If you’ve read Part 1 of this series, then you know I’m not much of a puzzle person (and if you haven’t read Part 1 yet, click here!). Put a jigsaw puzzle down in front of me and I won’t touch it, but suggest an indie puzzle video game with a compelling storyline and engaging graphics, and I’m hooked. So without further ado, I continue with more of my favourite relaxing puzzle games.
Röki
An adventure game based on Scandinavian folklore, Rӧki follows our young protagonist Tove as she searches for her younger brother, Lars, in the forest surrounding their home after a giant black creature with beady eyes takes him – and he’s not the first child to suddenly go missing. Along her journey, Tove comes across mythical beings such as trolls, tomtes (domestic spirits that provide protection), a nokken (a water spirit that lures women and children to drown in lakes), and even the Forest Guardians – some of whom help her, and others who jeopardize her quest. While Tove starts this journey solo, she can only complete the final puzzle levels and save Lars with the help of her family – her father, Henrik. Can they get to Lars before he is lost like the other children?
Rӧki is a take on the point-and-click type of gameplay, where you collect items found on the ground, hidden in snow, and forgotten in abandoned buildings, and compile them in Tove’s backpack to then use in the game’s world to solve puzzles. Tove also has a journal that keeps track of the map, found items, and badges you can earn for reaching certain milestones in the game and hidden achievements as well. Tove also keeps notes in her journal based on the environment and creatures she encounters, which I found was such a fun detail that makes it feel like Tove is really on an adventure and adds to the story. With soft graphics and dynamic, vast environments that include snowy mountains, icy lakes, deep forests, and damp caves, Rӧki provides a striking narrative of familial love, friendship, and courage – one that had me near tears at some points. Some levels switch back and forth between the real world and Tove’s childhood memories of her mother – discover what happened to her, and follow this family as they work to mend their fractured bond and become whole once again.
Rӧki is currently available on Nintendo Switch, Steam, and Gog. This is an extraordinary and magical world with an equally powerful storyline that you won’t want to miss!
LUNA: The Shadow Dust
A 2D point-and-click adventure puzzle game much like Rӧki, LUNA: The Shadow Dust (referred to from now on as LUNA) is a game that centers around a dark and ancient tower with the night sky perpetually behind it as the world is thrown out of balance – but what of the environments inside the tower and each of its rooms? These range from a plain ol‘ kitchen to a room where the seasons change depending on the push of a button; conduct a mini orchestra and play with shadows to get to the next levels. You play as two companions: Üri, a young boy with a white bunny ears hat, and an adorable cat-like creature named Layh who Üri stumbles upon in the tower. Beat puzzles and unlock Üri’s hidden past as you climb to the top of the tower to restore the world’s balance, and form an unbreakable bond with these characters as you do so.
With absolutely stunning hand-drawn graphics, the cut scenes in LUNA provide so much emotion through Üri’s and Layh’s expressions and the gorgeous ethereal soundtrack. The bond that forms between Üri and Layh is so strong that it’s palpable through the screen. There were many times when I had to consult an online walkthrough to get past the later puzzles, so if you’re looking for a challenging puzzle game, this is it! I would say LUNA contains the most challenging puzzles out of all the games I’ve discussed.
Courage, determination, friendship, and magic – a game of perseverance with rewarding gameplay, you can buy LUNA on Nintendo Switch, Steam, Gog, and the Mac App Store.
Lost Ember
In a world where humans met their downfall and nature has taken over, you play as a shape-shifting wolf following a little ember to discover exactly what happened to humans. Travel among ancient ruins, tall swaying grasses, and unlock memories from a past life to piece this tale together. An engaging aspect of this gameplay is the ability to take on the shape of any animal you come across that can then help you progress in the game – come across a waterfall with no safe way down, and spot a duck by the shore’s edge, or take on the shape of a fellow mole to make it through narrow tunnels. The flora and fauna are delicate, with surrounding cliffs and mountains making this environment come alive. I also love the graceful movements of the wolf as she runs – there’s just something so peaceful about those strolls through the woods.
The 3D graphics offer a perspective of gameplay that pulls you right into the narrative. However, if you’re easily made motion sick by 3D graphics like I am, this can be a little off-putting. Not to worry though! The creators of Lost Ember clearly thought of people like us when designing their “Options” section: on the home menu of the game, click “Options,” then go to “Accessibility,” and there is the choice to “Reduce Motion Sickness.” Problem solved! This game also offers a narrative voice above the soothing background sounds. I’m personally not a fan of narrative voices when playing puzzle games – I’d much rather listen to the music. But the creators thought of this, too! On the home menu, click “Options,” go to “Audio,” and you can disable the commentary and turn on the subtitles instead. Now you’re ready to go and discover the forgotten secrets of fallen civilization in this lush place!
Lost Ember is currently available on Nintendo Switch, PS4, XBox One, Steam, and Gog.
So there you have it! A list of my favourite indie puzzle games that offer relaxing and engaging adventures. Check them out for yourself and let us know your favourite!