Photographs (2019)

I enjoyed EightyEightGames' 10000000 and You Must Build A Boat years ago, which were both unique in match-3/RPG concept and engaging to play through. But it seems that the developer has stepped up the game (no pun intended) by making a different pixel art beast in Photographs.

This third release tells tragic story vignettes of several individuals from different times, while bringing forth different kinds of puzzles for each story that grow in challenge level. The stories are engaging and I find every major character memorable, too. Even the puzzles are well-varied and nicely tuned for the learning curve, even though they can get daunting in the end (the hint and skip options make the game forgiving for story's sake, though).

Photographs are worth looking into, if you're looking for stories that are easy to get into while not minding the simplistic puzzle challenges.

I love the art style of the game. I love the music. I love how the puzzles tied so clearly to the narrative. I love that it says something and tries to be about something. But...

I think it's simplistic choices sometimes muddy the narrative by being TOO simplistic and almost dangerous in the effect on its message. It comes off as kind of silly at times.

Another issue I had is mainly with the final "chapter" where the puzzles would have an odd spike in difficulty. The whole game I was challenged but never stuck and then on the last bit I got full ass stuck on a puzzle like 3 times! Not in a row, just a random one that would have me pulling my hair.

Maybe it was just me not getting the flow but it was so annoying that it ruined the ending and my feelings about the entire game by breaking my immersion and interest in the story.

Anyway, I think it is probably worth playing if you enjoy puzzle games.