Since their rise in the 2010's, cinematic puzzle-platformers have become an unexpected favourite genre of mine in video games. Often shorter experiences; perfect vessels for emotional and atmospheric games that attempt to synchronise gameplay and story. With the likes of Limbo, Inside, and recently, Reanimal, using the genre for darker horrors, Planet of Lana 2 is a welcome continuation in the beautiful and colourful sci-fi world, Novo, created in the original.

2026 feels like another rejuvenation cycle for 3D platformers, as indie developers continue to use their inspirations to invent new takes on the genre. In the late 90s we had Super Mario 64 and Crash Bandicoot, and the early to mid 2000s, Ratchet and Clank, and Jak and Daxter. Whereas, the last two decades gifted us Super Mario Odyssey and Donkey Kong Bananza. But the continued renaissance in the boundary pushing indie scene is what's impressed me. First, we had the excellent Big Hops, and now, Demon Tides.

For some reason, I've always gravitated towards difficult precision platformers - the more masochistic the better. From the gravity flipping VVVVVV, to the tense sequences in Super Meat Boy. Straight away, Love Eternal reignites similarities to both, and quickly turns into its own unique hybrid of part hardcore precision 2D platformer, part psychological horror interactive adventure game.

In recent years, we've been lucky enough to have many indie studios release video games that deliver the quick thrill of short time based first person shooters from the addictive Neon White, to the narratively strong and stylish, I Am Your Beast. Now, developer Aerial_Knight and his small development team continue this genre with their own focused interpretation.

There's been a treasure trove of story-rich puzzle games in recent years - many focused on deduction mechanics. So, when the trailer for Relooted combined platforming with heist centric puzzles and a phenomenal narrative hook, it piqued my interest.