Suika Game
{{short description|2021 Japanese puzzle game}}
{{For|the 2001 video game by Circus|Suika (2001 video game){{!}}Suika (2001 video game)}}
{{Infobox video game
| title = Suika Game
| image = Sukia Game main artwork.png
| alt =
| caption = Official artwork for the game, showcasing every fruit, except the pear
| developer = Aladdin X{{efn|Aladdin X was initially known as popIn and is a subsidiary of Baidu.{{Cite web|url=https://www.itmedia.co.jp/news/articles/2310/04/news108.html|title=|script-title=ja:ネットで大人気の「スイカゲーム」、iPhoneで“偽物”アプリ出回る 開発元が注意喚起|language=ja|last=Serizawa|first=Takanori|date=October 4, 2023|website=ITmedia|access-date=October 19, 2023|archive-date=October 12, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231012001400/https://www.itmedia.co.jp/news/articles/2310/04/news108.html|url-status=live}} popIn is now its own branch of Aladdin X.}}{{efn|Additional porting development done by Esquadra Inc.{{Cite web|url=https://esquadra.co.jp/archives/works/22351|title=|script-title=ja:NintendoSwitchダウンロード専用ソフト『スイカゲーム』配信開始のお知らせ|language=ja|publisher=ESQUADRA Inc.|access-date=October 20, 2023|archive-date=October 9, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231009071252/https://esquadra.co.jp/archives/works/22351|url-status=live}}}}
| publisher = Aladdin X
| director =
| programmer =
| series =
| engine = Unity
| platforms = Android, iOS, Nintendo Switch, popIn Aladdin
| released = popIn Aladdin
{{Vgrelease|JP|April 2021}}Nintendo Switch
{{Vgrelease|JP|December 9, 2021|WW|October 20, 2023}}iOS
{{Vgrelease|JP|January 1, 2024|WW|March 7, 2024}}Android
{{Vgrelease|WW|April 11, 2024}}
| genre = Puzzle
| modes = Single-player
Multiplayer
}}
{{Nihongo foot|Suika Game|スイカゲーム|Suika Gēmu|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} (also called Watermelon Game, suika is rōmaji for watermelon, or simply Suika) is a Japanese puzzle video game by Aladdin X, which combines the elements of falling and merging puzzle games. The game was originally developed for the company's digital projectors in April 2021 and due to its initial success, released on the Nintendo eShop in December 2021 in Japan. After gaining popularity, it was made available globally in October 2023. The concept originates from a Chinese browser game titled Merge Big Watermelon that was released in January 2021.
The game involves the player trying to build a high score by dropping fruits into a container without having them overflow out of the container. To earn points the player must combine two of the same fruits, which creates a new fruit in the game's fruit cycle. The game allows players to view other player's ranks through an online leaderboard.
During 2023 Suika Game gained popularity after being played by live streamers, particularly VTubers. The game was received well by critics, praising the simplicity and charm of the game. It achieved over four million downloads by November 2023 and became the most downloaded eShop game on the Nintendo Switch for the year in Japan. The game also became prone to unofficial versions being created. Paid DLC was released in February 2024, which added local competitive multiplayer and online functionality was added in May 2024.
Gameplay
Suika Game is a puzzle game focusing on stacking objects in a confined space, reminiscent of Tetris.{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/watermelon-game-is-the-switchs-latest-viral-sensation-and-its-booming-in-popularity-two-years-after-its-launch/|title=First Japan's biggest stars, soon the entire world: Switch puzzler Suika Game sees sales jump "50,000 times" after an Among Us-grade viral boom|last=Bellingham|first=Hope|date=October 11, 2023|website=GamesRadar+|access-date=October 17, 2023|archive-date=October 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231016174541/https://www.gamesradar.com/watermelon-game-is-the-switchs-latest-viral-sensation-and-its-booming-in-popularity-two-years-after-its-launch/|url-status=live}} The player, represented as a cloud called Poppy,{{Cite web|url=https://news.denfaminicogamer.jp/kikakuthetower/231031f|title=|script-title=ja:“ダブルスイカ” を4回達成し、元総合スコア1位（7355点）のランカーが『スイカゲーム』を完全解説！ スイカの作り方から、整地する技術や時差置きなど上級テクニックまで紹介|language=ja|date=October 31, 2023|website=Den Fami Nico Gamer|access-date=October 31, 2023|archive-date=October 31, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231031040344/https://news.denfaminicogamer.jp/kikakuthetower/231031f|url-status=live}} is tasked with dropping a wide range of fruits in a box, aiming for the highest score without having a single fruit cross the line at the top of the box and overflowing out, or else the game would end.{{Cite web|url=https://automaton-media.com/en/news/20231005-22096/|title=Nintendo Switch exclusive Suika Game is so addictive its previous daily sales have multiplied by fifty thousand|last=Kawase|first=Ayuo|date=October 5, 2023|website=Automaton Media|access-date=October 17, 2023|archive-date=October 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231016194102/https://automaton-media.com/en/news/20231005-22096/|url-status=live}} In order to keep the fruits from overflowing out of the box, the player must match two types of fruits in order for them to merge into the next biggest fruit in the cycle, increasing the player's score. The bigger the fruits that merge the larger the point bonus is, with the largest merger the player can achieve resulting in the titular watermelon.