#puzzle-games

#puzzle-games

While drop-in co-op is plenty of fun on its own--check out some of our best couch co-op games for plenty of recommendations on that front--this list focuses more on games where communication and collaboration are an intrinsic part of the experience. Quests in these games progress because you're both playing together, rather than despite it. These are games that feel more intimate than competitive multiplayer and more dynamic than traditional couch co-op--sitting in that sweet spot in the middle where both players are equally important.

Before you can conquer the world in Crusader Kings, you need to spend a lot of time learning the intricacies of international diplomacy and conflict, and familiarize yourself with the dozens of levers you'll need to pull to control them. But other times, complexity is something that rolls out gradually, surprising you with the layers contained within simple seeming games until it almost feels like you've discovered a secret you weren't meant to see.

Emoji Game requires players to fill in incomplete phrases using emoji, challenging them to interpret symbols creatively and effectively for a unique puzzle-solving experience.

Finding games like Blue Prince depends on individual preferences: whether it is note-taking for puzzles, exploring mysteries, or a love for roguelikes.

Playing Blue Prince alone can feel overwhelming due to the vast amount of information required for solving puzzles, making note-taking essential and time-consuming.

Puzzle games offer some of the most engaging gameplay experiences in video games, with 18 current titles standing out for their critical-thinking challenges that few other genres can match.

Please, Watch the Artwork is an innovative fusion of psychological horror and American realism that invites players to observe and restore living paintings.

Escape Academy 2: Back 2 School combines classroom exploration with escape room puzzles, aiming to enhance the experience with a student role-playing vibe.

The summer State of Play presentation from PlayStation announced Lumines Arise, a new puzzle game by the creators of Tetris Effect, promising a fresh take on familiar mechanics.

Blue Prince, this spring's buzzy and wildly engrossing indie sensation, is a terrific reminder of something video games do tremendously well: Puzzles!

In Blue Prince, players must uncover the mysteries of a mansion with 45 rooms to find the elusive 46th room, while assembling intricate puzzles.

After reviewing The Roottrees Are Dead, I didn't expect to sink into another compelling puzzle game that would require note-taking this soon. Blue Prince quickly occupied my brain matter with its inventive puzzle-solving.