PGC NEWS

Puzzles are a staple in most video games, designed to engage players’ minds and offer a change of pace from hours of exploration, adventure, or action. However, standalone puzzle games can be a niche genre, as many gamers prefer the excitement of dynamic gameplay, something puzzles often lack. To compensate, story-driven narratives frequently accompany puzzle-heavy games. While these narratives don’t need to be groundbreaking, they provide context and motivation for solving the puzzles. Bonfire Peaks is a fascinating exception to this rule.

Developed by Corey Martin and published by Draknek, Bonfire Peaks is a minimalist puzzle game stripped bare of narrative and dialogue, leaving only the player and the challenges. Can such a simple premise hold a player’s attention? Let’s delve into this review and find out.

Ascending the Mountain of Puzzles

Bonfire Peaks

The game begins with a nameless protagonist (let’s call him the Protagonist) arriving at a mysterious island by swan boat. The island is dotted with bonfires. Upon lighting a bonfire, the Protagonist is transported to a different dimension. Here, the sole objective is to burn a crate containing personal belongings.

Bonfire Peaks

To achieve this, the player must maneuver the crate to a fire burning high above. This forms the core gameplay loop. After successfully burning the crate, the Protagonist returns to the island, where a wooden crate appears next to the bonfire. These crates serve as stepping stones, allowing the Protagonist to ascend the island’s mountain.

Bonfire Peaks

This cycle repeats: light bonfire, solve puzzle, acquire crate, climb higher. As the Protagonist ascends, the puzzles become progressively more complex, demanding increased ingenuity. While Bonfire Peaks might contain hidden narratives or messages, their interpretation remains entirely up to the player.

The Allure of Simplicity

Bonfire Peaks

A Relaxing Approach to Problem-Solving

The most striking initial impression of Bonfire Peaks is its tranquil atmosphere. Free from time limits, move counters, enemies, or bosses, the game emphasizes a relaxed pace. The only elements are the puzzles themselves, a soothing soundtrack, and aesthetically pleasing voxel-based graphics. This creates a sense of calm, encouraging thoughtful problem-solving without pressure or competition.

This relaxing atmosphere extends to the Protagonist’s animations. If the player presses the action button (Space on the keyboard) with no interactable objects nearby, the Protagonist sits down, as if patiently waiting for the player to formulate a plan.

Ingenious Indirect Tutorials

Bonfire Peaks features a minimalist tutorial, covering only the basic controls: picking up objects, rotating the camera, and movement. Afterward, players are left to decipher the puzzles independently. However, the game subtly guides players through cleverly designed levels. Mechanics discovered in earlier levels become essential tools for solving later puzzles, organically teaching players without explicit instructions.

Bonfire Peaks

The Addictive Nature of “Just One More Puzzle”

Bonfire Peaks‘ levels are relatively short, with difficulty gradually increasing as the player progresses. This combination fosters a sense of accomplishment, motivating players to tackle the next challenge. The puzzles often linger in the mind even after closing the game, prompting contemplation and strategizing. This “just one more puzzle” mentality mirrors the addictive nature of games like Civilization.

Bonfire Peaks

While some puzzles can be genuinely challenging, Bonfire Peaks thoughtfully incorporates easier puzzles at higher elevations, allowing players to regain confidence and approach the more difficult ones with a fresh perspective.

Conclusion

Bonfire Peaks offers a unique and rewarding puzzle experience. Its minimalist design, tranquil atmosphere, and cleverly designed puzzles create an engaging and addictive gameplay loop. While the lack of narrative might deter some, the game’s focus on pure puzzle-solving provides a refreshing change of pace. Bonfire Peaks proves that a game doesn’t need a complex story to be captivating; sometimes, a good puzzle is all it takes.