I’ve been around long enough to see how hype cycles work, but the “free puzzle games 2025” trend seems to be a stale marketing gimmick disguised as “innovation.” Sure, we’re all for accessible gaming, but the majority of these so-called free titles are either repackaged old mechanics or loaded with microtransactions that erode any sense of genuine puzzle challenge.
Is anyone else finding that modern free puzzle games are more about advertising sloganeering than offering real, clever puzzle mechanics? It feels like developers play safe by recycling old ideas rather than taking risks, even under the guise of a “free-to-play revolution.”
I’m curious how others feel about this. Are there any hidden gems that actually push the boundaries, or are we being spoon-fed the same formula over and over again? What practical innovations or fresh twists have you seen in the genre recently, if any?