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.

Once Upon A Puppet Released On PC And Console
News & Updates

Once Upon A Puppet Released On PC And Console

The brand new puzzle-platformer Once Upon a Puppet invites you to enter a whimsical, hand-crafted world. Developed by Flatter Than Earth and published by Daedalic Entertainment, this game invites you to step into a magical theatrical realm full of danger, discovery, and unexpected transformations. It combines inventive thread-based mechanics, dual-character puzzles, and a rich, hand-animated world. Get ready to experience a heartfelt and eerie journey through a long-forgotten puppet kingdom. It's available now on PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Steam Deck. A Switch version is set to release in early June of this year too! Who Is Really Pulling The Strings? Once Upon a Puppet's story follows Nieve, the exiled Stagehand, and Drev, the Puppet bound to her by fate. As they embark ...
Blue Prince – PC Review
PC Reviews

Blue Prince – PC Review

Blue Prince is an adventure, puzzle, strategy game developed by Dogubomb and published by Raw Fury. You can grab your copy from Steam for £25. There was a lot of advertising for this game before it's release, but what caught my attention was the puzzles. Puzzles alone weren't the only things that interested me however, but the fact the game reminded me of the board game, Betrayal at House on the Hill. And if you like that board game, then play this game but don't worry about any supernatural things… maybe. Room for everyone Much like within Betrayal at House on the Hill in Blue Prince which rooms appear will make or break the run. And boy did my runs get broken because of RNGesus not being on my side! The other thing that kept me playing was the mystery behind someone's disappearance. Bu...
Amerzone: The Explorer’s Legacy [Remake] – PC Review
PC Reviews

Amerzone: The Explorer’s Legacy [Remake] – PC Review

Return to Latin America once again in the Remake of Amerzone: The Explorer's Legacy. I didn’t play the game when it originally released back in 1999, so I’m looking forward to seeing what Microids has for me. Anyone who has played it before can look forward to some major visual/graphical improvements. Rediscovering An Enjoyable Adventure Amerzone: The Explorer's Legacy will be out on Steam April 24th for £34.90, with the Digital Deluxe costing £43.99. This will net you a media book, some artwork, and, most interesting, a couple of animated short stories. If that sounds good to you, then click here. Gameplay Amerzone: The Explorer's Legacy is a point & click-style game with the player looking around the environment solving puzzles. We play as a no-named journalist, who is invi...
Pilo and the Holobook – PC Review
PC Reviews

Pilo and the Holobook – PC Review

There’s something truly magical about diving into a new world. Pilo and the Holobook, out now on Steam, Xbox, PlayStation and Switch, invites you to do just that. Developed by Mudita Games and published by RedDeer Games, this exploration-based adventure swaps swords for stickers and combat for curiosity. Set across a mesmerising, hand-painted galaxy, the game follows Pilo, an apprentice explorer armed with nothing, but a Holobook and a big heart, as they document the wonders of the universe and tackle a creeping corruption known as the Tar. What unfolds is a peaceful, creative journey that encourages discovery, observation, and empathy—perfect for players who want a break from endless battles and high-octane mayhem. This book is worth putting stickers in I was excited to play this becau...
DETECTIVE – The Test PS5 Review
PlayStation Reviews

DETECTIVE – The Test PS5 Review

Time to put those little grey cells to work in another murder deduction mystery from solo developer K148 Game Studio. This time, the investigation shifts from a motel to three new locations in DETECTIVE – The Test, launching on April 7, 2025. Investigating the Gameplay The premise is simple, explore a location, find clues, and solve the crime. The first is a suburban house with missing keys, false rocks, and puzzle boxes your obstacles to success. A trailer park love triangle and an undercover police operation gone wrong at a coffee shop are your other cases. You don't get an introductory cutscene for each case, you get a screen advising you to use pen and paper to write down clues throughout the investigation. Each location has a small area with papers to find and puzzles to solve. ...
Urban Jungle – PC Review
PC Reviews

