Review of Blue Prince

Roguelike titles seem to launch almost every month these days, with developers constantly infusing the genre’s intense and unpredictable gameplay mechanics into a multitude of new ideas. Enter Blue Prince, a game that seamlessly marries roguelike cores with the complex nature of first-person puzzle solving, creating a deeply impressive experience. Simply put, Blue Prince stands out not just as a stellar roguelike, but also as one of the most engaging puzzle games I’ve encountered.

In this captivating game, players assume the identity of Simon P. Jones, who finds himself the heir to his late uncle’s mansion. However, this inheritance comes with a peculiar twist—the mansion’s layout changes every day, and it’s up to Simon to decide how its rooms are arranged. His mission is to reach the mysterious Room 46. To achieve this, Simon must solve a variety of puzzles, collect resources, and slowly unravel the mansion’s enigmatic history. Blue Prince strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and brilliance, offering enough challenge to engage players without becoming frustratingly complex.

Every adventure in Blue Prince starts in the Entrance Hall, which leads to three doors. Decisions abound as players choose from an array of room options beyond each door. Color-coding helps guide strategic choices; for instance, bedrooms can help Simon regain precious steps, whereas the Den promises a valuable gem. Crafting the mansion’s layout is a game of strategy—room choices are crucial, with some leading to dead ends and others offering multiple pathways.

Although many rooms are beneficial, not all of them are as straightforward. Red rooms, for instance, can complicate things. Take the Chapel, which deducts coins when passed through, or the Dark Room that blinds players to the following room’s layout. Yet despite their challenges, these rooms often present multiple exits and can prove advantageous when maneuvering toward Room 46.

The puzzles within Blue Prince vary from single-room challenges to those sprawling across several spaces, encouraging players to jot down notes. In the Billiards Room, expect a math puzzle, while the Parlor features a logic challenge. While the underlying principles of these puzzles remain consistent, they become more demanding with each playthrough—adding variety and depth that keep the game feeling fresh.

Available from the get-go on PS Plus Extra and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate/PC Game Pass, Blue Prince invites players to dive into its ever-expanding mansion. The farther one progresses, the more intricate the rooms become, introducing obstacles like locked doors and gem-dependent openings. Resource management is crucial; a seemingly useless dead-end closet might hold essential items for success later on.

Just like many roguelikes, luck plays a part in Blue Prince, but players aren’t entirely at its mercy. Without revealing too much, certain permanent items can significantly enhance your chances. Though expect some setbacks, Blue Prince rewards persistence by offering upgrades that make subsequent runs more fruitful.

While Blue Prince might not sound thrilling on the surface, its addictive “just one more run” factor is undeniable. Diving into its mysteries is a joy, offering something for both casual puzzlers and hardcore enthusiasts alike. Its main quest is challenging yet achievable, and beyond completing Room 46, plenty of secrets and puzzles await dedicated players.

Visually, Blue Prince’s cel-shaded aesthetic brings vibrancy and individuality to each room. Certain rooms even adapt artistically based on their placement—a hallway in the mansion’s core might have walls, while one on the perimeter sports windows to the exterior. These smart visual details encourage meticulous exploration.

Complementing its striking visuals, Blue Prince’s soundtrack crafts an atmosphere that’s both soothing and eerily captivating, echoing the ambiance of classics like What Remains of Edith Finch and Gone Home. Players feel drawn into its atmosphere as they explore and uncover new depths within its many rooms.

After about 17 hours—a measure of the game’s ending—there’s still plenty to uncover, making it easy to imagine investing countless more hours into Blue Prince. The narratives woven into the game’s fabric offer players the choice to delve deep or simply graze the surface, each choice yielding its own rewards.

With each playthrough, Blue Prince captures more of your intrigue. Finding new items revives rooms previously thought fully explored, creating moments of serendipity that are hard to match. Any gaming enthusiast owes it to themselves to try this standout title. Blue Prince now reigns supreme in the realm of puzzle games, and it’s an experience you simply can’t pass up.

Released on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X, Blue Prince was reviewed on Xbox Series X, receiving high praise for its engaging mechanics, stunning visuals, and enchanting soundscapes.