Blue Prince has exploded onto the gaming scene with extraordinary reviews, drawing comparisons to beloved titles like Outer Wilds and Return of the Obra Dinn. The puzzle game with roguelike elements launched on both Gamepass and PS Plus, making it widely accessible to players across platforms.
Developed by a new studio, Dogubomb makes its debut release with Blue Prince. Delivering an intricate gameplay experience that has caught the attention of prominent critics.
Gaming journalist Jason Schreier and others have showered the title with praise, suggesting it could be a serious Game of the Year contender despite competition from anticipated releases like Hades 2 and Hollow Knight: Silksong.
What makes Blue Prince stand out is its layered puzzle design. Players are encouraged to take physical notes while playing, a mechanic that harkens back to older gaming eras. The game features a “second layer” of puzzles that reward attentive players who dig deeper into its mysteries.
“If you’re someone whose favorite games include Outer Wilds or Myst, this is easily gonna be your Game of the Year,” shared one early player. Others who experienced the demo during Steam Next Fest or at Gamescom reported knowing within minutes that they had found something special.
The game’s depth extends well beyond its primary storyline. Many players report discovering additional content that significantly increases playtime and satisfaction. Some technical issues have been noted, including text size problems on certain platforms like Steam Deck, but these haven’t dampened enthusiasm.
A major win for indie developers
The development team reportedly spent over eight years polishing the game before release, with their dedication clearly showing in the final product.
Their focus on mystery and intricate design has paid off, proving that indie games can compete with major releases for critical acclaim and player attention.
Blue Prince shows again that innovative game design and thoughtful puzzles can create experiences that resonate deeply with players, even without massive development budgets or marketing campaigns.