Urban Jungle – PC Review

Create your own green haven: Urban Jungle has officially planted its roots on Steam and is available for purchase right now! Developed by Kylyk Games, a studio consisting of just 3 people, this cosy puzzle game is their jump into the development of PC games. One thing is certain: This game is sure to sprout some joy! So what are we waiting for? Let’s get growing! No Such Thing As “Too Many Plants” Unfortunately, I am the kind of person that manages to kill even the most resilient and “easy-to-care-for” plants out there. Apparently most of them need to be "watered" or they need "sunlight", whatever that's supposed to be. Luckily, in this game you don’t have to take care of them at all! It's as simple as placing them in the right spot, and they will be thriving without you having to do ...
Scarlet Hollow – PC Preview
Previews & Early Access

Scarlet Hollow – PC Preview

There’s something deeply unsettling about small towns. Maybe it’s how everyone knows your business, or perhaps it’s the sense that you might never leave once you’ve arrived. Scarlet Hollow, developed and published by Black Tabby Games, leans into that creeping dread with a masterful blend of mystery, horror, and pitch, black humour. Best known for Slay the Princess, the indie duo behind Black Tabby Games have crafted another narrative-driven gem where your choices matter, your relationships evolve, and no one is getting out unscathed. With four episodes currently available (out of seven planned) on Steam, Scarlet Hollow is already shaping up to be one of the most immersive experiences in gaming. Scarlet might be Hollow but this game is full of greatness What are you most excited about in...
The Rise of the Golden Idol & DLC – PC Review
PC Reviews

The Rise of the Golden Idol & DLC – PC Review

The Golden Idol is back with the newest instalment from Latvian studio Color Gray Games and publisher Playstack. The Rise of the Golden Idol is a direct sequel to 2022's The Case of the Golden Idol. However, this time you are transported to the roaring 1970s to solve crime. The base game was originally released in November 2024, however, we at Thumb Culture have been lucky to receive the base game and its newest DLC: The Sins of New Wells. Available on Steam the base game will cost you around £17, whilst this first DLC is £5. Have you got your detective's hat on? There is an abundance of detective style games out there to enjoy, but does The Rise of the Golden Idol beat them? Let me know your thoughts below! Gameplay The Rise of the Golden Idol follows on the events of its predeces...
Confronted – PC Preview
Previews & Early Access

Confronted – PC Preview

Confronted has been out since October last year and was made by Grumpy Rock Studios (I love that name). It’s a new survival-horror which emphasises the use of making your own cover. I’ll find resources and attempt to stay away from what stalks me in the shadows. The game is currently in early access on Steam for £5.99. It only has one chapter right now, with two more on the way. When Confronted, Hide Instead. Confronted’s story starts with a narrated letter from a prisoner named Nicolae. Who is pleading for aid from a woman called Dorinela, who we play as? This leads us to go save him from Castle Radu. Gameplay The gameplay of Confronted so far is mainly walking and hiding. Hiding being the key thing to point out. Really early in the game, we get the turn screw. It’s the tool that ...
Blue Prince Launching On PS+ & Xbox Game Pass
News & Updates

Blue Prince Launching On PS+ & Xbox Game Pass

During February's PlayStation State of Play, indie game publisher Raw Fury and developer Dogubomb announced that their mysterious puzzle adventure game Blue Prince will be coming to PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S in Spring 2025. In addition, Blue Prince will be available at launch through the PS+ Game Catalogue for Extra and Premium members, and as a day one release on Xbox Game Pass. This announcement is in addition to the already-announced Windows and Steam versions of Blue Prince for PC. Players can begin their mind-bending journey today by visiting Blue Prince’s page on Steam to play the demo and wishlist the game before release. Welcome to Mt. Holly, the mysterious manor with shifting rooms. In Blue Prince, you embark on a genre-defying experience, filled with a unique mix of...