Item: Shift Shaft
Rating: 87
Author: Dinsun

Our Expert Score

87/100

Shift Shaft is a brilliantly executed 'thinking person's' matching game. It takes the familiar 'match-3' trope and flips it—quite literally—on its head by introducing board rotation and character movement. You aren't just matching colors to clear space; you're matching rocks to carve a path for your miner through a hazardous shaft. It feels more like a tactical roguelike than a casual puzzle game.

The meta-progression is what keeps me coming back. Collecting gems to upgrade your stats and unlocking over 30 unique items creates a 'just one more run' loop that is incredibly satisfying. You have to think several turns ahead: 'If I rotate the board now, will that boulder fall on me or clear the path to that upgrade?' It’s a game that rewards patience and foresight, offering a level of depth that is rare in the matching genre. Highly recommended for fans of games like Grindstone.

Dinsun reviewed on: Fri Feb 02 2024

The Game

Available on: iPhone, iPad, iPod

1387207777

$2.99 9+★4.9 142 reviews

Author : William Katz

Pubish Date : Sun Feb 27 2022

Last Update Date : Mon Apr 03 2023

Support Languages : English

Genres :

Version 0.8.4Mon Apr 03 2023

Minor visual bug fixes
“What really blew my mind with Shift Shaft and the main thing that makes it feel unlike any other game out there is your ability to rotate the entire board at will. It sounds simple but this changes everything… This is truly a thinking person’s matching game.”
- Jared Nelson, TouchArcade.com
A match & rotate puzzle
Manipulate your player and the board by rotating it and clearing groups of 3 or more rocks.
Build up your player
Collect and spend gems to upgrade your stats and unlock over 30 different items during each run.
Explore the underground world
Go up against 5 unique enemies and the gem-eating spider to uncover the world beneath the mines.
No ads & no in-app purchases
Play for as long you'd like with no ads or pay walls.
Requires iOS 14.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
Shift Shaft puts a fresh spin on the classic match-3 genre by adding board rotation. The result is a mind-bending strategic puzzle game that provides hours of enjoyment.
“What really blew my mind with Shift Shaft and the main thing that makes it feel unlike any other game out there is your ability to rotate the entire board at will. It sounds simple but this changes everything… This is truly a thinking person’s matching game.”
- Jared Nelson, TouchArcade.com
A match & rotate puzzle
Manipulate your player and the board by rotating it and clearing groups of 3 or more rocks.
Build up your player
Collect and spend gems to upgrade your stats and unlock over 30 different items during each run.
Explore the underground world
Go up against 5 unique enemies and the gem-eating spider to uncover the world beneath the mines.
No ads & no in-app purchases
Play for as long you'd like with no ads or pay walls.

Ratings & Reviews

4.9 out of 5 with 142 Counts

★★★★★

Age Rating 9+

Shift Shaft is a unique puzzle-adventure where players manipulate both their character and the board itself. By rotating the environment and matching groups of three or more rocks, you must navigate deeper into the mine while avoiding hazards. Each run offers opportunities to collect gems, upgrade your miner's stats, and discover over 30 different items, blending match-3 mechanics with strategic roguelike progression.

Features

Unique board rotation mechanic

Roguelike item progression

Over 30 unlockable items

Strategic character movement

Challenging environmental hazards

Tips

Strategic Board Rotation

Rotation doesn't just change the match layout; it changes gravity. Use this to drop boulders onto enemies or to bring distant gems closer to your character. Always check your health before making a move that might leave you vulnerable to falling debris.

Promotion Videos

Shift Shaft (by William Katz) - iOS - HD Gameplay Trailer - YouTube

Gameplays

The Match-and-Move Loop

Players must move their miner adjacent to rock groups to trigger matches. Clearing rocks creates paths and reveals gems. Between levels, use your accumulated wealth to buy items that provide passive buffs or active abilities.