GEMATRIX

Open source

←↑↓→XHold X + Arrow keyZEnter

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Player notes

About this game

GEMATRIX is a gem-swapping puzzle made for GBA Jam 2024. Exchange neighbouring gems to form horizontal or vertical lines of three or more of the same colour. A gem that changes colour over time is a wildcard; one wildcard can join a match of any colour. Cleared matches add to the score shown beside the board.

Use X to choose Play and a game mode. Sprint asks you to reach a selected score goal as quickly as possible. Time Attack gives you a selected time limit and asks for the highest score you can reach.

During play, the arrow keys move the selection. Hold X and press an arrow to exchange the selected gem with its neighbour in that direction. Release X before moving the selection again. Enter opens the pause menu. If the gem colours are hard to distinguish, try the alternative colour palette in the game settings.

Start here

Quick tips

Release X to move the selection without swapping.

Look for both horizontal and vertical matches.

Try the alternative palette in Settings if colours are difficult to distinguish.

Arrow keys: Move the selection; navigate menus
X: Confirm a menu choice (GBA A)
Hold X + Arrow key: Swap the selected gem with its neighbour in that direction
Z: Go back to the previous menu (GBA B)
Enter: Pause gameplay; resume from the pause menu

Screens