Martin JørgensenCollect Em All! Clear the Dots – a satisfying connect‑the‑dots puzzle that actually makes you think
Collect Em All! Clear the Dots is a colorful mobile puzzle game where you draw a line through same‑colored dots/balls to clear the board and hit objectives before you run out of moves. It sounds simple — but after 10–15 levels, the game starts demanding that you plan your chains and save power‑ups for the right moments.
We tested it on a standard Android phone and an iPhone, and it’s exactly the kind of game that’s dangerous to “just try for five minutes” — levels are short, the feedback is slick, and you’ll quickly want to optimize: “If I take the blue chain first, maybe I’ll set up a better combo…”
Gameplay and features
The core loop is classic: connect adjacent dots of the same color, make a long chain, and release to smash them. You can’t just draw at random — you’re typically limited by the number of moves, and you’ll often choose between playing it safe or going for a giant chain that opens up the board. Similar web versions capture that same “long chains give the biggest payoff” feeling, which carries over to mobile.
On top of that, the game (like many VOODOO titles) leans on:
- short levels and fast progression
- simple boosters/power‑ups that bail you out when the board locks up
- leaderboards and ongoing challenges that keep you coming back
Graphics, sound, and feel
The visuals are clean and readable: bold colors make the board easy to parse, and big‑chain animations deliver that satisfying pop. It’s not a music game — but the sound effects have a rhythm that makes long chains extra satisfying (and can actually help you keep a good pace when you’re playing quickly).
Difficulty: easy to start — frustratingly fun to master
The first levels are basically a tutorial, but the difficulty ramps up steadily. In our testing, boards with “locked” areas and objectives that demand precise cleanup pushed it into “okay, one more” territory. This is where you learn you shouldn’t just clear the most — you should clear the right things.
Ads and in‑app purchases
The game is free and includes both ads and in‑app purchases, which is clear on the store pages. If you run a lot of levels back‑to‑back, the ads can feel like the biggest speed bump.
Who is Collect Em All! best for?
This is best for you if you:
- want a puzzle game you can play in short bursts (commute, couch, coffee break)
- love connect mechanics, combos, and that deeply satisfying chain effect
- want something that starts easy but becomes surprisingly tactical
If you’re after a story, deep modes, or a game without an ad flow, this won’t be your calmest choice.
Tips for parents
The game is rated Teen (13+ on the App Store page) and includes in‑app purchases. If it’s for a child, it’s worth managing screen time and purchases (passcode/Face ID).
Top 5 tips for Collect Em All! Clear the Dots
Top 5 tips for Collect Em All! Clear the Dots
Open up the board first — don’t just clear the most
Look for the color that frees space or removes blockers. A medium chain that opens two areas often beats a huge chain that leaves the board locked.
Save the longest chain for the right moment
If your move budget is tight, use small chains to shape the board — then cash in with the long chain when it hits your objective (or gives you the final push).
Plan two moves ahead: what drops next?
When you remove a color, gravity changes everything. Watch which colors will likely group up — build your next chain before it appears.
Use boosters as tools — not panic buttons
A booster shines when it removes a bottleneck (like a narrow passage) or creates a new big chain. Used at random, it rarely builds momentum.
Chasing score? Make fewer, higher‑impact moves
Score scales with chain length. Aim for fewer, bigger swings — and avoid scraping 2–3 dot chains unless they directly progress an objective.
FAQ
FAQ about Collect Em All! Clear the Dots
Answers to the most common questions we see when players get started (or get stuck).
