Pilapila

Pretty simple, but fun puzzle game. Trying to get gold on every level can require a lot of block moving, but other than that the gimmicks were enjoyable. Levels themselves are not too difficult per se, but getting gold on them is a simple way of increasing difficulty. In a way you can choose how you want to play and stick to that, but beating the levels with fewest moves is when I had most of my "aha!" moments. One downsides is that further levels tend to become more complex, rather than more puzzling. Somewhat of a shame, because it feels like the currently available mechanics have more potential than shown.

Pilapila has a simple concept of stacking blocks to create pathways to find a stage exit. The puzzles aren't incredibly difficult (until the later levels) but getting the gold medals are definitely a challenge. One of my favorite things about the game is how quick you move through the interface. Need to go back a turn? Push a button, Need to start a stage over? Push a button. Go into the stage select? Push a button. If you enjoy games like Solomon's Key, Adventures of Lolo, or other similar puzzle games I highly recommend Pilapila.

The balance of this game is impeccable, with the learning curve providing a consistent, accessible challenge throughout the game (which I think is the most important aspect of puzzle games). You'll have to put your logic skills to the test, but I honestly think that gamers of all skill levels can complete Pilapila and enjoy doing so without giving up to frustration. Too many games start off fun and then become just one more title in the unfinished pile because the difficulty doesn't scale appropriately for the average user. Pilapila avoids that fault but also has a layer of depth in the move limits and challenge levels that provide extra difficulty for those who want to truly test their puzzle-solving mettle. Even those parts of the game are balanced well, and completion never feels truly out of reach. The visuals are your standard 2D pixelated minimalist style with some colorful flair. It's a very clean feeling game. Pilapila's level designs are deceptively simple, with many 'ah ha!' moments waiting in store. New blocks are introduced as you progress, each with their own unique mechanic that alters the challenge and expands the way you play. I want to shout out the move redo functionality, as it allows players to experiment, fail, learn, and then adjust all within the level without having to back out and restart. The controls are straightforward, the story deep and riveting (jk), and the music is a perfect soundtrack for a puzzle game - being goofy and charming enough to help balance out the pull-your-hair-out confusion you are sure to experience. I spent 30+ hours playing this game - solving every level, replaying them to complete each under the move limit, and finishing the unlockable challenge levels. This is a deep game with a lot of fun content and a serious value at only $5. Because of that, I highly recommend Pilapila as something that all gamers can find a little joy in regardless of their familiarity with the puzzle genre.

Fun little game. More complex than it appears on the tin, but some genuinely good and challenging puzzles. My only gripe is tying level unlocks to "perfected" puzzles. Like imagine doing some spring cleaning around the house and your partner is all, "A-ha! Well done, but you needlessly moved a couple boxes around inefficiently, try again." Maybe for some levels with alternative paths, but tying it to every level is for the birds. Good game, regardless.