{{Cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/puzzles-and-games/info/suika-game-nintendo-puzzle-8969637/|title=Suika Game: Tetris-like fruit puzzle has the Asian internet on fire|last=Mukherjee|first=Nayanika|date=October 5, 2023|website=The Indian Express|access-date=October 17, 2023|archive-date=October 12, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231012223528/https://indianexpress.com/article/puzzles-and-games/info/suika-game-nintendo-puzzle-8969637/|url-status=live}} If two watermelons merge, they poof from the box.{{Cite web|url=https://news.denfaminicogamer.jp/news/231013u|title=|script-title=ja:大人気パズル『スイカゲーム』がついに任天堂公式トピックスで紹介される。Xでは「ついに任天堂が気づいたか」「とうとう任天堂にバレた」「スイカゲームの人気に任天堂公式が動いた」「乗るしかない、このビッグウェーブに」などの反応|last=Tsushima|first=Hiro|date=October 13, 2023|language=ja|website=Den Fami Nico Gamer|access-date=October 17, 2023|archive-date=October 15, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231015161357/https://news.denfaminicogamer.jp/news/231013u|url-status=live}} Suika Game has no time limit to rush the player with;{{Cite web|url=https://dengekionline.com/articles/202912/|title=|script-title=ja:『スイカゲーム』が『ヴァンサバ』をおさえ、突如Switchの人気ランキングトップに。配信者を中心に流行中で今後さらなるブームに発展するかも？|language=ja|date=September 18, 2023|website=Dengeki|access-date=October 17, 2023|archive-date=October 9, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231009071129/https://dengekionline.com/articles/202912/|url-status=live}} unlike in games such as Tetris, the fruits are affected by physics causing them to hit off each other and roll away from where they were initially dropped.{{Cite web|url=https://www.siliconera.com/the-suika-watermelon-game-excels-in-its-simplicity/|title=The Suika Watermelon Game Excels in Its Simplicity|last=Lada|first=Jenni|date=October 9, 2023|website=Siliconera|access-date=October 17, 2023|archive-date=October 15, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231015182524/https://www.siliconera.com/the-suika-watermelon-game-excels-in-its-simplicity/|url-status=live}} Sometimes the pressure released by two fruits merging is enough to send a fruit out of the box and end the game.{{Cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/gaming/23903427/suika-watermelon-game-online-nintendo-switch|title=I will not rest until I score 3,000 points in Suika Game|last=Lee|first=Julia|date=October 4, 2023|website=Polygon|access-date=October 17, 2023|archive-date=October 12, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231012211902/https://www.polygon.com/gaming/23903427/suika-watermelon-game-online-nintendo-switch|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://toucharcade.com/2023/10/11/how-to-play-suika-watermelon-game-free-on-mobile-browser-iphone-android/|title=Play The Viral Hit ‘Suika Game’ In Your Mobile Browser|last=Musgrave|first=Shaun|date=October 11, 2023|website=TouchArcade|access-date=October 17, 2023|archive-date=October 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231016151307/https://toucharcade.com/2023/10/11/how-to-play-suika-watermelon-game-free-on-mobile-browser-iphone-android/|url-status=live}}
There are 11 fruits in the game and they go in a cycle from smallest to largest: the cherry,{{efn|The cherry is the only fruit in Suika Game that cannot be made.}} the strawberry, the grapes, the dekopon, the persimmon,{{efn|It is commonly mistaken that the fruit is an orange instead.{{Cite web|url=https://www.famitsu.com/news/202310/10318836.html|title=|script-title=ja:配信者界隈で流行中の『スイカゲーム』レビュー。1度プレイしたら抜け出せない。かわいい顔したフルーツたちにイラつきを感じる鬼畜パズルゲームの沼にハマる|language=ja|author=Ouma|date=October 10, 2023|website=Famitsu|access-date=October 17, 2023|archive-date=October 15, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231015135850/https://www.famitsu.com/news/202310/10318836.html|url-status=live}}}} the apple, the pear, the peach, the pineapple, the melon, and the titular watermelon. However, the fruits that the player can drop into the box are limited to the five smallest in the cycle. The order the player can drop the fruit is completely random, but they can see the fruit that is coming up one turn ahead. For the Chinese "Merge Big Watermelon" browser game version, the order of the fruit is slightly different as the game features different fruits such as kiwis, lemons and tangerines in its cycle.{{Cite web |date=January 19, 2021 |title= |script-title=ja:中国でミニゲーム「合成大西瓜」が爆発的大ヒット！思わず夢中になってしまうそのワケは？ |url=http://j.people.com.cn/n3/2021/0129/c206603-9814590.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231009071131/http://j.people.com.cn/n3/2021/0129/c206603-9814590.html |archive-date=October 9, 2023 |access-date=October 19, 2023 |website=People's Daily Online |language=ja}}
Suika Game also features an online leader board to compare other players' ranks online, being split between scores from "daily", "monthly" and "overall". This leader board can keep track of the player's own score too.{{Cite web|url=https://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/kikaku/1537210.html|title=|script-title=ja:なぜ配信者たちは「スイカゲーム」に夢中なのか？ 熱狂的ブームを呼ぶ落ち物パズルの"深すぎる"ゲーム性|language=ja|date=October 6, 2023|website=Game Impress Watch|access-date=October 17, 2023|archive-date=October 14, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231014165317/https://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/kikaku/1537210.html|url-status=live}} This ability to share and compare points leads both players and livestreamers to create an unofficial challenge that requires them to reach at least 3,000 points in-game.
