Boxing Star - PvP Match 3 launches globally for iOS and Android

• Boxing Star - PvP Match 3 takes the popular sports sim to the world of puzzles
• You'll duke it out with others by solving match-3 puzzles, racking up combos and scores
• Is it set to be a knockout or just a low blow? Let's dig in!

The stylised sports simulator Boxing Star has proven to be a fairly popular take on the format, evoking the good old days of series like Punch Out! But, as with any popular franchise, it's almost inevitable they go into the world of puzzlers for that sweet, sweet broader appeal. Fortunately for fans, Boxing Star - PvP Match 3 is anything but a laid-back take on the format, and it's out now for Android and iOS!

Boxing Star - PvP Match 3, as you might expect, is a competitive puzzle game. Essentially you go head-to-head with another player, attempting to rack up combos and high scores via traditional match-3 gameplay, which then plays out as your personal avatars beat each other's faces in.

As far as format goes, it's an interesting inversion of the usual format for match-3, which tends to focus on more, let's say 'friendly' settings like renovating houses or decorating gardens. Compared to those, the Boxing Star spin-off is practically R-rated.

Low blow

I have always observed that a lot of the match-3 market does seem aimed towards a more laid-back audience. Whether it's stuff like Gossip Harbour or that perennial front-runner Candy Crush, these are inoffensive and very much nonviolent.

In comparison, Boxing Star - PvP Match 3 seems intent on translating the high-octane world of boxing to the puzzler genre. But, while I'd praise the idea for standing out, at the same time I'm not sure how much polish has gone into this release, which seems to use the same models and animations as the regular boxing star, and a generic format for its actual match-3 gameplay.

Still, once you've had a chance to throw hands in Boxing Star - PvP Match 3, why not take some time off and try some of the other great puzzlers out there? Our list of the top 25 best puzzle games for iOS and Android is comprehensive, and constantly updated!