Playing the Shield Matching Matrix

Shield Matching Matrix:
There are several segments of the game where you will play the Shield Matching matrix. This is a lot like other matching puzzle games, and it works on color. Each color shield is a unique shape also, but I will talk to it with color. Your goal is to match up 3 shields either vertically or horizontally. Diagonal lines do not work. Each match will fly to the top of the screen and deal damage to monsters or opponents heros. The goal is to damage each opponent, draining their life bar to zero and winning the contest. If you cannot make a match that hits an opponent, keep making matches anyway. That will do two things: (1) Shift the contents of the matrix so you can make a match against your opponent, and (2) Charge up your heroes so you can attack with their special skills.

This matrix is harder to play that other games because it flows up, not down, to fill in matched spaces that are vacated. But pay attention for plays that can make special hits that are made by matching 4 or 5 shields. After making these special matches, a special symbol is displayed - tap that symbol to use the special attack for that item. The gems made from 5 shield matches are especially powerful since they clear all shields of that color all at once, and can lead to a cascade effect that deals lots of damage.

When you can make matches at the top of the matrix, do so. This maximizes the chance that a cascade will happen in the matrix dealing extra damage on that turn.