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These games all live in the same space in my brain.

Games I am calling "puzzle box" games.

Showing 1-5 of 5 items

Fez

1. Fez

One of my favourite games of all time. I only played it once and I'll probably never touch it again. Masterpiece. Probably the definition of what I think of when I think of games that belong on this list. Would not be surprised if more secrets were discovered in this game tomorrow. We'll never get that sequel but I've made my peace with it.

Outer Wilds

2. Outer Wilds

Has a different tone to FEZ but still fits "the vibe." Occupied my whole brain until I was done with it. Like FEZ, didn't think I'd ever touch it again until that DLC came out and I was enamored all over again. Jealous of people who will play now that all the DLC content will be hidden in there too.

Tunic

3. Tunic

Downloaded this on Game Pass based on the screenshots alone. Went in expecting a Zelda, got a game that reminded me a lot more of FEZ than I was expecting. Has one of my favourite endgame puzzles in a video game. Inspiration for making this list.

Animal Well

4. Animal Well

A sequel to Fez in all but name. Takes the "metroidvania" style to it's absolute limit, but still manages to be non-linear in how it is laid out. The late game puzzles almost demand the attention of a committee, and I think that's fun. "You think we're hunting eggs? Buddy, it's Rabbit Season."

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

5. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

I am putting Breath of the Wild at the end here for "a reason," but mostly I think Breath of the Wild is the best game of all time, and I think that's in no small part that is the "Nintendo" (or "AAA" if you're being reductive) version of these kinds of games. While I like all of these games because they are about pulling out a notebook and solving some damn good puzzles, they're also about the joy of exploring and discovering, and Breath of the Wild is the video game pinnacle of that.