Solares

Solares is a unique puzzleplatformer that takes the classic gridbased mechanics of 90s games like Chip's Challenge and adds a third dimension to the mix. It's a game that looks simple at first glance but quickly reveals layers of clever design that will keep puzzle fans hooked.

The core loop is all about moving boxes to their colored locations. You use a variety of mechanics to solve each puzzle, including moving platforms and elevators to traverse the 3rd dimension. As you progress through the 60 levels, the puzzles become more challenging and the environment changes, keeping the experience fresh from start to finish. The world of Solares and its visuals are inspired by early 1980s computers and scenes from Tron Legacy, giving the game a distinct retrofuturistic aesthetic.

It was developed and published by indie studio and released on August 1, 2024. The system requirements are mercifully low you'll need Windows 7 (64bit), an OpenGLcompatible graphics card, and a 64bit processor, with Windows 10 recommended for the best experience. It's also fully supported on SteamOS and Linux.

The reception has been positive. The game sits at a 65% positive rating on Steam, based on a small number of user reviews, and aggregator sites list it at 4.0 out of 5. One reviewer noted that it "tests our ability to solve puzzles in very ingenious ways without becoming frustrating," though they did mention that the adaptive AI can sometimes become aggressive and make a simple puzzle more difficult than expected.

Who's it for?

If you grew up playing 90s puzzle games like Chip's Challenge and want something that captures that same spirit with a modern twist, this is exactly your kind of game. If you enjoy puzzleplatformers that reward careful thinking and spatial awareness, the 3D mechanics offer a genuinely fresh challenge. It's also for players who appreciate a cheap, lowstress game they can pick up for a few minutes or sink an entire evening into. And if you're the kind of person who likes supporting solo developers and discovering hidden gems before everyone else does, this one's practically invisible right now.

If the game has delighted you, I hope you take the win!