Jonathan Blow, renowned for creating Braid and The Witness, has unveiled his latest project, Order of the Sinking Star. This ambitious puzzle game has been in development for nine years and combines four distinct puzzle styles into one expansive experience.
Blending Puzzle Designs
Blow describes the new game as a "game design supercollider" that interweaves various puzzle concepts. He believes modern puzzle games often miss the mark by focusing solely on difficulty. Blow emphasizes the importance of integrating puzzles into a broader theme or narrative, making them more meaningful for players.
In his view, puzzle design should include not only the challenges themselves but also a layer that helps players understand their meaning. This philosophy was visible in his previous games, which incorporated philosophical and scientific elements into gameplay.
Evaluating the Current Scene
Blow criticized the current state of puzzle games, stating he doesn't find them particularly engaging. He argued that many recent titles prioritize challenge over thematic depth. Despite his criticism, he acknowledged a few notable exceptions that impressed him, including one title that disguises itself as a simple snake game but turns out to be intriguing.
The new game, Order of the Sinking Star, is anticipated to stand out by refining these concepts, offering players an experience that prioritizes both challenge and substance.
