Replay puzzles

Recommendations by Emily Short

Games which are entirely devoted to a single big puzzle, usually one that the player has to replay a number of times to get exactly right. Often these involve time restrictions or events that the player has to observe in order to manipulate.

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1. Rematch, by Andrew D. Pontious (2000)
Average member rating: (92 ratings)
Emily Short says:

The ultimate in replayable puzzle games: Rematch is only one turn long. Expect to spend a few hours before you get the right single command to win, though.

2. Lock & Key
by Adam Cadre
(2002)
Average member rating: (75 ratings)

Emily Short says:

A dungeon-design game in which you have to figure out how to keep the king's prisoner from escaping with his life.

3. Varicella
by Adam Cadre
(1999)
Average member rating: (128 ratings)

Emily Short says:

To take over the palace, you first need to coordinate everything you know about all the other people also making a bid for the throne...

4. All Things Devours, by half sick of shadows (2004)
Average member rating: (93 ratings)
Emily Short says:

A time-travel puzzle that takes a bit of effort to get in the right order.

5. Möbius
by J.D. Clemens
(2006)
Average member rating: (34 ratings)

Emily Short says:

A time travel accident game with a particularly ingenious twist.

6. Orevore Courier
by Brian Rapp
(2007)
Average member rating: (16 ratings)

Emily Short says:

A series of tightly interlocking timed puzzles, in which it's useful to know what is going to happen in advance. It's made playable at all by the fact that it's pretty short and the player's options are quite limited, but expect to play a number of times to win.

7. Make It Good
by Jon Ingold
(2009)
Average member rating: (84 ratings)

Emily Short says:

Making everything come out right in this twisted noir story requires careful management from the very first move. Expect to plan and replan your steps.

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