Hi guys! Briony here, from the Digital Team. I know the lead up to starting a new academic year can be stressful, and so I’ve decided to throw my top 5 favourite puzzle games into a list for you guys to try. These games are either games that helped me unwind as a student, or even unwind now, as a working human being... I still like to switch off when I get home, just like you do. Some of you may find these suggestions a little low energy compared to other games, and that’s okay! What’s my cup of tea might not be yours! There’ll be plenty of more gaming articles to come, so keep your eye out on our social media @bfc_lr to catch me over there. Enjoy!

Omno (Available on Xbox Game Pass)

 Omno is such a pretty game, and SO atmospheric. You spend your time adventuring around different locations, trying to discover ancient wonders, and solving puzzles to get to the next stage. You’ll climb through lush forests, sun blasted deserts, and frigid tundras; all whilst collecting the power of a lost civilization. If you’re looking for a game that looks awesome, doesn’t include too much brain power and is easy to pick up, then look no further.

Platforms:

PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, PC, Xbox One

Release Date:

29th July 2021

Age Rating:

This game has not yet been rated, but it’s anticipated to be PEGI 3 and E for Everyone

IGN Rating:

To Be Confirmed

The Gardens Between (Available on Xbox Game Pass)

Now this one is a bit trickier than Omno, it left me scratching my head for hours trying to complete it. BUT, it’s totally worth it; the game is beautifully crafted and is absolutely genius. You follow two best friends from island to island, filled with puzzles solved through the manipulation of time and space. And don’t worry if you get stuck and really frustrated... there’s plenty of guides online to help.

Platforms:

Linux, macOS, PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, iOS, Stadia

Release Date:

20th September 2018

Age Rating:

E for Everyone

IGN Review:

To Be Confirmed

Spiritfarer (Available on Xbox Game Pass)

I have spent SO many hours playing this game, it was my favourite for a long time (until Assassin’s Creed Valhalla came out). In Spiritfarer you take on the role of collecting spirits around the world you’re placed in, taking over from Charon (the ancient Greek ferryman, who transported souls to the underworld). Now some of you might think that sounds a little dark, but this game is so beautiful and vibrant that you won’t think twice about it. Not to mention, there’s extra bits and bobs for you to do in game, such as fish and bake. And the icing on the cake? You even have your own adorable pet cat called Daffodil.

Platforms:

PC, macOS, Linux, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Stadia

Release Date:

18th August 2020

Age Rating:

PEGI 12

IGN Rating:

9/10

Call of the Sea (Available on Xbox Game Pass)

Call of the Sea is an awesome story of a woman tracking down her lost husband, and based in the 1930’s. If you love H.P. Lovecraft’s work (like me) then you’ll love this game, as there’s subtle references to his stories throughout the game. You start the game off by turning up to a deserted island, and by solving the puzzles you slowly piece together the story, and figure out what happened to your husband. I would HIGHLY recommend you give this a go, well that is the point of this list, right?

Platforms:

Xbox Series X|S, PC, Xbox One, Luna, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4

Release Date:

8th December 2020

Age Rating:

PEGI 7

IGN Rating:

9/10

Unravel (Available on Xbox Game Pass)

I LOVE YARNY! Yarny is this adorable creature you can see in the picture above, and of course, he’s made completely from yarn. In Unravel you play as Yarny, but slowly unravel when you move across the screen (the title makes sense now doesn’t it?). By solving puzzles, figuring out how to conserve your yarn, and exploring the world around you, you will collect little memories scattered across the land. I can’t emphasise how much of a good game this is, the scenery is beautiful, and the soundtrack is amazing! Give this a download as soon as possible.

Platforms:

PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC

Release Date:

9th February 2016

Age Rating:

PEGI 7

IGN Rating:

8.3/10


So, that’s it from me for now! Go download these if you can and check them out. If you’ve played some of these before, or you’re looking forward to trying them out, then let me know! Simply go to our social media pages and leave a comment on the post linking to this article, I’ll be sure to respond to as many of you as possible. Happy Gaming!