Nimbi

Puzzle games may not enjoy the same popularity as shooters, RPGs or simulators, but if they are done right they can steal the spotlight anytime. There are many examples or relatively niche genres that have enjoyed massive success thanks to one game, and it’s bound to happen again in the future. The game at hand might very well be a contender, although it still needs some work.

Nimbi is a puzzle game in which you have a pretty simple goal: rescue your friend and solve puzzles on your way to him. However, the presentation is unique, and it’s a real pleasure to explore and interact with the game world. The central idea is that each level is actually a tower you must climb, and each tower features a unique set of challenges and puzzles that put your intelligence to the test.

Story-wise, it all starts when two friends get separated, with one of them being kidnapped by the bad guys. Your role is to go on a journey on his tracks and try to rescue him, in order to go back to your peaceful existence. The towers are just part of the landscape in this weird world, so you have to get used to them over the course of the journey. Thankfully, it’s quite easy to do so, and it’s even easier to enjoy the landscapes.

Your character may not be able to perform many actions, but the ones that are at your disposal are quite versatile. Hence, you can move, interact with objects and switch between a couple of animal suits that grant you special abilities. These suits are vital to most puzzles, because you usually have to employ a combination of them in order to find the solution and get past a certain trap.

The visual design excels as well, even if the actual graphics are pretty sub par for this day and age. Each tower is different and quite detailed, making it a really fun trip to explore them and figure out their secrets. The controls are simple as well, although the camera might be a tad tricky at first, mainly because it moves independently of the main character.

When it’s all said and done, it’s worth mentioning that Nimbi is not yet complete, so there are still many improvements that could be just around the corner. With enough content and more exquisite puzzles to keep you occupied, this could very well be one of the most exciting games of the year.