Tilting Tiles is about as simplistic a puzzle game as can be; each level is viewed from an angled perspective, and we must slide the red square in equally-sized increments around the stages in order to collect all of the available gems, doing so within a strict move limit. It starts of easy but wastes no time in getting to the point of us failing a level by one move, causing us to rethink our strategy.
Levels come in a variety of layouts, and can include extra considerations such as lifts and sliding platforms. We also have a few movement options at our disposal; as well as simply moving one space (which can be done as many times as the levels move limit will allow), we get the option to move two spaces at once, or to move diagonally. These last two are limited depending on the level played, and often require exact usage in order to make the most of them.
As I say, it’s a simple set up, and one that proves to scratch the puzzling itch in short bursts. I’ve found it enjoyable to play a handful of levels, usually around 15 minutes or so, in between other games or when I have just a short time to play. In gameplay, it feels much like something we’d find on a mobile, happy to while away time while we wait for a train or an appointment.
There’s no stars or microtransactions though, thankfully, so it’s just us versus the game. There’s a decent level of challenge, though I wouldn’t have objected to a hint system of sorts. Some levels can take over 30 moves, and often are failed on our first step, but this isn’t clear until we’re almost at the end. An optional suggestion on the first steps would have been welcome, or even something to nudge us along mid-level.
I’d also have liked to see an option to go back steps too. Again, it’s only really as we get to the last few move when we know we’ve failed, and being able to retrace our steps would have been preferable to starting over from scratch (especially if we accidently made a wrong move). Levels take that bit too long to restart as well, which I found put me off of that ‘one more go’ mindset puzzlers like this should be aiming to get me in.
And finally, while it’s not the biggest dealbreaker, the aesthetic is somewhat unappealing. The dull brown backgrounds, mixed with dull brown brickwork and a dull red checker piece didn’t really inspire me to keep playing. Paired with middling audio, it’s definitely one best played with music or a podcast in the background.
Conclusion
In short bursts, Tilting Tiles offers a decent puzzling challenge that’s enjoyable to conquer, albeit one that a few quality of life improvements such as backtracking steps or a hint system would improve.
This game was reviewed based on Xbox S|X review code, using an Xbox S|X console. All of the opinions and insights here are subject to that version. Game provided by publisher.
