Do you ever get bored with crossword puzzles or sudoku? If you’re in need of a challenging and super fun puzzle game, look no further. These games all include challenging puzzles, along with (mostly) interesting plot lines beautiful artwork. Enjoy!
Limbo
“Uncertain of his sister’s fate, a boy enters Limbo”- this is all the description video game developer Playdead gave when its first game was created, and this pretty much sums up the plot (or at least what is known of it). Basically, in Limbo, you control a young boy as you solve puzzles by running, jumping, climbing, or picking things up. The boy’s enemies vary (there’s no main antagonist) but they include giant spiders, other kids with weapons, bodies of water (he can’t swim), and mind-controlling brain worms. The game is simple to play once you get the hang of it, but the puzzles are all pretty complex. The plot is very unclear (there’s no explanation of any kind), but there are a lot of theories out there on the web. I recommend waiting until the game is over to look at these, as figuring out why you’re playing in the first place is part of the fun. Also, this game is NOT for the faint of heart, or anybody who doesn’t want to see a little boy get impaled, drowned, and crushed repeatedly.
Inside
Another masterpiece by Playdead, Inside is a puzzle platformer with great gameplay and intriguing levels. Like Limbo, you control a young boy, but much of the game differs from its predecessor (by the way, you don’t need to play these games in order-they’re not connected). For one thing, while Limbo is set in a fantasy world, Inside covers a dystopia where people mind-controlled and effectively made into zombies. Of course, you can tell your avatar apart from these slaves by his distinctive red sweater. Also, the boy in Inside is older than his counterpart in Limbo, and therefore has more abilities, including swimming and running and jumping farther and faster. Throughout the game, you solve puzzles as you make your way through this future world, including running from police, escaping killer mermaids, and manipulating zombies into working for you. The end of the game is extremely confusing and leaves more to be desired, but overall it’s a great game. Again, not for those who can’t handle creepy images.
Typoman
If you love word searches and crossword puzzles, this game is for you. Play as HERO, the loveable typo-man, as you journey through a world made up of well…words. Push letters together to form words that can help you get past obstacles. For example, if you’ve got to get across a pit filled with water, why not use your spare “D” to make a drain out of that rain? Battle villains such as FEAR and DOOM, while escaping poisonous gas. A few levels even involve defying gravity! My personal favorite part of the game is the quotes you collect as you progress through levels. Once put together, they reveal HERO’s backstory (I just want to find out who “She” is!). The artwork is just stunning, as is the easy gameplay. Of course, some of the puzzles are so difficult that you might have to look them up, but most of them are just a lot of fun.
The Last Guardian
First off, possibly the best element of this game is the artwork. A lot of the time I would just stop in the middle of a puzzle and look around, appreciating the beautiful world that surrounded me…well, my avatar. Basically, you play as a young boy and, working with your loyal friend Trico, a cat-like creature, solve puzzles to work your way through castles and ruins. You can run, jump, climb, throw, and give Trico commands (as well as climb on him). But be careful, as evil soldiers lurk in dark corridors, and a dark force known as “the master of the valley” is out to get you and countless other children. The game is amazing, but some levels get a bit tedious and repetitive. Just keep playing, though, and you’ll find your interest in the game revived.
Never Alone
For those looking for a less intense, feel-good puzzle game with a great and easy-to-understand storyline, Never Alone will meet your needs. Play as Nuna, a young Eskimo girl, and her fox companion as they travel through the Arctic wilderness. The game allows you to switch between both Nuna and Fox in order to get past harsh blizzards and chilling oceans. Nature spirits also aid you in your quest, acting as bridges and transportation. But beware a mysterious evil man, who destroyed Nuna’s village and is out to get her. As Nuna, you can run, jump, and use your bola, a weapon similar to a slingshot. As Fox, you can run, jump, and squeeze through small spaces, as well as communicate with nature spirits. Based on a real Inupiat legend, Never Alone is a beautiful puzzle game for anyone to enjoy.
Escape Plan
To wrap up, here’s a lighter, funnier puzzle game with a lot of classic obstacles and levels. In Escape Plan, the player switches between Lil and Laarg, two characters trying to escape the evil Bakuki’s lair. Move Lil and Laarg by tapping on different objects, signifying your wish for them to move there. Using this and their special skills (i.e. Lil’s hyperness that comes with coffee and Laarg’s ability to crash through floorboards), navigate your way to the end. You also end up having to battle minions from time to time. The best part of the game? The ability to skip levels.
Thoughts of a Middle School Nerd 