 | The weather is starting to cool down, so let’s get into a game you can enjoy with a hot mug of cocoa in a comfy chair. This time of year, I like to bring out the puzzles and brain teasers. You all know I love adventure games, and I’ve lately been playing one of my favorite puzzle solving à la Professor Layton games, Puzzle Agent. |
The titular agent is Nelson Tethers, an FBI investigator attempting to solve a suspicious mystery in small-town Minnesota.
| The story is very Fargo-by-way-of-Twin-Peaks: at first, Agent Tethers is under the assumption that he is investigating the closing of an eraser factory, before learning that the factory’s foreman has “disappeared”. |  |
The locals are largely unwelcoming, and our hero is increasingly nervous about the supernatural presence in town. The eerie story paired with Graham Annable’s charmingly dark illustrations create an atmosphere that draws you in and keeps you guessing.
 | Since this is a Layton-like, most of the game focuses on a series of puzzles-- some easy, and some brutally difficult. There’s a robust hint system by way of ABC gum (gum helps Agent Tethers concentrate). If you just want to experience the story, you can easily follow the hints through each puzzle. |
However, if you’re a dedicated puzzle hound, there are plenty of bonus riddles as well. My pride kept me from cheesing my way through the game non-stop, but some of those ending puzzles….. let’s just say I’m glad the hints are plentiful.
The game is quite short and definitely doesn’t outstay its welcome. I played it over the course of a long evening, and enjoyed every minute of it. I recommend playing it all in one go, just to experience the whole story without distractions. At the end, if you’re craving more Puzzle Agent, there’s an equally-good sequel which I recommend.
The game is quite short and definitely doesn’t outstay its welcome. I played it over the course of a long evening, and enjoyed every minute of it. I recommend playing it all in one go, just to experience the whole story without distractions. At the end, if you’re craving more Puzzle Agent, there’s an equally-good sequel which I recommend.
Humor with a slice of horror is not an often-visited genre in games, but I’m glad this odd little game went there. Go ahead and make some hot dish and dig in to this forgotten gem.
I’ve never met a man who didn’t love himself some hot dish!
-The Dungeon Dame
-The Dungeon Dame
