Exciting Developments in Puzzle Gaming from Thinky Direct
This week’s Thinky Direct unveiled a captivating array of puzzle games, showcasing innovative designs and intriguing concepts. Among the highlights was a new mystery game crafted by one of the minds behind the acclaimed Case of the Golden Idol, alongside a unique time-loop adventure described as “Metroidbrainia,” a term that may elicit a wince or two. This game intriguingly shifts the focus from traditional tool-gathering to immersive puzzle-solving.
However, the standout title that captured attention was He Who Watches, a gravity-defying “dungeon puzzler” that artfully blends elements reminiscent of Legend of Grimrock with the cerebral challenges of Portal. In this game, players assume the role of an adventurer equipped with a bow and arrow, navigating a complex underground labyrinth through classic tile-based movement.
What sets He Who Watches apart is its departure from typical RPG mechanics. Instead of engaging in combat with monsters, players will utilize their bow to interact with the environment—shooting at switches to unlock doors and manipulating 3D blocks via a magical chain. This innovative approach to puzzle-solving redefines the dungeon crawler experience.
As players progress, they will harness sticky boots to further manipulate objects, allowing for creative solutions such as inserting blocks into designated holes or stacking them to overcome obstacles. The recently released trailer effectively showcases the game’s spatial ingenuity, although it may induce a touch of motion sickness due to its rapid camera movements.
To alleviate concerns, a demo version of He Who Watches is available, providing an opportunity to experience the gameplay firsthand. Fortunately, the direct control in the demo significantly reduces any nausea, allowing players to revel in the satisfaction of solving puzzles that evoke the cleverness found in Portal. Even the initial challenges offer a gratifying sense of accomplishment, complemented by a well-paced difficulty curve that gradually introduces players to the various tools at their disposal.
With its engaging mechanics and innovative design, He Who Watches has swiftly ascended the ranks of anticipated games for the year. While a specific release date remains unannounced, the trailer hints at a launch in the autumn, promising an exciting addition to the puzzle gaming landscape.
