Simon and his mischievous cat are back, this time on a puzzle adventure that starts with a simple swap and slowly turns into something much richer. In Simon’s Cat Match, you clear match-3 levels to earn stars that you can then use to colour in scenes adapted from animator Simon Tofield’s original sketches: gardens, hotels and cosy hideaways that start in black and white and slowly bloom into life.
What we love: How many games are hiding inside this one. In between match-3 levels are hidden-object puzzles that ask you to hunt for cats tucked away in illustrated scenes – they’re a tricky, satisfying detour that reward a sharp eye. Then there are the Garden Battle levels, where the cat’s mischievous rival Jazz sends minions to clutter the board. You’re no longer just clearing tiles; you’re strategising to outsmart Jazz’s obstacles before you run out of moves. It’s a small twist that changes everything.
Quick tip: Combine boosters whenever you can. Pairing a rocket with a bomb-style power-up clears a huge section of the board at once, perfect for breaking through layered tiles or turning a tricky Garden Battle in your favour.
Meet the creators: Copenhagen-based Tactile Games has been making casual puzzle games since 2008, with hits including Lily’s Garden and the Cookie Cats series. Simon’s Cat Match is also the game where creator Simon Tofield is most visible; he sent hand-drawn concepts early in development that helped set the game’s direction. The colouring mechanic is a direct nod to Tofield’s original black-and-white YouTube animations and bring his sketches to life one puzzle at a time.