Puzzle games are often created byindie (independent) developerswho sometimes have a low budget. Puzzle games are often recognized for their intricate puzzles and less for their graphics. This doesn’t mean that all puzzle games have bad graphics because they can have beautiful aesthetics. Games likeThe WitnessandThe Talos Principleare some of the most impactful puzzle games, and they are downright gorgeous.
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Playing the following games could result in a headache or pulled hair due to their tedious nature. Beat every game on this list and considered yourself a puzzle master. These are 10 mind-boggling games.
10The Witness
The Witnessis a magical adventure that offers breathtaking visuals combined with tricky puzzles. It has a labyrinthine network of puzzles to solve, which, when decoded, open up new sections of the map. Unfortunately, many people will findThe Witnessto be too tough because of the complexity of its puzzles.IGN reviewedThe Witness,giving it a perfect 10/10 score.The Witnessis an enchanting world filled with tough problems that will give the biggest puzzle masters a rough time.
9Portal 1 & 2
Widely regarded as two of the best games of all time,Portal 1 & 2are theValve Corporation’smost excellent hits. InPortal,players have to solve puzzles while being guided by a voice-controlled A.I. You’ll have to use the “Portal gun,” which is also known as the “Aperture Science Handheld Portal Device.” This device opens two connected portals, which will help you solve puzzles and progress through the game.Portal 2has a more rich story, and possibly more fun puzzles, which makes it an excellent puzzle game.
8Human: Fall Flat
What makesHuman: Fall Flatstand out from other puzzle games is the fact that it supports 8-player online multiplayer. While other puzzle games on this list are single-player puzzle games with dreadful tones,Human: Fall Flatcan be downright hilarious at times. Trying to control a featureless human named Bob, proves to be a grueling but satisfying job.
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Once you get past the game’s learning curve,Human: Fall Flatcan be an immensely enjoyable game.Human: Fall Flatis available on PC, macOS, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch,iOS, and Android.
7The Room
Not to be confused with escape rooms,The Roomis aboutsolving a puzzle item in the middle of a room.After solving a puzzle, a new box opens up, revealing a new problem to solve. AlthoughThe Roomdoesn’t have a plot with depth, it doesn’t need to since players can focus on the puzzle-solving aspect of the game. Multiple sequels were made by Fireproof Studios, the same development company behind the original.The Roomis available for iOS, Android, PC, and Nintendo Switch. You won’t regret playingThe Roomas it’s puzzling are engaging and mind-boggling.
6Limbo
Although it is comparable to the gameInside,Limbofalls more along the lines of a classic puzzle game. It doesn’t have as unique of a fear element asInside,and you are less fascinated with its premise.Limbo,however, is an exceptional puzzle game that will boggle your mind. In explanation, you’ll need multiple attempts to progress throughLimbo.Its puzzle-solving combined with platforming is not easy, and as a game in white and black, the art-direction is uncanny.
5Inside
WhenInsidereleased in 2016, it surprised people with its dark themes combined with tricky puzzles. The game tells a story through visualization and not words. In the beginning, a boy slides down a hill and encounters men with flashlights who he must avoid.Insideis about escaping inhospitable circumstances as you try to pick up as many plot points as possible. The puzzle-solving can be scary at times, which is why not everyone will appreciate this game. It is a masterpiece in its own right, which is whyInsidedeserves placement on this list.
4The Talos Principle
Smart writing combined with excellent artwork makes the puzzles ofThe Talos Principlecome to life. Why you are stuck in this location, and why you need to solve puzzles, becomes more clear as the game progresses. The game asks the players to use tools, which are required to solve some of the puzzles.
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The mysteriesofThe Talos Principleare what encourages you to finish the game.The Talos Principleis comparable toThe Witnessbecause they are both played in the first-person.
3Tetris 99
Tetris 99is a spin on the famousTetrisgame that surfaced in 1984.Tetris 99is a combination of the originalTetrisgameplay, but players must race against 99 other players. You can send vile blocks called “Garbage Blocks” into competing players’Tetrisplaying field, creating an obstacle. For those who aren’t familiar withTetris,the goal is to complete a horizontal line of blocks to clear a line and prevent them from reaching the top. The game contains online play and different game modes, making it one of the most excitingTetrisgames yet.
2Braid
Number None, a relatively unknown developer in the gaming community, is now known for its creation ofBraid.This indie game is recognized for being both a puzzle and a platformer. In ways, it is comparable to bothSuper Mario Bros.and theSonic the Hedgehogplatform games. It also makes use of puzzle elements by requiring players to collect jigsaws and piece them together to form a completed puzzle.Braidis a fresh take on the genre, and it’s one of the best examples of a puzzle game done right.
1World of Goo
Released on platforms such as the Nintendo Wii, Nintendo Switch, PC, Android, iOS,World of Goois a puzzle game like few others. Essentially, you have to control a black goo substance to influence the movement of other items. You’ll have to guide things through a series of obstacles to reach a finishing point. Each level is intricate and well-designed.World of Goocan be tough at times, but it is highly enjoyable. It’s no wonder why this independent video game has reached critical acclaim.
