This year has seen an abundance of exceptional puzzle games, with titles like Lorelei and the Laser Eyes and the remake of Riven challenging players with intricate puzzles. Meanwhile, games such as Isles of Sea and Sky and Mars After Midnight take innovative gameplay concepts to new heights. Personally, I’m drawn to the latter type of puzzle game, and I recently came across a new release that exceeded all my expectations.
Arranger: A Role-Puzzling Adventure by developer Furniture & Mattress is set to launch on July 25 for PC, PlayStation, and Switch. However, Netflix subscribers can enjoy the game on mobile at no extra cost.
Arranger presents a grid-based puzzle experience where players manipulate tiles to navigate the world. It’s a brilliant gameplay idea that, while inspired by elements from other games, has never been explored as deeply as in this title. The game seamlessly weaves this unique mechanic into a compelling coming-of-age story, making it my favorite puzzle game of the year so far.
Unraveling the Puzzle
Arranger sets the stage for a captivating adventure revolving around arranging and shifting tiles. Players follow Jemma, a girl who possesses the ability to see and alter the segmented world around her. The narrative delves into Jemma’s past, her encounters with the mysterious static, and her journey to uncover the truth about her origins.
One of the early moments in the game, where Jemma inadvertently causes chaos, mirrors the complexities of growing up and the challenges of maintaining order amidst uncertainty. This theme of embracing imperfections and adapting to change resonates throughout the gameplay, enriching the overall coming-of-age narrative.
While Arranger leans towards verbosity in its dialogues early on, the seamless integration of puzzles with the storyline compensates for this. The game’s puzzle design is its highlight, offering a range of challenges that require strategic thinking and precision. As players progress, they discover new ways to manipulate tiles, keeping the gameplay fresh and engaging.
Arranger avoids the pitfall of stagnation often seen in indie games by continuously introducing new puzzles, each building on the core tile-sliding mechanic. The game strikes a balance between simplicity and complexity, culminating in a satisfying gameplay experience that unfolds over its brief yet fulfilling duration.
From straightforward tasks to intricate challenges like manipulating doors and engaging in boss fights, Arranger maintains its momentum by evolving its puzzles at every turn. This dynamism, coupled with player-friendly assist options, ensures a rewarding and immersive gameplay journey.
Arranger: A Role-Puzzling Adventure will be available on PC, Nintendo Switch, PS4, and Netflix Games for iOS and Android starting July 25.
