Let me talk about the conclusion first: This game is rightfully popular because it has made the word "pit" into a systematic design philosophy, rather than just making a few mentally retarded puzzles to fool people. 🧐
I give it 7 points for the screen dimension. It is not a refined route, but instead deliberately uses a rough cartoon style to create a sense of "nonsensical". The mean expression of the protagonist Shi Xiaokeng, coupled with the large color block scene, is very consistent with the spoof temperament of the puzzle. If you switch to a high-definition realistic painting style, it will be awkward. It falls into the "just right ugly" category.
The gameplay dimension is what I want to expand on most. The core of this game is not to let you solve the puzzle, but to let you "guess how the author tricked you." You think the answer is A, but it's actually B; you think you want to drag the prop, but actually you need to shake the phone; you think you want to click the button, but actually you need to plug in the headphones first. It overturns all conventional puzzle-solving logic, but after overturning it, there is internal logic - such as the operation of "taking off the moon". You will think it is outrageous when you look back later, but you didn't expect it at the time. This feeling of being "designed" is the real reason why it is so popular.
But having pitfalls is not enough, because it is essentially a collection of fast-paced short stories, and a single level often takes less than two minutes. This design is naturally suitable for fragmented communication. Every time players pass a level, they can't help but take screenshots and post in the group "Look how stupid this level is", or even record the screen and share "I was cheated three times." In addition, the name of the series "The Most Cheating in History" itself is the strongest advertising slogan, with its own viral propagation properties. The direct driving force behind its popularity is the spontaneous “desire to share” among players.
The Krypton Gold Dimension must be commended: the charging mode is 0, which means it is completely free. This game was ranked in the top three in the paid list. Does it mean that the first batch of users paid for it, and then it was converted to free or in-app purchase? But in my actual experience, its performance is very restrained, with no pop-ups, no physical limitations, and even very few advertisements. Compared with the "6 yuan gift pack" and "double first charge" that fill the screen now, this game is simply a breath of fresh air. Even now, its level quality alone is enough to retain players.
The social dimension is relatively weak. It has no online rankings and no interaction with friends, but this weak socialization is exactly its advantage - because the core fun of cheating puzzles lies in the "moment of communication after being cheated". Players will spontaneously discuss "how to pass level X" in post bars, forums, and QQ groups, and even tease each other with questions. This kind of offline social interaction is more lively than the in-game social interaction.
As for why it got cold later? I think it's not that the game has gotten worse, but that times have changed. Today's players are more accustomed to “fair duel” competitive games, or “highly immersive” open worlds. This kind of short-process puzzle solving that requires repeated trial and error, or even deliberately misleads you, seems too slow in the short video era. In addition, the subsequent works in the series are cheating for the sake of cheating, losing the sense of surprise at the first sight, and aesthetic fatigue ensues.
But looking back at "The Most Cheating Game in History 3", in the environment of 2014 when smartphones were in the ascendant, it accurately captured the blank market of "anti-routine". It is popular because it dares to turn "malice" into humor and "foolishness" into creativity. Playing it now, you can still laugh out loud - this is its greatest value as a game. 😎
Rating: 8.2/10. Points are deducted for the roughness of the picture quality and the too far-fetched logic of some levels, but the core experience is irreplaceable. If you have never played it, it is recommended to try it with the mentality of "don't treat it as a game played by normal people". You are guaranteed to be tricked into doubting your life, and you can't help laughing like a pig. 😂