## Stumped by a puzzle? Don’t give up!
We’ve all been there: staring at a seemingly impossible screen, brain fried from hours of clicking, dragging, and rotating. That satisfying “Aha!” moment when a solution finally clicks, though, is what keeps us coming back for more.
But what if you could learn the secrets to cracking those tricky puzzles faster? What if you could unlock hidden strategies and mindsets that the best puzzle game developers themselves use?
In this article, we’re spilling the beans! Polygon has compiled 7 invaluable tips from the minds behind your favorite brain-benders, giving you the edge you need to conquer even the most perplexing challenges.
Level Skipping: A Boon or a Bane?
The satisfaction of solving a puzzle is inherent. You learn the rules of the game, then you’re presented with a challenge that tests your knowledge of those rules. The predictability is calming, and hearing the game’s click or bell or ring when you’ve solved each puzzle is a serotonin bump I’ve grown a bit reliant upon. But sometimes I can’t figure out a puzzle, and in those situations, I’m grateful for games that let me move on. In a lot of puzzle games, the levels get harder and more complicated as you move along, often using earlier puzzles to teach tactics you’ll use in later challenges. There are also puzzle games — often newer releases — that don’t concern themselves with whether you can figure out each and every level. A Little to the Left is an excellent example: The game is all about relaxing (though it’s also gained a bit of a reputation for driving players batty), and it’d be antithetical to hold the player hostage on a hard level.
More importantly, what is “hard” in a puzzle game like A Little to the Left is much more subjective, so the developers decided to let players skip whichever levels they aren’t enjoying. This level in A Little to the Left has five possible solutions. Image: Max Inferno/Secret Mode
It’s a Rorschach test of a game, particularly in the case of the Seeing Stars DLC that was released in June; these new puzzles have multiple potential solves, sometimes five or more for one puzzle. It’s made for skipping, which for me isn’t just about moving on. I also reject the idea that games are only satisfying if you complete every last bit, and by yourself, at that. Cheating — or collaborating, as we like to call it here at Gamestanza — is an indelible part of modern single-player games, so much so that Animal Well has an entire puzzle that’s unsolvable without the help of other players. Another reason level skips are a necessary and appreciated feature for players like me is the sheer volume of games I want to play right now. There are hundreds of puzzle games to dive into, and if I get so deeply stuck on one puzzle that I can’t continue the game, I’ll probably move onto another game in my backlog.
The Gamer’s Perspective
It seems like level skipping is becoming a more common feature in puzzle games, and I find it a welcome acknowledgement that we all have really diverse brains that like and excel at different things. Navigating the five logs in this level of Arranger was a fun and quick win for me, while other moments offered quite a challenge. Image: Furniture & Mattress LLC Arranger: A Role-Puzzling Game, which will be released on Thursday, lets players skip levels, but it doesn’t make it easy. To skip a level, you have to navigate to the gate at the end of the level (which occasionally takes a lot of maneuvering in itself) in order to activate the “skip level” pop-up. I’ve only done it once in this game so far, and I found myself as relieved to skip the level I’d failed to solve over four sessions in a row as I was when I solved the next puzzle in just a few minutes.
The Developer’s Dilemma
This begs the question: How do developers balance the desire to create challenging and engaging puzzles with the need to accommodate players who may struggle or simply want to move on? It’s a delicate balancing act. Offering level skips can be seen as a betrayal of the core puzzle-solving experience, potentially undermining the sense of accomplishment and satisfaction that comes with overcoming a difficult challenge.
- Difficulty Curves:
- Player Motivation:
Developers must carefully consider the game’s difficulty curve. If levels are too easy or too hard, players may become frustrated or disengaged. Level skipping can help to mitigate this by allowing players to bypass particularly challenging levels and maintain their progress.
Some argue that level skipping removes the incentive to persevere and learn from mistakes. However, others contend that it simply offers players more freedom and control over their experience. Gamestanza believes that offering a choice is the best way to cater to diverse player preferences.
The Future of Puzzle Games
As technology advances, we may see even more nuanced approaches to player choice and difficulty customization. Imagine puzzle games where the difficulty dynamically adjusts based on the player’s performance, or where players can choose from a variety of challenge modes tailored to their skill level. This could lead to a more personalized and engaging puzzle experience for everyone.
Furthermore, the rise of online platforms and multiplayer gaming could also influence the future of puzzle games. We may see more cooperative puzzle games where players work together to solve intricate challenges, or competitive puzzle games where players race against each other to achieve the fastest time.
Ultimately, the future of puzzle games is bright. By embracing new technologies and innovative gameplay mechanics, developers can continue to push the boundaries of the genre and create truly unforgettable experiences for players of all levels.
Conclusion
So, there you have it – seven golden nuggets of wisdom gleaned from the minds behind some of gaming’s most intricate puzzles. From embracing the “aha!” moment to recognizing the value of a well-timed restart, these tips offer a roadmap to navigating the labyrinthine challenges puzzle games present. They highlight the importance of observation, strategic thinking, and, crucially, patience. It’s not just about brute force or finding the “right” answer; it’s about understanding the underlying logic, dissecting the problem, and then piecing together a solution. The implications of these tips extend far beyond the realm of gaming. The problem-solving skills honed in puzzle games translate seamlessly into real-world scenarios, from tackling everyday challenges to navigating complex professional dilemmas. As technology continues to advance and complexity grows, the ability to think critically, analyze situations, and devise creative solutions will become even more essential. These games are not merely entertainment; they are training grounds for the minds of tomorrow. So, the next time you find yourself staring at a seemingly insurmountable puzzle, remember these words – patience, persistence, and a dash of creative ingenuity can unlock even the most perplexing mysteries.
