Blue Prince is gaining quite the reputation among puzzle aficionados and critics alike, who are lauding it as a standout game of the year. For those of us who find ourselves stumbling through its complex challenges, let’s just call it what it is—a fun puzzle game set in a mysterious mansion. Surprisingly, the intricacies involve more than mere math; they come with unique, invented rules. Don’t worry about having to look up these rules or any other tricky spots. Exploring them on your own terms won’t take away from the experience.
When I first gave Blue Prince a go, I expected something akin to Outer Wilds, with puzzles that naturally unraveled the story. That’s partly true here, but only partially. Discarded notes and newspapers offer bits of narrative intrigue, but the real focus lies in navigating the clockwork mansion brimming with puzzles. Some puzzles drive the storyline, while others simply aid your day-to-day exploration inside this elaborate building.
Solving puzzles independently is immensely satisfying, but it’s perfectly alright to seek a little outside help. Spoilers in guides generally just reveal the logic or tactics for a specific puzzle, not the entire plot or game experience. For instance, even after understanding the role of colors in math puzzles, the challenge remains new each day. The solution involves actual problem-solving, so guides here only go so far.
Certain puzzles require keen observation well before you even realize a mystery awaits solving. A quick read through a guide might give you that push you need during those confounding moments when progress seems elusive. On about the 30th day of playing, I spotted a recurring theme in the rooms. A quick online search confirmed my suspicions but didn’t reveal too much, allowing me to continue playing with confidence; my instincts were on point.
Progress in Blue Prince can be a test of patience. Until you master the art of strategically designing rooms, you’ll experience plenty of dead ends. Managing these becomes easier over time, though unlucky streaks are part of the adventure. Some rooms crucial to advancing aren’t readily available when needed, and you might find yourself without the right tools at inopportune times.
When everything finally clicks, and you’re eager to move forward, don’t hesitate to consult a guide or get a hint from a fellow player. There’s an ever-evolving array of discoveries, even for those who’ve invested over 100 hours in the game. Sometimes, you just need a small push to untangle a particularly puzzling web.