This year has been a fantastic one for puzzle games, with titles like Lorelei and the Laser Eyes and the Riven remake offering brain-bending challenges. However, I find myself drawn to games like Isles of Sea and Sky and Mars After Midnight, which introduce unique gameplay concepts and fully explore their potential. Arranger: A Role-Puzzling Adventure, releasing this week on PC, PlayStation, and Switch (and available on mobile via Netflix), falls squarely into this category.
Arranger is a grid-based puzzle game where the world is composed of tiles that players manipulate by sliding them. This seemingly simple mechanic is masterfully executed, creating a fresh and engaging experience. The game seamlessly weaves a coming-of-age narrative into this core gameplay mechanic, telling the story of Jemma, a young girl abandoned in a village who can see and manipulate the world’s tiles, unlike others. This ability sets her apart from the villagers, many of whom urge her to leave. Jemma’s journey takes her beyond the village, where she discovers more about her origins and the mysterious static that has taken over the world.
The game beautifully captures the relatable experience of navigating life’s complexities, particularly the struggle to control the chaos surrounding us. Moving tiles in Arranger reflects the constant shifts and changes in life, and the game subtly highlights that this constant flux isn’t necessarily negative.
Arranger’s tile-shifting mechanic is incredibly versatile. While the initial concept might seem straightforward, the game utilizes it in clever and engaging ways throughout the puzzles. Early on, you’ll experience the satisfaction of moving objects around the grid, but the challenges quickly evolve. You’ll need to strategize your tile movement to precisely position objects and navigate the grid efficiently.
Arranger is a remarkably player-friendly experience. You’ll have access to assist options that allow you to skip puzzles you find too challenging. The game consistently finds new ways to utilize its core mechanic, preventing it from becoming repetitive. Every few minutes, the gameplay shifts and introduces fresh challenges, such as moving doors to create paths, maneuvering tiles to trigger a creature’s spiky tail into its head, or simply pushing a sword into an enemy.
Despite its short playtime of around five hours, Arranger manages to explore its central concept thoroughly. The game’s narrative, while occasionally wordy in its early stages, effectively complements the puzzle design. It’s a compelling story about self-discovery and acceptance, resonating with players who have experienced similar feelings of wanting to control their surroundings. Arranger stands out as a captivating puzzle game that delivers a unique and satisfying experience. It’s a must-play for puzzle game enthusiasts and those seeking a fresh perspective on the genre.