On February 21, 2024, paid DLC introduced local competitive multiplayer modes. Aside from Original, it introduced Time Limit and Attack multiplayer modes.{{Cite web |date=2024-02-22 |title=Suika Game Now Has Local Multiplayer DLC, Online Play On The Way |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2024/02/suika-game-now-has-local-multiplayer-dlc-online-play-on-the-way |access-date=2024-02-22 |website=Nintendo Life |language=en-GB |archive-date=2024-02-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240222055153/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2024/02/suika-game-now-has-local-multiplayer-dlc-online-play-on-the-way |url-status=live }} Online multiplayer was released as an update on May 23, 2024.{{cite news |author=Doolan, Liam |date=May 21, 2024 |title=Viral Switch Sensation Suika Game Gets Online Multiplayer Update This Week |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2024/05/viral-switch-sensation-suika-game-gets-online-multiplayer-update-this-week |access-date=July 3, 2024 |website=Nintendo Life |archive-date=May 22, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240522054540/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2024/05/viral-switch-sensation-suika-game-gets-online-multiplayer-update-this-week |url-status=live}}
Development and release
Suika Game was initially developed as a built-in application for the popIn Aladdin, a 3-in-1 ceiling digital projector developed by a branch of Aladdin X called popIn, in April 2021. It was said to be well received amongst customers of the projector.{{Cite web|url=https://www.itmedia.co.jp/news/articles/2310/04/news163.html|title=|script-title=ja:いつのまにか流行ってた「スイカゲーム」って何だ？ 開発元に聞く意外な素性とスマホ移植の可能性|language=ja|last=Serizawa|first=Takanori|date=October 4, 2023|website=ITmedia|access-date=October 18, 2023|archive-date=October 13, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231013183004/https://www.itmedia.co.jp/news/articles/2310/04/news163.html|url-status=live}} Aladdin X decided that due to the game's popularity on the projector,{{Cite web|url=https://www.4gamer.net/games/608/G060891/20211209165/|title=|script-title=ja:Nintendo Switch用「スイカゲーム」が配信開始。同じ種類のフルーツを組み合わせて大きく成長させていくパズルゲーム|language=ja|date=December 12, 2021|website=4Gamer|access-date=October 19, 2023|archive-date=September 4, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230904013104/https://www.4gamer.net/games/608/G060891/20211209165/|url-status=live}} as well as wanting to spread awareness of their projectors further, they would rework the framework of Suika Game to bring it to the Nintendo eShop on December 9, 2021. Aladdin X have stated there are minor differences between the Nintendo Switch and popIn Aladdin versions of the game, mainly pointing to the weight of the fruits and how points are calculated.{{Cite web|url=https://wpb.shueisha.co.jp/news/entertainment/2023/10/07/120901/|title=|script-title=ja:＜スイカゲーム＞が大人気！ 人気の理由や高得点獲得のコツを開発元の「Aladdin X」に突撃取材!!|language=ja|last=Sakai|first=Yuko|date=October 7, 2023|website=Weekly Playboy|access-date=October 29, 2023|archive-date=October 12, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231012172933/https://wpb.shueisha.co.jp/news/entertainment/2023/10/07/120901/|url-status=live}} During an interview with Nippon TV Aladdin X mentioned the idea of bringing the game to smartphones, however decided against it at the time due wanting the game to have "a better chance of standing out" amongst other apps on the market.{{Cite web|url=https://news.ntv.co.jp/category/culture/ccac955398484adebb33ae143b00e249|title=|script-title=ja:中毒性やばい『スイカゲーム』 ダウンロード数はブーム前の「5万倍以上」 人気の理由を開発元に聞いた|language=ja|date=October 3, 2023|website=Nippon TV|access-date=October 19, 2023|archive-date=October 10, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231010215931/https://news.ntv.co.jp/category/culture/ccac955398484adebb33ae143b00e249|url-status=live}}
The initial concept for this game originates from a Chinese web browser game developed by marketing company Meadow Science ({{Zh|c=米兜科技|p=}}) called "Merge Big Watermelon" ({{zh|c=合成大西瓜}}). The game released in January 2021 and became a large success, with Merge Big Watermelon receiving more than 1.4 billion related search hits on Sina Weibo.{{Cite web|url=https://automaton-media.com/articles/newsjp/2023917-264866/|title=|script-title=ja:Nintendo Switchゲーム『スイカゲーム』が突如人気急上昇。2021年に発売された低価格フルーツ落ち物パズル|language=ja|last=Kimura|first=Tamio|date=September 17, 2023|website=Automaton Media JP|access-date=October 19, 2023|archive-date=October 13, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231013070145/https://automaton-media.com/articles/newsjp/2023917-264866/|url-status=live}}
The game received little attention after the game's launch onto the eShop until September 2023;{{Cite web|url=https://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/news/1537780.html|title=|script-title=ja:癖になる落ちものパズルゲーム「スイカゲーム」が100万ダウンロードを達成！