Runes: Puzzle, a newly released iOS game, is a captivating revamp of a classic puzzler. The core gameplay revolves around maneuvering a cuboid block across a map, collecting other rune-engraved blocks while navigating obstacles and unique map challenges.
The simplicity of the core mechanic—moving a red block, flipping it to traverse squares and connect to other blocks—belies the complexity. Similar to Link All, the true challenge lies in the innovative twists applied to this fundamental formula. Each of the four worlds introduces new mechanics, providing a diverse and engaging experience across its 70+ levels and 5 bonus challenges.
While the original developer initially downplayed the rerelease aspect, the updated visuals are undeniably impressive. However, the long-term appeal hinges on whether the repetitive block-flipping mechanic maintains its engagement. The variety offered by the four distinct worlds with their unique mechanics might offset this potential drawback, making it worth investigating.
If Runes: Puzzle doesn't quite hit the spot, consider exploring our top 25 best puzzle games for Android and iOS. This curated list features visually stunning and mechanically intuitive puzzlers, offering a diverse range of challenges to test your problem-solving skills.