What is it? A first-person puzzle strategy adventure set in a mysterious mansion.
Developer: Dogubomb
Publisher: Raw Fury
Reviewed on: Intel i7 9700K, RTX 4070 Ti, 16GB RAM
Multiplayer? No
Stream Deck: Playable
Link: Official site
Blue Prince invites players into a world where exploration and strategy intertwine within the confines of an enigmatic mansion. The game unfolds as a first-person puzzle adventure, rich with layers of complexity that challenge the mind while rewarding curiosity. As you step into the shoes of a new homeowner, the narrative begins with an inheritance from an eccentric relative, accompanied by a peculiar task: to navigate through 45 rooms and uncover the elusive 46th room hidden within the manor’s depths.
House of cards
The mansion is not merely a backdrop; it is a dynamic entity that you construct as you explore. Starting from the foyer, players are met with three doors, each leading to a choice of three room cards. The selection process—referred to as drafting—determines the rooms you will encounter, ranging from the mundane to the extraordinary, such as kitchens and aquariums. This innovative mechanic allows for a unique experience with each playthrough, as the layout of the mansion shifts and evolves.
As you traverse the grid-like structure of the house, every room comes with its own set of attributes, some beneficial, others detrimental. For instance, a darkroom might obscure your choices, while a drawing room enables you to redraw your options. Collecting resources like keys, gems, and coins becomes essential, as they facilitate access to locked doors and special items that enhance your journey. The thrill of discovery is palpable, especially when you stumble upon an item that can alter the course of your exploration.
Strategic planning is crucial, as each day presents a limited number of steps—50 to be exact. Every doorway traversed consumes a step, prompting players to weigh their options carefully. Should you backtrack to unlock a previously encountered door, or forge ahead into the unknown? This tension between exploration and resource management adds depth to the gameplay, making every decision feel significant.
Open house
What sets Blue Prince apart is not just its resource-based strategy but the elegant puzzles woven throughout the mansion. While some puzzles are confined to specific rooms, others are intricately linked to the overall narrative, revealing their significance only after multiple runs. The game encourages players to take notes, track clues, and connect dots across different sessions, fostering a sense of detective work that is both rewarding and intellectually stimulating.
The craftsmanship behind Blue Prince is evident in its design, as players find themselves immersed in a world where every detail matters. The satisfaction of piecing together a complex puzzle is amplified by the knowledge that the mansion will reset, yet the insights gained from previous runs remain invaluable. This cyclical nature of gameplay ensures that each attempt feels fresh, while also allowing for a gradual accumulation of knowledge and strategy.
Home owner
As players delve deeper into the mansion, they begin to shape their experience, setting the stage for future runs. The ability to draft rooms that will yield rewards in subsequent sessions creates a sense of permanence in an otherwise transient environment. Whether it’s leaving a key in a coat check or drafting a mailroom for future goodies, the anticipation of what tomorrow may hold adds an exciting layer to the gameplay.
Moreover, players can make permanent changes to the mansion, unlocking new pathways and altering room attributes. This evolution of the space fosters a connection between the player and their virtual abode, transforming the mansion from a mere collection of rooms into a personalized labyrinth of secrets and strategies.
Home sweet home
While the game does present challenges, including the occasional sting of random number generation, these moments rarely detract from the overall experience. Instead, they serve to enhance the feeling of triumph when players successfully navigate the intricacies of the mansion. The balance of luck and strategy keeps players engaged, as they learn to adapt to the whims of the house.
Ultimately, Blue Prince is a game that rewards patience and perseverance. The journey to the 46th room is not merely a goal; it is a testament to the player’s dedication and ingenuity. With its intricate puzzles and dynamic gameplay, Blue Prince stands as a remarkable achievement in the realm of puzzle strategy adventures, inviting players to immerse themselves in its mysteries and uncover the secrets that lie within.
