puzzle genre by adding a meaningful objective of restoring and beautifying the mansion. The seamless integration of these two elements provides a unique and engaging gameplay experience that keeps players motivated and invested in the game.

The home renovation aspect adds a sense of accomplishment and personalization to the gameplay. Being able to choose furniture, decor, and room layouts gives players a sense of creative control and allows them to transform the mansion according to their own taste and style. The satisfaction of seeing the mansion gradually transform and evolve through the player's efforts is incredibly rewarding.

While Homescapes offers an enjoyable gameplay experience overall, it's important to consider the potential drawbacks such as in-app purchases, limited turns, and technical issues.