|language=ja|last=Nishiwaki|first=Kenji|date=October 10, 2023|website=Game Impress Watch|access-date=October 19, 2023|archive-date=October 15, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231015082117/https://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/news/1537780.html|url-status=live}} in which the game garnered an increase in popularity, with GamesRadar+ comparing the sudden popularity to Among Us in 2020. Cited as one of the main causes of the game going viral was due to coverage by Japanese live streamers streaming the game starting in May 2023, with 2.84 million hours watched monthly and ranking 82nd most watched game on Twitch in September 2023. VTubers were particularly noted for the game's success,{{Cite web|url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2023/10/random-switch-exclusive-watermelon-game-goes-viral-eshop-downloads-skyrocket|title=Random: Switch Exclusive "Watermelon Game" Goes Viral, eShop Downloads Skyrocket|last=Doolan|first=Liam|date=October 8, 2023|website=Nintendo Life|access-date=October 19, 2023|archive-date=October 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231016150828/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2023/10/random-switch-exclusive-watermelon-game-goes-viral-eshop-downloads-skyrocket|url-status=live}} with members of VTuber companies such as Hololive Production cited as bringing millions of viewers to the game. In the west, livestreamers CDawgVA, LilyPichu, Ludwig and QTCinderella were credited to have also helped increase the game's popularity outside of Japan.{{Cite web|url=https://www.vg247.com/suika-watermelon-game-how-to-get-nintendo-switch|title=How to get Suika Game (watermelon) on the Switch|last=Dassanayake|first=Dion|date=October 19, 2023|website=VG247|access-date=October 19, 2023|archive-date=October 19, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231019235058/https://www.vg247.com/suika-watermelon-game-how-to-get-nintendo-switch|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.digitalspy.com/tech/a45601039/watermelon-suika-game-buy/|title=Watermelon Game, aka Suika Game, launches on Nintendo Switch worldwide|last=Lee|first=Jess|date=October 20, 2023|website=Digital Spy|access-date=October 20, 2023|archive-date=October 21, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231021033211/https://www.digitalspy.com/tech/a45601039/watermelon-suika-game-buy/|url-status=live}} Additionally, Aladdin X believes the success and popularity of the game derives from the game's "cute and friendly art that appeals to a wide audience", as well as the game's simplistic rules.{{Cite web|url=https://www.famitsu.com/news/202310/10319981.html|title=|script-title=ja:話題沸騰中の『スイカゲーム』100万ダウンロードを突破。特設サイトを公開。フルーツを合わせて大きくしていきスイカを目指すくだものパズルゲーム|language=ja|date=October 10, 2023|website=Famitsu|access-date=October 19, 2023|archive-date=October 19, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231019120818/https://www.famitsu.com/news/202310/10319981.html|url-status=live}} To celebrate the game reaching 4 million downloads in November 2023, Aladdin X created animated stickers for the Japanese social media software Line.{{Cite web|url=https://automaton-media.com/articles/newsjp/20231123-273187/|title=|script-title=ja:『スイカゲーム』Nintendo Switch版、世界累計400万ダウンロード突破。世界に羽ばたいたスイカ、どんどんその数増やす|language=ja|last=Fujiwara|first=Hideaki|date=November 23, 2023|website=Automaton Media JP|access-date=November 25, 2023|archive-date=November 24, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231124092035/https://automaton-media.com/articles/newsjp/20231123-273187/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.vg247.com/watermelon-game-aka-suika-popular-nintendo-switch-download-milestone|title=Watermelon Game, aka Suika, is even more popular on Nintendo Switch than you thought|last=Warren|first=Mark|date=November 23, 2023|website=VG247|access-date=November 25, 2023|archive-date=November 23, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231123224326/https://www.vg247.com/watermelon-game-aka-suika-popular-nintendo-switch-download-milestone|url-status=live}}
Due to the game's popularity English-speaking news publications, such as Polygon, published articles on how to obtain the game using a Japanese Nintendo Account.{{Cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/guides/23903238/get-watermelon-suika-game-nintendo-switch-download-japanese-eshop|title=How to get the Suika Game (Watermelon Game) on Nintendo Switch|last=Lee|first=Julia|date=October 4, 2023|website=Polygon|access-date=October 19, 2023|archive-date=October 17, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231017041154/https://www.polygon.com/guides/23903238/get-watermelon-suika-game-nintendo-switch-download-japanese-eshop|url-status=live}} On October 20, 2023, Suika Game was released globally onto the eShop unannounced,{{Cite web|url=https://www.siliconera.com/suika-game-is-now-available-in-global-eshop/|title=Suika Game is Now Available in Global eShop|last=Liu|first=Stephanie|date=October 21, 2023|website=Siliconera|accessdate=October 21, 2023|archive-date=October 21, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231021180615/https://www.siliconera.com/suika-game-is-now-available-in-global-eshop/|url-status=live}} however the game was initially untranslated from Japanese.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2023/10/watermelon-game-suika-game-gets-a-surprise-local-release-on-switch-eshop|title=Watermelon Game (Suika Game) Gets A Surprise Local Release On Switch eShop|last=Doolan|first=Liam|date=October 20, 2023|website=Nintendo Life|access-date=October 21, 2023|archive-date=October 21, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231021070333/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2023/10/watermelon-game-suika-game-gets-a-surprise-local-release-on-switch-eshop|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://toucharcade.com/2023/10/20/suika-game-watermelon-english-eshop-release-date-download-japanese-language-super-mario-bros-wonder-nintendo/|title=SwitchArcade Round-Up: ‘Super Mario Bros. Wonder’, ‘Suika Game’, Plus Today’s Other Releases and Sales|last=Musgrave|first=Shaun|date=October 20, 2023|website=TouchArcade|access-date=October 21, 2023|archive-date=October 21, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231021180606/https://toucharcade.com/2023/10/20/suika-game-watermelon-english-eshop-release-date-download-japanese-language-super-mario-bros-wonder-nintendo/|url-status=live}} English-language support was later added in an update released on October 24, 2023.