Boxes: Lost Fragments
Genres: Puzzle, Mystery, Point & Click, Story Rich, Atmospheric, Adventure
Play modes: singleplayer
Release Date: 1-2-2024
Developer: Big Loop Studios
Our verdict
8/10
- Difficulty: Easy
- Players: 1
- Playtime: 4–5 h
Boxes: Lost Fragments is a 3D puzzle-box game in the mould of The Room. You play a master thief who breaks into a lavish mansion and finds it filled with elaborate puzzle boxes, each one a nest of hidden compartments, sliders, levers and secret mechanisms. It suits solo players who want a relaxed tactile puzzler over a few evenings.
Steam reviews are very positive (1,611 of 1,770). Players enjoy the satisfying clicks and whirrs of the boxes unfolding, the good-looking graphics and a hint system with a different twist. The developers also replaced some of the worst puzzles in a post-launch update, which won over at least one critic.
The recurring complaint is difficulty: reviewers who came from The Room call it far easier, with most puzzles boiling down to finding an object and using it in the obvious place. It is also short, at around four to five hours. If you want a calm, polished puzzle-box game it is a good buy, ideally on sale; veterans looking for a challenge may be disappointed.
Pros
- Intricate puzzle boxes full of hidden compartments and sliders
- Tactile mechanisms with satisfying sound design
- Hint system that does not just hand out answers
Cons
- Much easier than The Room, which it closely resembles
- Short for its full price
About
As a legendary thief, your next assignment lures you into a grand and lavish mansion. There you find a series of puzzle boxes, designed for an unknown purpose.
Suddenly, you realize that this is no ordinary building and that you are no longer in control of what is unfolding, and perhaps never were. What should have been a quick in-and-out, turns into your own harrowing struggle for freedom and answers.
Inspired by the cryptic atmosphere, intricate machinery, and smooth controls of the best escape room games, we have created a diverse set of original puzzle levels that will test your resolve and skills to navigate this mysterious and compelling journey. Each level is beautiful, unique, and a true delight to explore and figure out.
FEATURES
Solve a varied set of original puzzle boxes including Victorian, Mechanical, Classic, Architectural, and Ancient.
Explore a grand mansion that transforms with each step you take.
Collect and use a variety of carefully designed items to uncover hidden mechanisms.
Experience immersive audio that sets the tone for a memorable journey.
