In a world where big-budget productions dominate and a few genres reign supreme, some
hidden gems go unnoticed, waiting to be discovered by players who want to escape the so
call “ordinary”.
Boxes: Lost Fragments is undoubtedly one of those cases. Developed by Big Loop Studios, a
Bulgarian-German team with vast experience in puzzle games, surprise us once again with a
title that enchants both puzzle lovers and newcomers. This is my case: puzzle games are not
my favorite way to spend my free time, but after this experience, I will definitely keeping an
eye on what this studio does next.
Beauty is in the details.
The first thing that stands out in “Boxes” is, without a doubt, its visuals. The steampunk
setting, with beautiful and detailed boxes, creates the perfect atmosphere for the mystery
that the game creates. In fact, I can’t stop thinking about how incredible and detailed this
world is. I often found myself just contemplating the unique beauty of these boxes and
objects. A true graphical delight that leaves no one indifferent.
In this universe, we take on the role of a thief. Like any good thief, we have a weakness for
shiny things that appear to be very expensive. Our journey through a mansion is not just
about solving the mysteries of these beautiful boxes, but also about searching for our past.
What begins as a seemingly simple robbery quickly turns into an adventure.
House of many screets.
The mansion is more than just a setting. It is the main stage of the plot, taking on a life of its
own and guiding the player through its enchanted rooms. At every step, the house tells
stories through its objects, revealing secrets and clues. As you drive deeper into the
mansion, you find enigmatic messages hidden inside the boxes and cinematic cutscenes that
connect to a narrative and take you beyond the initial goal of the robbery.
The story, even though it is not complex, unfolds in an engaging way, adding purpose and
intrigue to the act of solving puzzles. It is not a spectacular script, but it is more than
acceptable for this type of game.
Have I already mentioned how wonderful and addictive the graphics are? Possibly, but
another aspect that makes this title unique is its audio. The music and environment sounds
transport you into the game, making you forget what is happening around you. All the
sound elements are exactly as you expected, which provides a sense of satisfaction that I
haven’t felt in this industry for a long time.
Amazing for newcomers and veterans.
The puzzles in “Boxes”, while challenging, were carefully crafted to be accessible to new
players. They provide a pleasant experience that makes us think and sharpens our desire to
solve the puzzles without frustration. At the same time, ensures that veterans of the genre
stay entertained. The game offers subtle hints to help solve the puzzles, but in some
situations, it is possible to ask the game itself to solve them. I confess that I used this
function, with cooldown, more times than I would like to admit, mainly due to the great
variation in difficulty between the puzzles, which is not always directly linked to the game’s
progression.
It’s impossible not to make comparisons with “The Room”, a game that needs no
introduction and that serves as inspiration for various studios that venture into the concept
of escape rooms. Those who are familiar with the Big Loop Studios portfolio know that
“Boxes” will not offer an innovative experience, but it will demonstrate that this team
continues to experiment with a concept they know well and insist on driving the evolution
of the genre.
A fantastic experience recommended for lovers of the genre and beyond!
In conclusion, Boxes: Lost Fragments offers a polished and engaging puzzle experience. The
game’s stunning visuals, immersive atmosphere, and cleverly designed puzzles offer a
satisfying challenge for players of all experience levels. Despite its short playtime, this is a
game that delivers a rewarding and immersive experience for those looking for a touch of
mystery and a good mental workout.
