10 Puzzle Game Hidden Gems You Need to Play

10 Puzzle Game Hidden Gems You Need to Play

As a seasoned gamer who’s spent countless hours navigating through digital landscapes and solving intricate puzzles, I must say these games have truly captured my imagination! From the devilishly clever Pony Island to the immersive VR experience of The Last Clockwinder, each game offers a unique challenge that pushes my mental faculties to their limits.


I’m drawn to puzzle games more than many other types of games, as I find them intriguing, intellectual, and engaging due to my analytical, clever, and observant nature.

Nothing sparks intellectual curiosity quite like an intriguing conundrum, and there’s no feeling quite as rewarding as the ‘ah-ha!’ sensation when you crack a challenging riddle that seemed insurmountable at first.

Many people are familiar with popular puzzle games such as Portal and The Witness. However, if you’ve already experienced the mainstream favorites, you might be searching for lesser-known but equally engaging titles to enjoy instead.

To rekindle your thinking skills, here’s a collection of ten exceptional puzzle games that are off the beaten track yet definitely worth exploring!

10 Gorogoa

Windows To Another World

10 Puzzle Game Hidden Gems You Need to Play

DeveloperJason Roberts
Release DateDec 14, 2017
OpenCritic Score85%

Even though Gorogoa is undeniably one of the most creative and exceptional games under Annapurna Interactive, I’m frequently taken aback when I mention it in discussions, only to find that people are unfamiliar with it. It’s truly unfortunate.

Goragoa is an exceptionally intelligent game where players must organize, adjust, and engage with intricately drawn tiles to advance the storyline of each puzzle, gradually revealing it without dialogue, and moving towards the logical end of each scene, filling in the blank spaces as they progress.

Although the idea was somewhat echoed in another Annapurna title called Storyteller, Goragoa surpasses any mere replication by a significant margin. It’s incredibly stylish, brimming with intelligence, and is definitely worth exploring if you’re seeking a puzzle format that offers a truly unique experience.

9 The Pedestrian

Stickman Adventures

10 Puzzle Game Hidden Gems You Need to Play

Have you ever pondered over the possibility that the small stick figures on road signs, which guide us and warn us of certain actions, might possess consciousness and personal lives similar to ours?

It seems unlikely, given that you appear to be a rational individual, which I commend you for. Nevertheless, let me tell you about the game “The Pedestrian“, an exceptional title that takes you on a journey through a lively city as a small stick figure pursuing a mission.

It’s all about making connections, flicking switches, and getting from A to B by any means possible, and as far as the puzzle design goes, it’s a masterclass in minimalism.

Fundamentally, it’s as straightforward as possible, providing basic 2D platformer game mechanics. However, due to the cleverly crafted puzzle structure, the advancement is far from basic.

Moreover, without giving too much away, let me tell you that the conclusion is nothing short of exceptional, providing an unexpected twist by altering the viewpoint. This underrated gem of a puzzle-platformer deserves your attention and affection as soon as possible.

8 7th Sector

Shockingly Good

10 Puzzle Game Hidden Gems You Need to Play
DeveloperSometimes You
Release DateMar 5th 2019
OpenCritic Score69%

Since I’m known for championing 2D Puzzle Platformers like INSIDE, LIMBO, and Little Nightmares, it’s no wonder I’m advocating for a small game that pays tribute to these classics, while also introducing something fresh in numerous aspects.

In the captivating world of the 7th Sector, I step into the role of an electrical pulse, initially maneuvering through intricate wiring and surmounting challenges by activating machinery. However, as the narrative unfolds, I gain the ability to command robots, mechs, and other mechanical beings, all in an effort to decipher the bizarre dystopia that has become my new reality.

Although it might not have the jumping mechanics common in comparable games, its intricate puzzle layout and compelling silent storyline make it a title worth adoring.

7 Tin Can

Maybe You Can’t, But A Tin Can

10 Puzzle Game Hidden Gems You Need to Play
Developer Tin Can Studio
Release DateOct 29th 2020
OpenCritic Score75% (Based on Available Reviews)

Although it’s borderline, given that Tin Can veers slightly towards the survival genre, let’s be lenient. Each emergency evacuation can essentially be viewed as a unique puzzle, particularly when you accept certain tasks or challenges.

“Tin Can” is a cosmic adventure where you’re tasked with abandoning the space station you inhabit, with the objective being to endure as long as possible within your compact and resource-restricted life pod, until rescue eventually comes.

The issue here is that this item tends to malfunction frequently. Consequently, you’ll have to study the user manual carefully and make improvised repairs on the go, since it will face electrical disturbances, black holes, and various other cosmic abnormalities.

This is a strategic survival game that caters to those with a penchant for critical thinking and logic. Essentially, it serves as an entry point for puzzle enthusiasts into this particular gaming genre. Without a doubt, it can be considered an acquired taste, but it’s still worth exploring.

6 Maquette

It’s Wheels Within Wheels

10 Puzzle Game Hidden Gems You Need to Play
maquette

Although Maquette has several aspects that I didn’t enjoy, making it challenging to wholeheartedly endorse, its unique core idea is strong enough to overshadow the negatives.

The game called “Maquette” employs a design based on fractals. This essentially means that its maps are constructed in layers, creating a complex and intricate structure reminiscent of the movie “Inception,” where the puzzles appear nested within one another.

