The decade from 2010 to 2020 has seen the release of a host of innovative puzzle games that have made a mark on the gaming landscape. From indie to AAA titles, these games have brought together engaging gameplay and stunning visuals, challenging traditional puzzle game conventions and providing players with unique and unforgettable experiences. Titles on this list include The Witness, Portal 2, Monument Valley, Limbo, Baba Is You, Tetris Effect, Return of the Obra Dinn, Fez, The Room, and INSIDE, each with its own unique features and gameplay. As the next decade begins, it will be exciting to see what new puzzle games will emerge.
Introduction
The 2010s brought about a host of fantastic puzzle games that offered players unique and challenging experiences. With the decade now coming to a close, it is time to take a look back and reminisce on the top puzzle games of the decade. From indie gems to AAA titles, the following games have left a lasting impact on the gaming landscape.
Headings:
1. The Witness
2. Portal 2
3. Monument Valley
4. Limbo
5. Baba Is You
6. Tetris Effect
7. Return of the Obra Dinn
8. Fez
9. The Room
10. INSIDE
1. The Witness
Released in 2016, The Witness became an instant classic for puzzle game enthusiasts. Created by indie developer Jonathan Blow, the game saw players exploring a beautiful island filled with intricate puzzles. The game’s puzzles ranged from simple line-drawing challenges to complex and multi-layered brain teasers. What made The Witness so special was that it never held the player’s hand, allowing them to discover the solutions to the game’s challenges on their own. The game’s stunning visuals and atmospheric soundtrack further added to its immersive experience.
2. Portal 2
Portal 2, released in 2011, expanded upon the innovative mechanics of its predecessor by introducing new gameplay elements and an engaging story. The game saw players navigating through a series of increasingly complex test chambers using their trusty portal gun. The game truly shone in its co-operative mode, which saw two players working together to solve puzzles that required precise coordination and communication.
3. Monument Valley
Monument Valley, released in 2014, was a mobile game that captured the hearts of players with its beautiful and surreal visuals. The game saw players guiding a princess through a series of optical illusion-based puzzles, with each level offering a unique and breathtaking experience. The game’s soothing music and calming atmosphere made it a perfect game for relaxation and contemplation.
4. Limbo
Limbo, released in 2010, was a dark and atmospheric puzzle game that took players on a journey through a monochromatic and eerie world. The game’s puzzles ranged from physics-based challenges to skill-based platforming, with each level bringing new dangers and obstacles. The game’s haunting visuals and minimalist sound design created a sense of dread and unease that kept players on the edge of their seats.
5. Baba Is You
Baba Is You, released in 2019, was a game that challenged traditional puzzle game conventions by allowing players to change the rules of the game itself. The game featured a series of levels where the player could manipulate the game’s objects and text, allowing them to change the way the game worked. The game’s unique concept and challenging puzzles made it a standout title of the decade.
6. Tetris Effect
Tetris Effect, released in 2018, was a modern take on the classic game that brought together stunning visuals and immersive sound design. The game’s puzzles remained true to the original game’s mechanics, but added new elements such as power-ups and unique level designs that synced with the game’s music. The game’s seamless blend of audio and visuals made it a truly mesmerizing experience.
7. Return of the Obra Dinn
Return of the Obra Dinn, released in 2018, was a mystery puzzle game that put players in the shoes of an insurance investigator on a ghost ship. The game featured a unique art style reminiscent of old macintosh games and saw players using a magical watch to travel back in time and solve the mysterious deaths of the ship’s crew members. The game’s non-linear storytelling and complex puzzles made it a memorable experience.
8. Fez
Fez, released in 2012, was a 2D puzzle platformer that featured a unique rotating mechanic that allowed players to explore a 3D world. The game’s puzzles revolved around deciphering mysterious symbols and patterns, with each level offering a unique challenge. The game’s colorful visuals and chiptune soundtrack paid homage to classic retro games while providing a fresh and innovative experience.
9. The Room
The Room, released in 2012, was a mobile game that focused on intricate and detailed puzzles placed within a mysterious and atmospheric setting. The game saw players solving puzzles that revolved around unlocking mysterious boxes, with each level offering a new and unique challenge. The game’s attention to detail and immersive sound design made it one of the standout mobile games of the decade.
10. INSIDE
INSIDE, released in 2016, was a dark and unsettling puzzle game that saw players navigating through a dystopian world filled with danger and mystery. The game’s puzzles ranged from physics-based challenges to stealth-based gameplay, with each level offering a new and engaging experience. The game’s striking visuals and haunting soundtrack created a sense of tension and unease that made it a unforgettable experience.
Conclusion
The past decade saw a plethora of incredible and innovative puzzle games that brought together engaging gameplay and stunning visuals. From indie gems to AAA titles, the games on this list challenged traditional puzzle game conventions and provided players with unique and unforgettable experiences. As we move into the next decade, it will be exciting to see what innovative puzzle games are in store for us.