Sometimes you want a puzzle game that will really test your brain for days, and sometimes you want a game that will fit into a coffee break or a spare half-hour. If you’re looking for the latter, check out Submachine by Mateusz Skutnik, the same mind that brought you the brilliantly illustrated Daymare Town.

Submachine is a polished, well-written point and click escape game that can be finished in a reasonable amount of time. You’ve been dropped into a mysterious underground complex and have to find your way out. As is usual for this genre, there’s not a whole lot of backstory.  There are bits and pieces to find, and puzzles to crack to make your escape–generally logic-based.  The puzzles make sense, and the graphics are well-developed with a slightly cartoony look so that pixel-hunting is minimal.

The average player will probably be puzzled for a few minutes and then see the answer–the obstacles are neither too hard or too easy, and the answers always feel like they make sense, not pulled out of the ether as is true of some games. You’ll be able to find everything you need in a straightforward fashion; it’s just a matter of figuring out what to do with it!

The soundtrack adds to the atmosphere of the game without being overwhelming or annoying and can be turned on or off as desired.

Feel like the game was too short?  No problem! Skutnik has created an entire series of escape games set in this universe, each with a distinctive look and feel but similar gameplay.

Indie Game Freak on indiegamereviewer.com