Tue Aug 25 2026
Sumi Sumi : Matching Puzzle+ is a masterclass in 'kawaii' game design. As a seasoned puzzle gamer, I initially dismissed it as another simple tapper, but the depth revealed in the later stages is genuinely impressive. The way the characters shift and tumble realistically according to gravity adds a layer of physical strategy that most static matching games lack.
What makes the Apple Arcade version stand out is the absence of the 'pay-to-win' wall. In the original version, certain stages felt designed to force you into buying power-ups. Here, the challenge feels fair. You're encouraged to experiment with different character combinations and actually learn the mechanics rather than just brute-forcing with gems.
The sound design is another highlight—every tap and pop is tuned to be satisfying, creating a zen-like flow. If you're a fan of San-X or just want a high-quality, stress-free puzzler to play during your commute, this is a top-tier choice. It’s polished, generous with content, and visually heartwarming.
No ads or in-app purchases
Features Rilakkuma, Sumikko Gurashi, and more
Over 1,000 unique puzzle stages
Cute character collection mechanics
To progress quickly, focus on matching larger clusters of Sumisumi. This generates special items like drums and arrows that can clear entire rows or specific colors, which are essential for meeting the move limit on harder stages.
Each Sumisumi in your collection has a specific skill. As you clear characters, your lead Sumisumi's gauge fills up. Activating these skills at the right moment can save a failing run, especially during boss stages.
Yes, the Plus version removes all microtransactions and energy timers, allowing for unlimited play.