Mind Spheres

Mind Spheres

Mind Spheres is an interesting combination of physics puzzles, mini-golf and pinball, that is unfortunately a little too short and easy for its own good. The game is quite relaxing and perfect for killing some time when you are not in the mood for more involved games, but it does suffer from a rather nasty memory leak, which requires frequent restarts. If you can put up with all of this, you’ll find a game with levels that are satisfying to solve, but don’t expect it to keep you busy for long.

Gameplay: An interesting concept, but the fifty levels are over before you really feel challenged.

Graphics: Very minimal, but it still looks fine.

Sound: The piano tunes are quite soothing, but they do feel somewhat out of place

Lyne

Lyne

LYNE is a simple but addictive and quite challenging minimalist puzzle game. It takes a straightforward concept, connecting all the shapes on a grid, and turns it into a game that can become infinitely complex. Don’t worry, though, as LYNE features over six hundred puzzles to ease you into things. Thanks to the randomly generated daily puzzles, this is a game that also offers an incredible amount of value for money. While it is definitely a game more suited for playing in short bursts on mobile, it doesn’t feel out of place on PC.

Gameplay: As the game states, LYNE is deceptively simple but infinitely complex.

Graphics: Very minimal, but the focus is the puzzles, and the visuals match the style of the game.

Sound: Also very minimal, but once again, the audio is a good match for the relaxing atmosphere of LYNE

Hocus

Hocus

Hocus is a nice puzzle game that makes use of Escher style perspective illusions. You simply need to navigate a red square to a marked red spot on the level, but can only navigate along straight lines. Hocus has 100 puzzles to complete and you can also create your own ones or import puzzles created by other players, which means it offers plenty of value for money. It does feel more like a maze game than a puzzle game at times because it is possible to brute force your way through levels, but overall it is a lot of fun.

Gameplay: The puzzles are not as hard as they might seem, but completing them is still very satisfying.

Graphics: The mobile roots of this game are very obvious, but the minimal visuals still look good.

Sound: The music is soothing at first, but can become repetitive while the sound effects are best switched off immediately

Incredipede

Incredipede

Incredipede is a unique puzzle title that challenges you to complete levels by controlling the muscles of one of the most bizarre characters ever to feature in a game. In easy mode, you are provided with a unique design for your creature every level, but in hard mode, it is up to you to create your own working designs. Throw in a sandbox mode as well as a level editor, and you have a game that can keep you entertained for far longer than expected. This game also has some of the most unique and eye-catching visual styles that we have seen in a while.

Gameplay: Incredipede is quite challenging and frequently frustrating but always fun.

Graphics: The art style is gorgeous, although the animations can be slightly creepy.

Sound: The audio is very sparse but quite fitting

Glass Masquerade

Glass Masquerade

Digital jigsaw puzzle games are a dime a dozen these days, but Glass Masquerade stands out from the crowd thanks to its polished visuals, unique stained glass style, and addictive gameplay. You get twenty-five puzzles, each themed around a different country, that you can solve at your leisure. The game looks great and sounds just as good, and while it is a little short, it remains enjoyable until the end. If you are a fan of the genre, then don’t hesitate to pick up this gem.

Gameplay: Solve jigsaw puzzles using stained glass pieces.

Graphics: The visual style of the game is very polished.

Sound: The soundtrack is a perfect match for the relaxed feel of the game

Don’t Disturb

Don’t Disturb

Go on a journey into the afterlife as a dog who recently lost their elderly owner in Don’t Disturb. The game is based on traditional Asian views on the subject, which makes for a fascinating and unique experience. However, it is an extremely short game and doesn’t have much of a challenge. Despite this, it is still worth checking out, thanks to the low price tag, especially if you are a pet owner.

Gameplay: Don’t Disturb is very simple, but the setting is rather unique.

Graphics: The game features a beautiful and unique visual style.

Sound: The audio is minimal but very fitting

Portal

Portal

Playing Portal is a awesome experience and while the earlier levels might feature a bit too much hand holding you’ll really be proving your skills towards the end. With only its length really counting against it, this is a great game that should be experienced by all gamers. Portal 2 can’t come soon enough.

Gameplay: A refreshingly different take on the genre and an absolute brain scrambler. You’ll love every second of it though.

Graphics: Minimal but stylish..

Sound: Outstanding voice-overs

Portal 2

Portal 2

Portal 2 proves that sequels doesn’t have to be lazy cash-ins on the original game’s success. Everything in this game has been expanded and made better in some way and playing it is a blast. The humor and dialogue are spot on and the puzzles while not too complicated for veteran players still provide a few head scratching moments.

Gameplay: More story, more puzzles, more of everything.

Graphics: More detail and variety than the original game.

Sound: Outstanding voice acting all round

Eventide 3: Legacy of Legends

Eventide 3: Legacy of Legends

Mary the botanist is back and this time it is her brother that is in need of rescuing. This means another adventure through exotic locations while encountering interesting creatures from Slavic mythology. Like previous titles in the series, Eventide 3 isn’t the longest or most challenging example of the genre, but makes up for it with its unique setting. Newcomers to the genre will get the most out of this game as it features quite a few minigames that are very familiar to veterans, but makes up for it with some nice hidden object scenes. The lush visuals and imaginative scenes also set this game apart from other titles. If you are a fan of the genre and want a relaxing adventure that will keep you busy for an evening or two, then Eventide 3 should be high on your wishlist.

Gameplay: Not that challenging and the minigames could have benefited from some more originality, but the hidden object scenes are good.

Graphics: The series has a reputation for great visuals and Eventide 3 doesn’t disappoint in this regard.

Sound: Decent voice acting and some nice tunes

Lode Runner Legacy

Lode Runner Legacy

Lode Runner Legacy takes the addictive gameplay of the classic title and spruces it up with some brand new Voxel visuals. In addition to the 150 original levels, the game also includes brand new adventure as well as puzzle levels along with leaderboards. Best of all, Lode Runner Legacy features editors for creating everything from your own levels to custom characters, enemies and items. Fans expecting the newer features that were introduced in later Lode Runner titles might find the game a little too simple for their taste, but everyone who loved the original are in for a treat.

Gameplay: Adventure, Puzzle and Classic game modes along with leaderboards and editors to get creative with.

Graphics: The Voxel visuals are a perfect match for the game.

Sound: Nothing spectacular, but not too obtrusive either