Tag: Puzzle

Looking for that next puzzle game to stretch those brain muscles? Thumb Culture has news and reviews of the newest puzzling genre games.

Rita – PC Preview
Previews & Early Access

Rita – PC Preview

If you too are mourning the loss of the NY Times mini crossword to the deplorable paywall, then maybe this will tickle your fancy. Rita by Sporktank is an upcoming, crossword solving adventure where you play as a small chick Rita and learn about your world. The demo launched earlier this month and I was lucky enough to snatch it away from everyone else at Thumb Culture! Okay so one down is... something you play? Does this cosy little adventure have a lot of promise? Or is it a failed wordsearch looking for a dictionary? Well, let me tell you everything I know about little Rita. You can try out the demo for yourself here! Gameplay The focus of Rita is the word games. You waddle around the map, collect letters and then solve puzzles that affect the world around you. Starting as a hat...
Let Them Trade – PC Review
PC Reviews

Let Them Trade – PC Review

City builders can often be an overwhelming juggling act of spinning plates and spreadsheet economics, but Let Them Trade tosses that stress out the castle window and invites you into a cosy world of carved wooden cuties and economic hijinks. Developed by Spaceflower and published by ByteRockers' Games, the game is out now on Steam, This Game Is Well Made So - Let Them Trade With its whimsical tone, charming visuals, and intuitive gameplay, it's hard not to smile, even when bandits are cheekily robbing your merchant carts. But what really sets Let Them Trade apart? The king doesn't rule alone. No, his most trusted advisor is an adorably smug squirrel named Mr. Nuts, who perches loyally on his shoulder and, frankly, steals every scene he's in. So before you read on, tell us: who's your fa...
Occlude – PC Review
PC Reviews

Occlude – PC Review

What if you could erase your past mistakes? All it would take is for you to play a simple card game and figure out the hidden rules. Yes, you'd be tearing apart reality itself, but isn't that worth it? This is the premise of Occlude, where a card game similar to Solitaire, including 4 mysterious self-moving coins, stands between regret and relief. Or does it? Occlude comes to us from the small UK/US indie team at Tributary Games, whose previous title, King of the Castle, was highly praised by our EIC, Stuart. I've been enjoying my puzzle games recently, so I'm looking forward to racking my brain again. Occult Cards & Concealed Rules Join me as I doubt my intelligence and fight with RNG while making my way through this occult puzzler. Gameplay Do you know the rules of Solitai...
No Sleep For Kaname Date – From AI: THE SOMNIUM FILES – PC Review
PC Reviews

No Sleep For Kaname Date – From AI: THE SOMNIUM FILES – PC Review

No Sleep For Kaname Date - From AI: THE SOMNIUM FILES is an Adventure game, made by the wild minds from Spike Chunsoft. They're behind not only this series, but many others like Danganronpa and Stein's Gate. Basically, most of my favourite story telling adventure games came from this company. No Sleep for Kaname Date is the third instalment of the AI: THE SOMNIUM FILES series and launches today (25th July) on Steam. As someone who's invested over a combined 80 hours from the first two alone, this was actually an amazing addition. Remember, when you're feeling sad or lost, just pick up a Porn-o mag to wash away the pain. When it comes to the timeline of the game, this one take place between both the first game and nirvanA Initiative. Getting to do the puzzles so blind that I had no guides...
The Drifter – PC Review
PC Reviews

The Drifter – PC Review

There are not many games that I would sit up until 2am playing solo but it was impossible to stop playing The Drifter. After checking out the demo, I was super excited to get my hands on the finished product. What's even better news for you is The Drifter officially releases today on Steam! Death, death and more death? Point and click me to the sign up sheet! Gameplay The gameplay is the same as I mentioned in the preview. You point and click, pick up items and solve puzzles using your environment. The main story takes what is has already given us and elevates it further. The story took a direction that I really wasn't expecting which is why I enjoyed it so much. However, I did say in my playthrough of the demo that it didn't seem too hard. I take it back. Whilst the difficulty ...
Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S – Switch 2 Review
Switch Reviews

Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S – Switch 2 Review

So you've just unboxed your brand new Switch 2, and you want a launch title. Now there were plenty launched, but nothing quite as colourful as Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S! This mashup game is released on a whole host of platforms, but we are going to concentrate purely on that lovely new Ninty console. Bringing the colourful Puyo and the harsh, lined shapes into one game may well have been a challenge. Not so, said SEGA. Colourful Crazy Chaos If you are a fan of old school matching puzzlers, or creating lines to survive. This might just be perfect for you. Let's read on to find out a little more. Gameplay Gameplay is simple; picking from a few different options on the main menu will thrust you into the game. There is a section for lessons, but let's be honest, we all know what we need to do. M...
A Building Full Of Cats 2 – PC Review
PC Reviews

A Building Full Of Cats 2 – PC Review

This year, I've begun playing hidden-object games between other games as a way of relaxing and clearing my mind a bit. This was particularly needed recently after playing Blue Prince and Expedition 33 — two games that drain you mentally and emotionally respectively. It's purr-fect timing, then, that Devcats are back with a new title, A Building Full Of Cats 2. I've played a few of their games previously, on both PC and PS5, so was somewhat clued in as to what to expect from this new entry to the Full Of Cats series. Still, there were still some surprises to be found. Bursting With Purr-sonality A Building Full Of Cats 2 is Devcats biggest game yet, with over 2000+ cats to pet. While the residents of the building are away on holiday, it's up to you to check in on the cats and help with va...
PaperKlay – PC Review
PC Reviews

PaperKlay – PC Review

PaperKlay, out now on Steam, developed and published by the one-dev studio WhyKev, is precisely the sort of passion project that aims to showcase its creativity. It is a 3D platformer collect-a-thon where the world is stitched together from cardboard, paper, clay and the kind of materials you might find in a Year 3 art cupboard after a particularly chaotic lesson. And we mean that in the most loving way. Here to stay or one for the shredder? It is fantastic to see games like PaperKlay embracing bold, unconventional art styles. They might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but they make the gaming landscape far more colourful and creative. So, we want to hear from you. What is the most unique-looking game you have ever played? Drop it in the comments below and let us celebrate those visual gem...
Escape Simulator 2 Revealed
News & Updates

Escape Simulator 2 Revealed

Following the success of the first game, Pine Studio has shared that Escape Simulator 2 is in development! Even better it will be launching this October on Steam. This highly anticipated sequel  can be played with up to 8 players. Can't wait until October? Well, I have good news. There is a demo available right now thanks to the Steam Next Fest, where you can puzzle our way through the grounds of Dracula’s castle. The Key To A Good Game Escape Simulator 2 promises to build on the breakout success of the original game. In this sequel, players can enjoy even more detailed environments and deeper interactivity with their surroundings. But that's not all there is also a brand-new feature called the ‘Room Editor 2.0’. Let's take a look at the trailer together. https://www.youtube.com/watch...
Ghost Town – Quest 3 Review
VR Reviews

Ghost Town – Quest 3 Review

If you, like me, are always looking for a new experience in virtual reality, then keep reading! How does a supernatural world that, during your playtime with the game, you will bridge the gap of sound? Intriguing right? That's exactly what Ghost Town by Fireproof Games offers to players. I Ain't Afraid Of No Ghost I was excited to get hands-on with this game, being a bit of a spooky game fan. Sitting at a 4.8 rating on the Meta store, you can rest assured that you are in for a treat with this one! Let's take a closer look at just why that is. Gameplay You start the game playing as Edith, exploring a seemingly abandoned theatre. You are there with your brother Adam. In this section, we get a glimpse of Edith's powers, being able to head into Limbo and help souls finally be at rest. Play...