Recently, I’ve been making more use of my game subscriptions for new releases. First, it was Atomfall, which I managed to play through Xbox Game Pass. This time, I’ve enjoyed the pleasure (and sometimes torment) of playing Blue Prince by Dogubomb on PS Plus.
I have to admit, this game originally went under my radar. And many others, it seems. Until, almost out of thin air, press outlets were posting overwhelmingly positive reviews here, there, and everywhere. Personally, I have NinjaRefinery to thank for bringing it to my attention. But that also means he bears the blame for the sleepless nights I’ve had trying to plot out a course through one of the most intriguing roguelikes I’ve ever played.
So, what is Blue Prince? Well, that’s a question we answered in detail here. But to cut it short, it’s a game in which you are invited to your great-uncle’s mansion. He has sadly passed away and left this grand home to you, under one condition. You must find the mysterious 46th room in this 45-room estate. Sounds simple enough, right? Wrong!
A mansion of infinite mysteries
I approached Blue Prince expecting a straightforward roguelike: find the elusive Room 46, claim the inheritance, job done. But as I delved deeper into Mt. Holly’s ever-shifting corridors, I realised that Room 46 was merely the tip of an intricate iceberg. Each day presented a new layout, fresh challenges, and secrets that beckoned me to return, run after run.
The game’s brilliance lies in its room-drafting mechanic. Every door you open offers a choice of rooms to place next, each with unique features, some beneficial, others deceptive. This system ensures that no two playthroughs are alike, demanding strategic planning and adaptability. It’s a design choice that transforms the mansion into a living, breathing puzzle box.
The devil’s in the details
What sets Blue Prince apart is its commitment to detail. Hidden within its rooms are layers of puzzles, lore, and mechanics that reward the observant and the persistent. I found myself jotting down notes, drawing maps, and theorising like a conspiracy theorist. The satisfaction of connecting disparate clues across multiple runs is unparalleled. If you’ve ever watched It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, think about the episode where Charlie is working in the mail room.
However, this depth can be a double-edged sword. The narrative, while rich in content, is fragmented. Piecing together the story requires dedication, and the lack of a cohesive thread might deter those seeking a more linear experience. Yet, for players who thrive on discovery and deduction, this fragmented storytelling is a treasure trove.
Tools of the trade… and the secrets they unlock
Items in Blue Prince start off as curiosities; odd trinkets, mysterious dishes, and puzzle pieces with no obvious purpose. Some items can manipulate room drafts, unlock hidden areas, or even be used to blow up a stick of dynamite you may find lying around somewhere. A meal eaten might even add new rooms to the day’s draft pool. It’s a system that encourages hoarding, tinkering, and the kind of obsessive note-taking that Blue Prince seems to thrive on, rewarding those who think outside the blueprint.
But unlock the Workshop, and things start to click even more. Here, you can combine certain items to craft powerful tools that can alter your daily runs, unlock hidden rooms, or even change how puzzles behave entirely. The game never tells you what combinations work, so it’s all about experimentation and paying attention to the bizarre logic that governs Mt. Holly.
A few chinks in the armour
While Blue Prince excels in many areas, it’s not without flaws. The absence of an in-game journal means that players must rely on external note-taking, which can be cumbersome. Additionally, certain puzzles, like the colour-coded dartboard, pose accessibility challenges for colourblind players, a concern that the developers are reportedly addressing.
In addition to that, the game’s pacing might not suit everyone. The daily resets, while integral to the roguelike experience, can feel repetitive, especially when progress stalls. But these are minor quibbles in an otherwise stellar experience. However, there are some permanent unlocks you can get to introduce things like adding extra steps, an allowance to spend in shops, as well as an outer room that opens up a few new possibilities.
Overall thoughts on Blue Prince
Blue Prince is a testament to what indie games can achieve. Its blend of roguelike mechanics, intricate puzzles, and atmospheric storytelling creates an experience that’s both challenging and rewarding. It’s a game that doesn’t just invite you to play, it dares you to unravel its mysteries.
An architectural enigma that challenges and captivates in equal measure. Blue Prince isn’t just a game; it’s an obsession waiting to happen.
Blue Prince is developed by Dogubomb and published by Raw Fury. You can purchase it now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC. Find more information on the official site. And if you want to check out more of our game reviews, just click here. Please note, some links on this page may contain affiliate links and can earn us a commission if you purchase things through them. However, you by no means have to use them; they just help us raise funds to keep the site going.