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/65310/suika-game-updated-adds-english-text|title=Suika Game Updated, Adds English Text|last=Theriault|first=Donald|date=October 23, 2023|website=Nintendo World Report|access-date=October 24, 2023|archive-date=October 24, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231024013025/https://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/65310/suika-game-updated-adds-english-text|url-status=live}} Alongside the translation, the game was given a Halloween theme which changed the game's visuals, such as turning the watermelons into pumpkins, as well as adding Halloween music.{{cite web|last=Doolan|first=Liam|title=Suika Game (Watermelon Game) Update Adds English Language Support|url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2023/10/suika-game-watermelon-game-update-adds-english-language-support|website=Nintendo Life|date=October 24, 2023|access-date=October 24, 2023|archive-date=October 24, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231024011829/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2023/10/suika-game-watermelon-game-update-adds-english-language-support|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.siliconera.com/suika-game-achieves-over-2-million-downloads/|title=Suika Game Achieves Over 2 Million Downloads|last=Liu|first=Stephanie|date=October 23, 2023|website=Siliconera|access-date=October 24, 2023|archive-date=October 24, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231024014631/https://www.siliconera.com/suika-game-achieves-over-2-million-downloads/|url-status=live}} For the popIn Aladdin version of the game, a "halloween festival" was announced. The festival, which ran from October 28 to November 3, 2023, featured both three different sizes of pumpkins as well as candy that can turn the fruit it lands on to its next stage in the cycle.{{Cite web|url=https://www.famitsu.com/news/202310/24321582.html|title=|script-title=ja:『スイカゲーム』ハロウィン仕様となり『カボチャゲーム』に。Switch版もBGMやデザインがちょっと変わる【追記あり】|language=ja|date=October 24, 2023|website=Famitsu|access-date=October 29, 2023|archive-date=October 27, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231027063323/https://www.famitsu.com/news/202310/24321582.html|url-status=live}} An official iOS version was released in Japan on January 1, 2024.{{cite web |last1=Madnani |first1=Mikhail |title=The Viral Nintendo Switch Hit ‘Suika Game’ Is Now Officially Available on the App Store in Japan |url=https://toucharcade.com/2024/01/01/suika-game-mobile-download-official-app-store-japan-release-date-aladdin-x-android/ |date=1 January 2024 |access-date=1 February 2024 |archive-date=1 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240201061341/https://toucharcade.com/2024/01/01/suika-game-mobile-download-official-app-store-japan-release-date-aladdin-x-android/ |url-status=live }} The official iOS version received the English update on March 7, 2024.{{Cite web |date=2024-03-27 |title=Viral Nintendo Switch Hit ‘Suika Game’ Now Officially Available Worldwide on the App Store – TouchArcade |url=https://toucharcade.com/2024/03/27/suika-game-mobile-english-download-official-app-store-release-date-aladdin-x-iphone-ipad-android/ |access-date=2024-03-29 |language=en-US |archive-date=2024-03-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240329013452/https://toucharcade.com/2024/03/27/suika-game-mobile-english-download-official-app-store-release-date-aladdin-x-iphone-ipad-android/ |url-status=live }} An official Android version was released worldwide on April 11, 2024.{{cite web |last1=Madnani |first1=Mikhail |title=‘Suika Game’ Android Download Now Available, Same Price As iOS and Switch Versions |url=https://toucharcade.com/2024/04/11/suika-game-android-download-now-available-worldwide-price-google-play/ |date=11 April 2024 |access-date=11 April 2024 |archive-date=12 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240412050716/https://toucharcade.com/2024/04/11/suika-game-android-download-now-available-worldwide-price-google-play/ |url-status=live }}
Reception
=Critical reviews=
{{Video game reviews
| NLife = 7/10{{Cite web|url=https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/switch-eshop/suika-game|title=Mini Review: Suika Game - Viral Sensation 'Watermelon Game' Is A Ripe Little Puzzler|last=Vogel|first=Mitch|date=October 22, 2023|website=Nintendo Life|access-date=October 22, 2023|archive-date=October 22, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231022124111/https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/switch-eshop/suika-game|url-status=live}}
| TA = 4/5{{Cite web|url=https://toucharcade.com/2023/10/11/suika-game-switch-review-watermelon-game-eshop-japan-price/|title=SwitchArcade Round-Up: Reviews Featuring ‘Cook, Serve, Delicious!’ & ‘Suika Game’, Plus the Latest Releases and Sales|last=Musgrave|first=Shaun|date=October 11, 2023|website=TouchArcade|access-date=October 18, 2023|archive-date=October 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231016211009/https://toucharcade.com/2023/10/11/suika-game-switch-review-watermelon-game-eshop-japan-price/|url-status=live}}
