Smiley Pops is a new take on match three

Smiley Pops offers yet another take on the match three like-colored bubbles game concept. Open it up, and it may feel familiar, but take a closer look, and you'll notice that the bubbles are oriented in a unique way. Smiley Pops' bubbles are not stacked in perfect columns and rows the way they are in many other games. They're staggered, with one wedged between the two below it.

To play, swipe around three bubbles to rotate them. If the new arrangement results in at least three matching colors in a row, on the same line, they'll all pop. From there, more bubbles will fall from the top of the screen. Notice that they fall in a more realistic physics-based pattern than in other similar puzzle games. In other words, bubbles don't fall straight down, which makes for an interesting and entertaining challenge.

Smiley Pops is addicting and easy to learn. It's also beautifully designed and features some curiously relaxing music. Because it doesn't require your utmost attention, we think it's perfect for filling those short sporadic moments of freedom (and boredom) throughout your day. It'll make a great addition to or replacement for those other bubble-popping games in your app drawer.