All articles tagged with #puzzle platformer
Planet of Lana II on Switch 2 expands the wordless, painterly stealth-puzzle adventure with Mui-powered puzzles and a deeper robot mystery. The Switch 2 Edition runs at 60fps/1080p with a free upgrade, offering sharper visuals and quicker loading, while broadening the world and mechanics. It remains a visually stunning but relatively short journey with a moody score and strong worldbuilding, earning a solid 9/10.
The article highlights the top PC games of 2025, including diverse titles like Megabonk, Ooo, Blue Prince, Old Skies, Peak, Dead Take, The Roottrees are Dead, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, Skin Deep, and The Seance of Blake Manor, showcasing a range of genres from roguelikes and puzzle-platformers to immersive sims and narrative adventures, emphasizing innovation, storytelling, and gameplay depth.
Little Nightmares III on Switch 2 offers a visually atmospheric horror puzzle experience that stays true to its predecessors but feels safe and somewhat repetitive, with a disappointing online-only co-op feature and performance issues, making it a missed opportunity for innovation and local multiplayer fun.
Öoo is a brilliantly designed puzzle-platformer that subverts traditional Metroidvania mechanics by limiting the player to just two bombs, encouraging inventive problem-solving and exploration through imagination, with a vibrant aesthetic and thoughtful design that makes it a standout indie game for $8.
Animal Well, a side-scrolling puzzle platformer / Metroidvania game, is set to launch for PlayStation 5, Switch, and PC via Steam on May 9 for $24.99. Developed by solo developer Billy Basso over seven years, the game offers a dense, interconnected labyrinth with secrets to unravel, emphasizing exploration, puzzle-solving, and survival in a nonlinear, atmospheric world.
Nintendo has been remaking old titles for the Switch, with Mario vs. Donkey Kong being the latest. The game, originally released in 2004, offers precise, constrained gameplay with a focus on puzzle-solving. The new Switch version includes additional worlds, a "Casual" play style, and new modes. However, the article argues that the 1994 version of Donkey Kong for the Game Boy, known as Donkey Kong '94, would have been a better choice for a remake due to its more inspired and inventive design.
The first review for Mario vs. Donkey Kong on Switch from Famitsu gives it a score of 32/40, with four critics each awarding it an 8. While this score is promising, it's not definitive, and other outlets' reviews are still awaited. The game releases on February 16th, and Nintendo Life's review will be available soon.
NME has compiled a list of the 20 best games of 2023, featuring a diverse range of genres and platforms. Some notable titles include "Humanity," a puzzle platformer with immersive soundscapes; "Lies Of P," a nightmarish fairytale slasher; "Bayonetta Origins: Cereza And the Lost Demon," a narrative-driven action-adventure; "Metroid Prime Remastered," a faithful recreation of the GameCube classic; and "The Legend Of Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom," a highly anticipated sequel to "Breath Of The Wild." Other games on the list include "Dead Space" remake, "Resident Evil 4" remake, "Star Wars Jedi: Survivor," "Marvel's Spider-Man 2," and "Baldur's Gate 3."
Cocoon, a puzzle-platformer game developed by Geometric Interactive, was born from a daydream of designer Jeppe Carlsen. The game features worlds within worlds and a simple control scheme, allowing players to navigate through complex puzzles with just one button and a joystick. The development process involved creating prototypes, refining gameplay mechanics, and incorporating stunning artwork and audio design. Cocoon's story is open to interpretation, with no dialogue and a focus on environmental storytelling. The team behind Cocoon is now taking a break but has plans for their next game, which will be a different concept from Cocoon.
Trine 5: A Clockwork Conspiracy is a 2.5D puzzle platformer that continues the series' tradition of excellence in co-op gameplay. The game features challenging puzzles, expanded progression system, and unique boss fights. However, the combat sections are lackluster and interrupt the flow of the game. The story is predictable and uninteresting. Overall, Trine 5 offers more of the same Trine experience, which is a good thing for fans of the series.
Cocoon, the debut game from Geometric Interactive, is a puzzle platformer that uses its levels to solve themselves. Orbs are the key to opening doors, triggering switches, revealing hidden paths, and solving puzzles. Each orb is a distinct world with its own vibe, original puzzle mechanics, and a boss fight. The game has no conventional combat, and defeating bosses grants new powers that allow progression to new areas and the discovery of more orbs. Cocoon will be published by Annapurna Interactive and will come to Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation, and Xbox consoles later this year.
Steam is offering the critically acclaimed puzzle platformer game, Hue, for free. Developed by Fiddlesticks, the game follows the story of Hue, who is in search of his mother after she turned into an “impossible colour” due to a powerful ring. Players must use a color wheel to solve puzzles and progress in the game. Hue has received positive reviews on Metacritic and Steam. To claim the game for free, simply visit the Hue Steam page and click “Add to Account”.
Xbox Games with Gold for May 2023 will include Star Wars Episode I: Racer and Hoa, a puzzle-platformer with beautiful hand-painted art and a peaceful atmosphere. Star Wars Episode I: Racer will be available from May 1 to May 31, while Hoa will be available from May 16 to June 15. Players with Xbox Live Gold or Xbox Game Pass Ultimate can download these games for free during their respective availability periods.
Microsoft has announced the free Games With Gold titles for May 2023, which include Star Wars Episode I Racer and Hoa. Star Wars Episode I Racer will be available from May 1-31 and Hoa will be available from May 16 to June 15. Both games can be played on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S. Xbox Live Gold members can access these titles at no additional cost.
Teslagrad 2 is a three to five hour Metroidvania-style 2D puzzle platformer in which you play as a young girl, Lumina, using her various electrifying and magnetic abilities to solve puzzles, avoid dangers, and explore your surroundings to locate a safe route to return home. The puzzles focus heavily on its terrific traversal with many of the unlockable abilities enhancing your swift movements. The game has satisfying traversal and enjoyably challenging puzzles and boss fights, but with a short runtime and a lack of hints and guidance, it fails to really improve upon its predecessor.