| rev1 = Vandal
}}
Suika Game was often compared by critics to other popular puzzle games, such as Tetris and Puyo Puyo. News publications such as IGN Japan and Automaton Media made the comparison to the indie puzzle game Threes!.{{Cite web|url=https://jp.ign.com/watermelon-game/70979/news/|title=|script-title=ja:『スイカゲーム』の公式が類似アプリに関して注意喚起 同社はスマートフォン版を開発していない|language=ja|last=Shigeta|first=Yuichi|date=October 3, 2023|website=IGN Japan|access-date=October 19, 2023|archive-date=October 12, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231012203824/https://jp.ign.com/watermelon-game/70979/news/|url-status=live}} In Nintendo Life's review of the game, they described the game as "2048 with physics". Julia Lee of Polygon made a similar comment that it was "like a mix of Tetris and 2048 but with adorable fruit". However even with the comparisons, Lee still praised the game claiming that the game has her flipping her emotions more so than other similar puzzle games she has played, although not full sure why. She speculates the game's illustrations, physics and motivations as possible reasons.
One of the main praises of Suika Game was its charm. In his review of the game, TouchArcade's Shaun Musgrave wrote that the game does a lot to work as well as it does and positing that the game is "hard to resist". One of the main aspects he focuses on is the game's overall charm, citing that the game is "absolutely adorable" and the music in the game is catchy. Continuing on, Musgrave adds that the game's physics lead to unexpecting outcomes, making the game more exciting and dangerous for him.
Another aspect of the game that critics praised was the way the game handled strategy. Japanese website ITmedia wrote that the game was perfect for both children and adults to understand, adding that they believed that the game was "super simple yet deep". They explained that whilst the controls were simple the physics could cause unexpected outcomes, allowing the game to have a welcoming premise but also have a steep difficulty curve.{{Cite web|url=https://www.itmedia.co.jp/news/articles/2310/16/news079.html|title=|script-title=ja:大人も子どもも夢中になる「スイカゲーム」の絶妙さ|language=ja|last=Okada|first=Yuka|date=October 16, 2023|website=ITmedia|access-date=October 19, 2023|archive-date=October 17, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231017044233/https://www.itmedia.co.jp/news/articles/2310/16/news079.html|url-status=live}} Mitch Vogel of Nintendo Life mentions in his review that when playing over time the player will learn to optimise placement, making it harder for players to resist replaying. Vogel also mentions that one thrilling aspect of the game is when accurate placements can lead to a chain reaction combo.
=Sales=
In the span of a month starting in early September to October 5, 2023, Aladdin X announced that Suika Game had been downloaded 1 million times on the eShop.{{Cite web|url=https://jp.ign.com/watermelon-game/71095/news/10091|title=|script-title=ja:『スイカゲーム』が100万ダウンロードを突破！話題になった9月初旬から約1カ月間で達成|language=ja|last=Kataoka|first=Ryuichi|date=October 10, 2023|website=IGN Japan|access-date=October 19, 2023|archive-date=October 15, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231015130947/https://jp.ign.com/watermelon-game/71095/news/10091|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.itmedia.co.jp/news/articles/2310/10/news095.html|title=|script-title=ja:「スイカゲーム」100万DL突破 配信規約も公開|language=ja|date=October 10, 2023|website=ITmedia|access-date=October 19, 2023|archive-date=October 15, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231015154651/https://www.itmedia.co.jp/news/articles/2310/10/news095.html|url-status=live}} A few days later on October 16, the game had been downloaded 2 million times in Japan.{{cite news |title=Switch『スイカゲーム』200万ダウンロード突破。10月6日からの約10日間に追加で100万DL達成、海外での配信も開始 |url=https://www.famitsu.com/news/202310/23321446.html |access-date=October 23, 2023 |work=Famitsu |date=October 23, 2023 |language=ja |archive-date=October 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231023015232/https://www.famitsu.com/news/202310/23321446.html |url-status=live }} By October 30, 2023, the game had been downloaded 3 million times.{{Cite web|url=https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000022.000105092.html|title=|script-title=ja:ホームプロジェクター「Aladdin X」が超短焦点プロジェクター「Aladdin Marca（アラジン マルカ）」 10月30日（月）より販売開始|language=ja|date=October 30, 2023|website=PR Times|access-date=October 30, 2023|archive-date=October 30, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231030074650/https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000022.000105092.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://automaton-media.com/articles/newsjp/20231030-270098/|title=|script-title=ja:Nintendo Switch『スイカゲーム』の“ニセモノ被害”が深刻化。公式サイトより目立ってしまう厄介すぎるニセモノゲーム|last=Kawase|first=Ayuo|date=October 30, 2023|website=Automaton Media JP|access-date=October 30, 2023|archive-date=October 30, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231030171024/https://automaton-media.com/articles/newsjp/20231030-270098/|url-status=live}} It was the #1 most downloaded game on the Nintendo Switch eShop in Japan in 2023, beating out The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Pikmin 4, Super Mario Bros. Wonder, as well as other inexpensive titles such as Vampire Survivors and Overcooked 2.