Samsara: Deluxe Edition

Samsara is, unfortunately, let down by a shockingly empty soundtrack that makes much of the game lack a distinct aural style, which is a big hit against its overall aesthetic. However, this is still a great puzzler. Its delightful visual style and simple yet tough puzzling make it appropriately addictive and something quite special.

Samsara: Deluxe Edition takes symmetry puzzles to a whole new level. The puzzles are a good workout for the brain since there are limited pieces to work with and you need to think upside down sometimes, but with very little help from the game itself, it's easy to rage-quit and stop playing for a long time.

Whether you're on the hunt for a new brain teaser or simply looking for something to play for a few minutes on break at work, Samsara is probably a game you should put on your list. Disappointing sound design aside, I found that the experience was fun both on my own and alongside friends as they tried to help me solve a particularly difficult level. It's not perfect, but for what it is and what it's trying to be the game does find some success.

Samsara invites the player into a shadowy and magical world of block-building puzzles. The gameplay experience falls down on its lack of detail, often leading to a lack of motivation to carry on into the depths of the game. However, the intricate solutions that can be achieved make the game time worthwhile, with play best reserved for a level or two in a spare few moments or a morning commute.

In the end I’d definitely say you should give the video a look to see if the style of play suits you. It’s methodical and can throw you a challenge but between the ordinary presentation and how fundamentally basic the gameplay mechanics are it’s hardly a must-play experience either. In an eShop full of intriguing puzzle games many flavors Samsara Deluxe may be unique but it still struggles with just being very average.