As a gamer, I often find myself navigating through standard-sized game worlds, but to progress, I need to tinker with a miniature village-like setup right in the heart of the larger map. This intricate model helps me carve a route leading to the grandiose map that encircles the smaller one, acting as the outer boundaries of my current exploration.

Confusing, I know, but when you wrap your head around it, you can truly appreciate the ambition and the intelligent puzzle design on offer. It’s not perfect by any means, but it’s one of those you need to see to believe, and that’s pretty cool in my book.

5 Children of Silentown

Don’t Go Into The Forest

10 Puzzle Game Hidden Gems You Need to Play

As a gamer who’s always cherished the charm of classics like Grim Fandango and Day of the Tentacle, I can’t help but feel nostalgic when I ponder if the era of engaging point-and-click puzzles has truly passed.

Yet, certain games still surprise us with novel and creative elements within their genre, and the intriguing game, “Children of Silentown“, belongs in this category.

Title sets a chilling atmosphere as characters from the town keep vanishing mysteriously, leaving it up to you, despite conflicting with your own town’s values, to unravel the enigma before more lives are at stake.

This game offers engaging environmental puzzles and captivating mini-games, along with a compelling, eerie storyline that unfolds gradually. If you’re looking for a contemporary interpretation of the traditional Point and Click genre, don’t miss out on this gripping adventure.

4 Arranger: A Role-Playing Puzzle Game

Meticulous Moving

10 Puzzle Game Hidden Gems You Need to Play

If you’re fond of trying out lesser-known puzzle games, you might have come across a small game named Carto. But there’s another captivating puzzle game you might not know about yet, crafted by the same creative team, which seamlessly blends puzzle concepts with RPG elements.

Users will manage Jemma, navigating her across a grid system similar to a conveyor belt. By moving systematically throughout the environment, players can clear paths, engage in battles against foes, and communicate with the diverse characters who will aid them in their journey.

The title clearly indicates that it involves observing what’s displayed on the screen and employing your manipulation abilities to arrange everything so you can advance further. If you’re still struggling to visualize it, consider it as a flattened version of a Rubik’s Cube.

This piece is skillfully crafted, showcases artistic genius, and provides an engaging mix of challenging yet intuitive puzzles. It’s not hard to grasp the concepts, but it certainly takes a lot of practice to conquer them, making it an essential choice for enthusiasts of brain-teasers.

3 Little Inferno

Some People Want To Watch The World Burn

10 Puzzle Game Hidden Gems You Need to Play
DeveloperKyle Gabler
Release DateNov 18th 2012
OpenCritic Score69%

While it might seem odd, this title appears quite simple when it comes to puzzles and fundamental gameplay. However, let me clarify that simplicity is intentional.

Little Inferno is a game that explores the theme of consumerism, delving into its excessive aspects within video games. The gameplay encourages players to purchase items, ignite them, and engage in this cycle with an array of peculiar methods. As you proceed, the storyline subtly unveils its complex and twisted layers.

It’s quite amusing, really, that while aiming to mock the underhanded techniques in mobile games and similar platforms, the fundamental gameplay remains just as captivating as before, and the combination of puzzles only serves to enhance this allure.

This activity may not stimulate deep intellectual thinking, but it’s enjoyable and thought-provoking. Moreover, you have the chance to destroy things, which can be quite therapeutic, right?

2 The Last Clockwinder

Setting Off A Chain Reaction

10 Puzzle Game Hidden Gems You Need to Play

Although it might seem somewhat unusual due to the game being frequently recognized as a top pick in the PSVR2 library, given the relatively small number of people who have adopted VR gaming, and an even smaller subset of those who own a PSVR2, I believe that this particular title is worthy of recognition.

In “The Last Clockwinder,” the objective revolves around constructing an assembly line, which can be accomplished by producing copies of your character executing different tasks.

Regardless if it’s operating a lever, throwing an apple, or any other action, it must be performed precisely and synchronously with the others for a closed loop system to function effectively.

In simpler terms, you’re methodically setting things up one after the other, much like arranging numerous dominos before knocking them down, and it’s a beautiful sight when everything falls into place just as planned.

If you enjoy automation games and desire a more engaging, interactive experience that lets you actively participate, then this is ideal for you.

1 Pony Island

The Devil’s In The Detail

10 Puzzle Game Hidden Gems You Need to Play
DeveloperDaniel Mullins
Release DateJan 4th 2016
OpenCritic Score85%

We conclude with a game that is an eerie, twisted, de-sensitizing, deceptive, and unparalleled genius.

If you’re familiar with Daniel Mullin’s work, it’s likely because you’ve delved into the hugely popular card-themed escape room game called “Inscryption“. However, before the game became a sensation, there was another title – “Pony Island” – that preceded its success.

In this game, you’re tricked into thinking you’re playing a sweet pony game, but hidden beneath that facade lies a satirical commentary on game development. In reality, it’s not just any ordinary game; it’s a creation masterminded by none other than the devil himself.

Unraveling the game’s hidden secrets, you’ll encounter a series of coding mysteries as the seemingly perfect exterior crumbles. Delving deeper, you’ll discover the dark narrative concealed within the vivid backdrops and deceptively pleasant free-to-play atmosphere.

This work showcases the characteristic meta-commentary on ARGs that Mullin is renowned for, leaving your mind bewildered and your perception of reality warped. Frankly, it doesn’t get much better than this!

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2024-11-18 19:09