{{cite web |date=2024 |title=Nintendo Switch 2023年 年間ダウンロードランキング |trans-title=Nintendo Switch 2023 yearly download ranking |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/software/feature/ranking.html?ryear=2023 |access-date=January 5, 2024 |website= |publisher=Nintendo |archive-date=January 5, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240105194207/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/software/feature/ranking.html?ryear=2023 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web|url=https://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/news/1538957.html|title=|script-title=ja:「スイカゲーム」、ついに任天堂公式に取り上げられる|language=ja|last=Yasuda|first=Shunsuke|date=October 13, 2023|website=Game Impress Watch|accessdate=October 13, 2023|archive-date=October 14, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231014015957/https://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/news/1538957.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/news/1536642.html|title=|script-title=ja:「スイカゲーム」ランクイン！ 任天堂、Switch「9月の月間ダウンロードランキング」公開中|language=ja|last=Yashiki|first=Yuta|date=October 4, 2023|website=Game Impress Watch|access-date=October 19, 2023|archive-date=October 9, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231009093218/https://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/news/1536642.html|url-status=live}} The game retained the title of most downloaded game on the eShop in Japan in 2024.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2024/12/nintendo-reveals-japans-top-30-most-downloaded-switch-eshop-games-of-2024|title=Nintendo Reveals Japan's "Top 30" Most Downloaded Switch eShop Games Of 2024|last=Doolan|first=Liam|date=December 29, 2024|website=Nintendo Life|access-date=December 29, 2024|archive-date=December 29, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241229001328/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2024/12/nintendo-reveals-japans-top-30-most-downloaded-switch-eshop-games-of-2024|url-status=live}} The company had also announced that the game had been downloaded 50,000 times more than before its popularity increased. By November 7 it had been reported that Suika Game has been downloaded 3.66 million times, splitting between 3.27 million downloads domestically and 0.39 million downloads internationally.{{Cite web|url=https://www.famitsu.com/news/202311/08323181.html|title=|script-title=ja:累計DL数366万を突破した『スイカゲーム』メールインタビュー。グッズ展開に公式大会、プロジェクターメーカーAladdin Xによるシンカ論|language=ja|date=November 8, 2023|website=Famitsu|access-date=November 12, 2023|archive-date=November 12, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231112081703/https://www.famitsu.com/news/202311/08323181.html|url-status=live}} As of November 14, 2023, Suika Game has been downloaded 4 million times; and as of December 14, the total number of downloads of Suika Game worldwide reached 5 million. This makes the game one of the best-selling games on the Nintendo Switch overall.{{Cite web|url=https://www.famitsu.com/news/202311/22325111.html|title=|script-title=ja:『スイカゲーム』アニメーションつきのLINEスタンプが発売。おなじみのフルーツたちや雲・ポッピーがかわいく動く全16種を収録|language=ja|date=November 22, 2023|website=Famitsu|access-date=November 22, 2023|archive-date=November 22, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231122204812/https://www.famitsu.com/news/202311/22325111.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.itmedia.co.jp/news/articles/2311/22/news208.html|title=|script-title=ja:「スイカゲーム」のLINEスタンプ登場 ゲーム本体よりも10円高い Switchソフトは累計400万ダウンロード突破|last=Tatsuki|first=Matsuura|date=November 22, 2023|website=ITMedia|access-date=November 22, 2023|archive-date=November 22, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231122204812/https://www.itmedia.co.jp/news/articles/2311/22/news208.html|url-status=live}}
=Unofficial versions=
Due to the success of Suika Game, it caused many unofficial versions of the game to appear online. One of the most notable versions is a free web browser version with the same name; with websites such as Polygon, Rock Paper Shotgun and VG247 considering it a great alternative for people who weren't able to make a Japanese Nintendo account, or don't have a Nintendo Switch, although noting that the physics and presentation aren't the same as the Switch version of the game.{{Cite web|url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/suika-game-how-to-play-on-pc-and-nintendo-switch|title=How to play Suika Game on Nintendo Switch and PC|last=Toms|first=Ollie|date=October 19, 2023|website=Rock Paper Shotgun|access-date=October 19, 2023|archive-date=October 19, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231019235056/https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/suika-game-how-to-play-on-pc-and-nintendo-switch|url-status=live}} Outside of the browser version, Aladdin X warned customers that there were many smartphone games trying to imitate Suika Game with some even using art from the official versions.{{Cite web|url=https://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/news/1536032.html|title=|script-title=ja:「スイカゲーム」開発元がスマホ向け非正規アプリについて注意喚起|language=ja|last=Tokunaga|first=Hiroki|date=October 2, 2023|website=Game Impress Watch|access-date=October 19, 2023|archive-date=October 9, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231009234803/https://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/news/1536032.html|url-status=live}} One particular imitation managed to reach number one on the Japanese App Store in the free games' "casual" section, prompting Aladdin X to request Apple to take the imitation off the service.
