Puzzle video game
Definition and Overview
A Puzzle video game is a type of game that emphasizes puzzle solving. The puzzles require players to strategize, recognize patterns, sequence solving, and complete certain tasks, which test a player's problem-solving and sometimes, their dexterity skills. Puzzle video games can be vastly different from one another, but they all share the common goal of challenging the player to solve a problem.
History
The history of puzzle video games can be traced back to the 1970s with the advent of computer games. The earliest examples of puzzle video games include text-based games such as Adventure and Zork. These games required players to solve riddles and puzzles to progress through a narrative.
The 1980s saw the emergence of graphical puzzle games like Tetris, which is considered one of the most iconic and influential games in the puzzle genre. The game's success led to the popularization of the "falling block" puzzle game sub-genre.
The 1990s and 2000s witnessed the rise of 3D puzzle games such as Portal and The Witness. These games incorporated elements of spatial navigation and physics into their puzzle design, offering players a more immersive and challenging experience.
Gameplay Mechanics
Puzzle video games employ a variety of gameplay mechanics. Some games, like Sudoku and Crossword puzzles, are based on logic and deduction. Others, such as Minesweeper and Picross, involve pattern recognition and spatial reasoning.
Many puzzle games also incorporate elements of action, adventure, or role-playing games. For example, in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, players must solve puzzles to progress through the game's dungeons and uncover its secrets.
Puzzle Types
There are several types of puzzles that are commonly found in puzzle video games.
Logic Puzzles
Logic puzzles require players to use deductive reasoning to solve. Examples of games that feature logic puzzles include Professor Layton series and Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney series.
Physics Puzzles
Physics puzzles involve the use of the game's physics engine to solve puzzles. Games like Cut the Rope and Angry Birds feature physics-based puzzles.
Tile-Matching Puzzles
Tile-matching puzzles require players to match tiles based on their color, shape, or other attributes to clear them from the board. Candy Crush Saga and Bejeweled are examples of tile-matching puzzle games.
Hidden Object Puzzles
Hidden object puzzles require players to find specific items within a cluttered scene. Games like Mystery Case Files and Hidden Folks feature hidden object puzzles.
Impact and Influence
Puzzle video games have had a significant impact on the video game industry and have influenced many other genres. They have been used in educational settings to help develop problem-solving skills and have been shown to have cognitive benefits, including improving memory, focus, and spatial reasoning.