Puzzle games offer a welcome refuge from the barrage of intense action and multiplayer games on the market. The genre has also evolved, andwe’ve come a long way from stacking blocksand popping bubbles.
If you’re ready to flex those brain muscles, here are the 10 best Puzzle games to do it with on PS Plus.
10Tetris Effect
This Classic Has Never Looked So Good
Multiplayer
Release Date
November 2018
Tetris Effectwas originally aPSVR titlebut has since been converted for regular screens. This title is good old-fashionedTetrisat its core but withthe visuals taken to the next level.
Every stage comes complete with soothing music, incredible particle effects, and stunning presentation.
Tetris Effectworks so well in VR as the environments add immersion with a headset on. The effect is lessened without the hardware, but it’s a gorgeous game nonetheless and a bold take on the grandfather of puzzle games.
9Trine 4: The Nightmare Prince
A Physics-Based Fantasy Platformer
Frozenbyte
October 2019
TheTrineseries has been chugging along for over a decade, filling a niche for 2D puzzle platformers.Trine 4: The Nightmare Princeis one of the latest, offering aunique blend of physics-based conundrumsto solve.
One ofTrine’s greatest allures is the co-op features. As each character has a unique skill set, you’ll have to combine your abilities, and it feels so rewarding with a group.
Trine 4can be enjoyed with up to 4 players online and even boasts local co-op for a couch gaming session.
Trine 4is unforgettable with friends, and if you enjoy it, I daresay you’ll also enjoy the original trilogy and the sequel,Trine 5: A Clockwork Conspiracy.
8Human: Fall Flat
More Than Just A Dumb Physics Game
No Brakes Games
Human: Fall Flatis a challenging3D Puzzle Platformerwhere wrestling with the controls is part of the fun.
Your resolve will be tested as you tackle physics-based puzzles with a character that trips over its own feet.
You’re not meant to complete objectives with precision, and failing at simple tasks is part of the charm. There’s a surprising amount of content to sift through, and levels range from rocky deserts to medieval castles.
The game is pretty limited for a solo player, and you really need to share your ridiculous antics with friends. If you play with a light-hearted group, you will have many laughs withHuman: Fall Flat.
10 Best Co-op Indie Games
Teamwork makes the dream work.
7Untitled Goose Game
The Most Memeable Game Ever Created
House House
Yes (local only)
September 2019
Untitled Goose Gameis a fantastic andunique puzzle adventure gamewhere you play as, you guessed it, a goose. The concept is absurd, and the game isso much better than it should be.
You have an attitude problem, and most of your missions involvestealing items from the local townsfolk. Most items can’t simply be grabbed without some setup, and most puzzles are well-thought-out.
Developer House House nailed the presentation withUntitled Goose Game. From the hilarious goose waddle to the music and sound cues, it’s a ridiculous concept executed perfectly.
6Tricky Towers
More Than A Tetris Knock-Off
Weird Beard
August 2016
Based on the screenshots, it’s easy to write offTricky Towersas a cheap imitation of other puzzle games, but that couldn’t be further from the truth.
Tricky Towersshares plenty of ideas with Tetris, but the addition ofweight and physics changes everything.
There are game modes to build towers as high as possible until their inevitable collapse. There’s even the reverse, where you try to stack blocks under a set height.
Multiplayer modes add power-ups to the mix, whereyou can sabotage your buddies. Tricky Towers is at its best when enjoyed with friends and accessible enough for anyone to enjoy it.
5Valiant Hearts: The Great War
A Fresh Take On WW1
Valiant Heartsis a unique title featuring puzzle solving and a decent storyset during the First World War. You play as a small selection of characters as they fight for survival, and there are some powerful sequences if you get into it.
The stunning art style helps with the immersion, and puzzles range from simple collectathons to tricky timing-based tasks.
Valiant Heartsisn’t a traditional puzzle game, but it’s perfect for solo play, and there’s a sequel,Coming Home, if you enjoy the original.
4Death Squared
It’s OK If You Feel Stupid
SMG Studio
March 2017
Death Squaredis a devious puzzle game that will stretch your brain in ways you didn’t think were possible.
As the title is co-op, everyone has to work together, and things can get very messy when puzzles require strict timing.Communication is key, and Death Squared is superb if you can join a few friends for a local session.
The puzzles are tough, butthe difficulty makesDeath Squaredfeel rewarding. If you and your buddies can keep your cool, this is a great addition to your co-op library.
3I Am Bread
As Ridiculous As It Sounds
Bossa Studios
December 2014
It’s easy to write offI Am Breadas just another “low-effort physics game,” but it’s far better than it has any right to be.
As the name implies, you play as a slice of bread, andyour goal in each stage is to become “edible.“You’re graded on Edibility, Toast Quality, and Deliciousness, and each of I Am Bread’s sandbox levels is full of clever ways to hit those quotas.
As far as physics-based games go,I Am Breadis pretty difficult, but it’s satisfying when your ideas actually work.
The controls are dreadful by design, but if you may take a step back to admire the ridiculous spectacle of it all,I Am Breadis worth a download.
2Oddworld: New ‘n’ Tasty
An Unlikely Hero
Oddworld Inhabitants
Oddworld: New ‘n’ Tastyis aremake of the first game in the series,Oddworld: Abe’s Oddysee.
Your goal inNew ‘n’ Tastyis to free your buddies from the Rupture Farms Meat Processing plant, lest you end up on the menu. You play as Abe, and as you may’t fight,you must rely on cunninginstead.
Puzzles are pretty unique, as you can talk your way out of sticky situations and hide in the shadows to plan your next move.
While there is puzzle-solving galore inNew ‘n’ Tasty, there are many demanding platforming sections, too.Oddworld: New ‘n’ Tastyis a must-play if you don’t mind the mix of genres. If you fall in love with Abe’s adventures, you might want to check out the sequelOddworld: Soulstorm.
1Unpacking
If Only It Were This Relaxing In Real Life
Witch Beam
November 2021
Unpackingis a relaxing puzzle game where you move your belongings from boxes and try to find a home for them all. The premise is wonderfully simple, and it’s a great game to play if you just want to chill out.
The pixel art style is gorgeous, andUnpackingbecomes an oddly addictive time sink. While it’s not technically asimulator game, Unpacking is as well-crafted as the best of them and makes a mundane task wonderfully satisfying.
Unpacking is aneasy recommendation for casual players, and as there are no pressing objectives, it’s accessible regardless of skill level.