On October 30, 2023, Automaton Media reported that the amount of clones on the App Store had become an increasing problem. They specifically pointed out that more than half of the top five games on the "free download" rankings for both iPad and iPhone in Japan were fake versions of Suika Game, mentioning that some of the fake versions were made by the same individual developer. Additionally, it was pointed out that the BGM for the game was being sold on online music sites.
Outside of the fake versions of the game, many fan games and parodies also arose in the wake of the game's success. Some fan games are simple retextures, such as one that replaced the fruit with the VTuber talents of Hololive.{{Cite web|url=https://www.siliconera.com/fan-game-holo-no-suika-available-in-english/|title=Fan Game Holo no Suika Available in English|last=Liu|first=Stephanie|date=November 19, 2023|website=Siliconera|access-date=November 25, 2023|archive-date=November 23, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231123224528/https://www.siliconera.com/fan-game-holo-no-suika-available-in-english/|url-status=live}} "Hokkaido Game", a fan game that replaced the fruits with the prefectures of Japan, received particular attention due to the shape of the prefectures changing the collision between two drops.{{Cite web|url=https://www.siliconera.com/hokkaido-game-is-suika-game-but-with-prefectures/|title=Hokkaido Game Is Suika Game But With Prefectures|last=Liu|first=Stephanie|date=November 2, 2023|website=Siliconera|access-date=November 25, 2023|archive-date=November 10, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231110103917/https://www.siliconera.com/hokkaido-game-is-suika-game-but-with-prefectures/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/news/1543694.html|title=|script-title=ja:"Hokkaido Game" distribution started! “Watermelon game” type Hokkaido-made puzzle|language=ja|last=Imado|first=Yuuma|date=November 1, 2023|website=Game Impress Watch|access-date=November 25, 2023|archive-date=November 10, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231110151306/https://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/news/1543694.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://automaton-media.com/articles/newsjp/20231101-270313/|title=|script-title=ja:スイカゲーム風落ちものパズル『北海道ゲーム』Steamでいきなり配信開始。都道府県を合体させてデカくする|language=ja|last=Fujiwara|first=Hideaki|date=November 1, 2023|website=Automaton Media JP|access-date=November 25, 2023|archive-date=November 4, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231104214820/https://automaton-media.com/articles/newsjp/20231101-270313/|url-status=live}} Other fan games added new features; such as "Whale Game Online", which added 2-player multiplayer on top of swapping the fruits for sea creatures.{{Cite web|url=https://dengekionline.com/articles/210136/|title=|script-title=ja:スイカゲーム風パズルでマルチプレイも可能な『くじらゲームオンライン』がSteamで配信開始|language=ja|date=November 11, 2023|website=Dengeki Online|access-date=November 25, 2023|archive-date=November 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231125030225/https://dengekionline.com/articles/210136/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.famitsu.com/news/202311/10323676.html|title=|script-title=ja:スイカ系パズルゲーム『クジラゲームオンライン』がSteamで配信開始。最大ふたりでの対戦マルチプレイモードも搭載|language=ja|date=November 10, 2023|website=Famitsu|access-date=November 25, 2023|archive-date=November 14, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231114104312/https://www.famitsu.com/news/202311/10323676.html|url-status=live}} One of the most unique games based on Suika Game is "Watermelon Mori", a 3D puzzle game unlike the 2D original. Although the aim of the game is similar, the player must instead use a cannon to shoot fruit onto a plate, with the difficulty coming from the physics of the fruit rolling around. Other fan games have since also opted for the 3D style gameplay.{{Cite web|url=https://automaton-media.com/articles/newsjp/20231104-270897/|title=|script-title=ja:『スイカゲーム』風3Dゲーム現れ始める。物理演算フルーツを大砲で発射したり、瓶の中でケーキを融合させたり|language=ja|last=Fujiwara|first=Hideaki|date=November 4, 2023|website=Automaton Media JP|access-date=November 25, 2023|archive-date=November 7, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231107191218/https://automaton-media.com/articles/newsjp/20231104-270897/|url-status=live}}
=Accolades=
Notes
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References
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External links
- {{Official website|https://suikagame.jp/}} (Japanese)
- suika on Wiktionary
Category:2020s fads and trends
Category:2023 in Internet culture
Category:Android (operating system) games
Category:Falling block puzzle games
Category:Nintendo Switch games
Category:Single-player video games