Titles with great stories and head-scratching puzzles
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But it’s not all about difficult puzzles.
Patrick Smith (Vectorpark) / Wikimedia Commons/ CC BY-SA 3.0
The Tiny Bang Story HD
Interesting combination of hidden object and puzzle games.
Good variety of puzzles and difficulty.
Not for players who don’t like jigsaw puzzles.
No tutorial or instructions.
Many pieces will require you tosolve puzzlesbefore they become available.
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Machinarium
Gorgeous art and fun music.
Hints and a built-in walkthrough to help players with difficult-to-solve puzzles.
Scenes of bullying and smoking unsuitable for young children, but game is not for young children.
Difficult to use controls on smaller screens.
An old-school adventurepuzzle gamewrapped in beautiful artwork, “Machinarium” isnotfor the easily frustrated.
The Room
Exceptionally absorbing game.
Atmospheric graphics set the mood effectively.
Anyone who loved Myst will love The Room.
It’s difficult to become proficient at this game.
Instances of tarot, astrology, or satanic symbolism may offend some players.
But don’t worry, you’ll have a little help.
If you’ve already experienced The Room, you might also check outThe Room TwoandThe Room Three.
We also have a list ofiPad games similar to The Room.
The Silent Age
Time travel aspect of game is intriguing.
Game has a fun, creepy vibe.
Simple but effective graphics.
Patrick Smith (Vectorpark) / Wikimedia Commons/ CC BY-SA 3.0
Politically incorrect dialogue may be offensive.
Not many games cast the protagonist as an average Joe working as a plumber.
But then again, not too many games use 1972 as a setting.
equipment 6
Imaginative and playful puzzles.
Interesting concept of puzzles within story.
It’s more an interactive book than a game.
Must be played with sound turned on for audible clues.
As Anna, you are trying to escape a castle on a remote island.
And interspersed throughout are (of course) a number of great puzzles for you to solve.
Shadowmatic
Original concept and whimsical puzzles.
Hidden secrets keep things interesting.
Too many easy levels.
Players looking for action won’t find it here.
Not a lot of variety.
It’s basically a create-the-shape game using shadows.
You are tasked with manipulating objects in the middle of the room to create a specific shadowy shape.
This game is absolutely gorgeous as well as massively addicting.
Superbrothers: Sword & Sworcery
Captivating game.
Tongue-in-cheek dialogue and storyline.
Goal of the game is unclear.
Not a lot of gameplay.
The game is as much about the journey as anything, where even combat becomes its own puzzle.
Calming without being boring.
Completely different from other games.
Priced too high for a super-short game.
No instructions or tutorial.
There aren’t too many games that are extremely fun for both the youngest and the oldest of gamers.
A short adventuredon’t expect to be playing this one for hoursit is nonetheless very entertaining.
And if you live with a family of puzzle lovers, there’s definitely some value here.
Myst
Faithful to the original game.
Oldie but goodie delivers immersive experience.
Not for players looking for fast-paced action games.
A surreal puzzle game, Myst was considered one of the most difficult and beautiful games of its time.
Slender Rising
Horror fans won’t be disappointed.
Addicting, fun, and terrifying.
Too scary for children and some adults.
Doesn’t offer much of a storyline.
It is not often that an internet meme becomes a game, much less a whole host of games.
