Game: SokoSolitaire
Genre: Puzzle, Indie
System: Steam (Windows)
Developer | Publisher: Daisy Games
Price: US $4.99 | UK £4.29 | EU € 4,99
Release Date: August 3rd 2023
Review code used with many thanks to Daisy Games Studio.
In my previous gaming experience, I had certainly encountered many Sokoban-style puzzles couched within other games, but this was my first time trying a game that was simply one after the other. At first, I wondered if there would be a great risk of getting bored with it quickly. How many ways can you push something to somewhere else? But I did feel eager to prove myself, SokoSolitaire art style is SO CUTE.
Off to a Good Start
To welcome you to SokoSolitaire, there are delightfully simple controls, easy navigation throughout, every bit clearly crafted to be distinguishable, and the first couple of levels come with prompts to teach you about the undo & restart functions available.
In addition, you’re offered the option of a mode that will track how many steps you take to solve each level, and it has an online leaderboard for the high scores among every player who chooses to participate in that competition.
There’s no timer, which is a plus to me! The light, jazzy music feels like a good fit for the thoughtful mood, and the visual details keep the game from feeling too sparse and basic. The cards bouncing away when you complete a level is a perfect touch!
Easy to Learn, Many Functions to Master
A new mechanic is introduced every few levels with new conditions to meet. Additionally, tools are provided to reach those goals. This is where the choice of playing cards as the main props really shines, as the player is asked to flip over cards and change the suit color, and that’s only two of the new challenges you’ll face as you work your way through the game.
There’s a lot going on by the end! I really appreciated the way the new twists were introduced over time. Sometimes, it felt like the game could use more puzzles. But that might only be because I was having a good time! Let’s be clear: I certainly haven’t beaten every level.
No Gatekeeping
The developer clearly respects how frustrating it can be to get stuck in a game like this, unable even to reach much of the content. Daisy Games Studio believes in allowing you to unlock sets of levels whenever you’d like! If I got stuck on a level, I never felt punished. There’s no consequence to unlocking levels “early”, not even achievements you’d be missing.
SokoSolitaire reminded me of when I was younger, and I had word search and crossword puzzle books. And when a puzzle stopped being fun, I could just turn the page. We could definitely use more of this in video games. It feels so much nicer than having to look up a walkthrough to be able to reach the next part of your game.
Conclusion
If you’re not a fan of Sokoban puzzles, it’s pretty safe to say that there’s nothing to draw you to this game; there is no story to unfold or genre-bending twist on the puzzle formula. Aside from that qualifier, though, SokoSolitaire is certainly a safe choice to add a playful, logic-engaging challenge to your gaming collection with no snags to worry about.
Final Verdict: I Like It