The 'free' bit refers to the persistent, always-there banner ad at the bottom of DartsMatch throughout play, which is fair enough - the developers need an income. But in this case I really, really wanted to pay to make the ads go away. DartsMatch is a top notch title, built on the award winning Unity engine and deserves a menu option or in-app purchase to remove ads. I don't even care how much it is - just take my money.
From the Store description:
Game on! Focus, concentration, a steady finger, big scores and crowd-pleasing finishes is what’s needed to beat a number of tough computer opponents and your Facebook friends in ‘Darts Match’, the most lifelike darts application on the market.
Played on an officially approved PDC/Unicorn dartboard and in a pub-style atmosphere, ‘Darts Match’ offers a natural throwing action in a range of popular darts formats, perfect for both the avid darter and novice.
-Challenge your Facebook friends in games of 501, 301, or Round the Clock.
-Play classic games of 501, 301, and Round the Clock against a range of computer opponents at difficulty levels easy, medium and hard.
-Determine the number of sets and legs played.
-Customise your darts in the darts store with a choice of flights, shafts and barrel.
-Perfect your throwing arm in practice mode.
-Improve your throwing accuracy with a game of round the clock.
-Records three-dart averages, checkout percentages, number of games won and total number of 100+, 140+, and 180 scores.
-Suggested checkout finishes.
-PDC/Unicorn approved dartboard.
-Realistic caller and crowd sound effects.
Here's DartsMatch in action:
In addition to the ad, there's a heavy push to sign up via the bundled game network or with Facebook, playing against friends - the aim here is to go viral! Here I'm going for 'Solo', playing against the in-game AI opponents though....
There's a range of abilities - I found my perfect match on 'Medium', which gave me a real challenge... (right) throwing darts is easy - but hard to master. In the game, I get about the same accuracy as in real life - i.e. not much!
The three most popular pub variants, all here for your enjoyment. (right) the Unity engine enables fancy 3D views after each turn, all neatly rendered and animated in real time.
Left, you can just see the dart in flight (against the top of the board), right, the dart has landed. The throwing action is intuitive and well done.
I won! (right) The 'Store' option isn't - surprisingly - a plea for money, but a chance to freely change all aspects of your darts, in terms of cosmetics...
Working my way through the AI opponents.... (right) Note the helpful suggestions at every stage, bottom of screen, as to how to get 'out' from your current score....
Highly recommended - developers, stick in an IAP for the ads - please. In the meantime, you can download DartsMatch for free here, to see if you agree with me!