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.

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...
While Waiting PC Review
PC Reviews

While Waiting PC Review

While Waiting is the latest release from indie developer and publisher Optillusion (Moncage). This point-and-click narrative game depicts the unnamed male protagonist's life at various key moments. The premise intrigued me as you can let events happen passively or actively participate to make entertaining moments happen. The game is full of tongue-in-cheek humour, and heart as you relate to the main character. It even had me belly laughing at times, something a game hasn't made me do in a while. While Waiting is available now on Steam and Nintendo Switch. Life pauses for no one in While Waiting Gameplay While Waiting begins with a child-friendly and humourous version of conception and birth, which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the game. This sequence introduces the mechani...
Is This Seat Taken? – Cosy Game Reveal
News & Updates

Is This Seat Taken? – Cosy Game Reveal

The Wholesome Games publishing label, Wholesome Games Presents, and developer Poti Poti Studios have just announced Is This Seat Taken?, a hilarious logic puzzler coming to Steam, Google Play, and the App Store. It's a game that gives me the same chill vibes as Wilmot's Warehouse, I couldn't wishlist it fast enough. Solve Seating Sadness Is This Seat Taken? is a heartfelt puzzle adventure, all about finding yourself and fitting in, that will have you wondering, “Does this person really smell that bad?” Players can find their perfect seats in an upcoming public Steam demo available February 10th. Window seat or aisle? Booth or table? Lone wolf or life of the party? In Is This Seat Taken?, your mission is to organize groups of people according to their preferences. It’s a cosy, no-press...
Botany Manor Takes Root On PlayStation
News & Updates

Botany Manor Takes Root On PlayStation

Starting today, the stately manor doors of Botany Manor are now open on PlayStation consoles. In the critically acclaimed botanical puzzle game, you’ll be able to explore a historical English homestead. Discover a lifetime of memorabilia and Research on a whole new platform. Uncover long-forgotten seeds and help each rare plant grow by piecing together clues and solving puzzles. Grow Your Indie Puzzle Game Collection Today The enduring estate of Botany Manor is home to retired botanist Arabella Greene. She has amassed a collection of rare, long-forgotten plants, over her career. These plants require some research to help them live again. Play as Arabella and explore the stunning historic manor and its grounds. Determine the correct set of circumstances to help the flora flourish by looki...
Follow The Meaning – PC Review
PC Reviews

Follow The Meaning – PC Review

Follow The Meaning is a new game from developers HiKing Mind Studio and publisher Second Maze. Released last November, this bizarre point and click adventure is a mystery waiting to be unravelled. Available now on Steam for £4.99, is it worth adding to your library? Get ready to point and wait for the story to click Gameplay You start Follow The Meaning as Paul Trilby, a detective investigating a local psychiatric hospital that's conducting strange procedures. It's a pretty dark narrative, with mysterious doctors, people with three eyes and a mystery that follows. The game won't hand you the story, though. Through mini cutscenes, tidbits of information fed to you through dialogue and plenty of things to click on, it is up to the player to uncover the full story that's at play. Ther...
Shattered – Quest 3 Review
VR Reviews

Shattered – Quest 3 Review

If you are looking for an incredible mixed-reality experience. Look no further than Shattered, a horror slash escape room. Developed by PlaySide Studios LTD and published by Oculus Publishing, released on the Quest 3 and 3S back at the start of December. You can grab it from the Meta store for £15.99. Escape From My Own Room! It's no shock that I love mixed-reality games on the Quest 3. I remember seeing the trailer for this and being super excited about it. So when I was offered the chance to review it, I just had to snap it up. Read on to find out what I enjoyed most about Shattered. Gameplay Shattered is essentially one large escape room experience. And as with all escape rooms, you are tasked with solving puzzles to progress through. It sounds straightforward enough, and possibly e...