Are you interested in jigsaw puzzles? Have you ever thought how it would look like if instead of assembling a flat image, you put together the jigsaw pieces that forms something in 3D? Not like a model kit, those comes with instructions and spiritually different. But like a 3D diorama?
That’s what Puzzling Places is. Developed by Realities.io first as a VR game back in 2021, this indie game is now available on PC via Steam. VR headset is now optional with this Steam release, you can play Puzzling Places as a flat screen experience and is Steam Deck Verified.
Puzzling Places has you assemble a 3D diorama out of jigsaw pieces. The twist comes from having to think in 3D, as the pieces not bend and curve instead of being flat pieces.
In keeping with spirit of jigsaw puzzles, the miniature diorama scenes are 3D scans of real-world locations, with added animations and even ambient soundscapes. A little more immersive than what you get out of a jigsaw puzzle box, but it’s very much evoking that spirit.
In terms of difficulty, Puzzling Places has each puzzles cut into 25, 50, 100, 200 and 400 pieces. If you really want to sink your teeth into it, some puzzles come in 800 and 1000 pieces. At least not none of the dioramas have you assembling an ocean, but that’s not to say they are not tricky, puzzling one would say, puzzles.
Puzzling Places is out now on PC (Steam) with optional VR support. The game is also available for Meta Quest 1/2/3/Pro, PS VR2 and Pico 4 VR headsets.