The wonderful thing about puzzlers is that they come in all different shapes and sizes. From cosy campfire cookers through to rearranging noir-style frames, all it needs to do is get your brain ticking on.
These ones in particular might have a bucket-load of substance, but they're also stunning to look at. More than just getting through levels and solving the challenges at hand, these point and click puzzlers draw you into the story and make you question what's going on as well as wanting to know more.
This isn't a closed conversation, though. Because we know there are way more than five artistic puzzlers on the market, let us know what your favourites are in the comments below.
Gorogoa – download on iOS
Can't really start off a list of artsy point and click puzzlers without mentioning Gorogoa now, can I? Having been in development for a long, long time, it was an anticipated puzzler which, thankfully, turned out to be worth the wait.
What makes it truly special, besides its cool frame-sorting mechanics, is its striking hand-drawn illustrations. You can tell a lot of work and attention went into creating it, and that's why it's well worth taking note of.
Rusty Lake Roots – download on iOS
Going from the quiet elegance of Gorogoa to the unsettling stillness of Rusty Lake, particularly its Roots instalment. Here you're moving through years of a family's history, taking part in important life events and experiencing the start and end of familial lines.
Despite its bold colour palettes, there's an air of uncertainty that runs through the game and keeps you on your toes. The creep factor is especially evident in the most recent game, RL: Paradise, but it's hard to make cultists more light-hearted.
Isoland – download on iOS
When Isoland first comes to light, the first thing you notice is its art-style. All in all, everything is recognisable with a bit of a quirk to it. From the design of the structures to the overall colour, everything is just a little bit… off, and that's a good thing.
Having been lured and trapped on this bizarre island, it's up to you to figure out a way to get through the puzzles and discover the secrets of Isoland before it's too late.
Old Man's Journey – download on iOS
Though not so much a puzzler as it is a walking storybook, Old Man's Journey is one of the prettiest puzzlers on the market. It may technically have challenges to overcome, namely by sliding hills up and down so your protagonist can walk on them to advance, but they're not hard.
This'll disappoint more hardcore puzzle fans, but it gives you the chance to appreciate what's going on in more detail. Walking through a story of regret, life, love, and loss, this is one story you won't forget in time.
Florence – download on iOS
Like Old Man's Journey, Florence is a unique (and easy) point and click puzzler with a wonderful story. Playing as a young woman, Florence, she falls in love with an up-and-coming cellist, Krish, and we get to watch their tale of love unfold.
Typical of young love, it's not always bright and bubbly and the combination of wordless storytelling, striking visuals, and simply beautiful music makes it an unforgettable experience.
