Recursed

Recursed is a puzzle-platformer about exploring rooms holding rooms and other useful objects that can be transported by the player. Chests, which contain rooms, can be jumped into and objects can be carried into them. To reach the purple gem that signals the completion of each level, the player will need to use these tools and change their environment using the chests. As the name suggests, Recursed often creates recursive solutions. Rooms can be carried inside of each other using chests, sometimes creating mind-bending loops.

Though Recursed begins with simple solutions, new objects appear slowly throughout the levels, bringing new mechanics. Flooded rooms can be created by placing chests underwater and might allow the player to swim to areas previously out of reach. Green, glowing objects are static, which means they act differently when they are left behind in a room. Once the player discovers green chests, this will allow them to create the recursive loops that define the game. Many of these mechanics reflect concepts found in programming (especially recursion). While a knowledge of programming isn’t needed to play, Recursed is certainly a tricky logic game.

In case players need more of a challenge, Recursed: The Ice Palace is a free DLC with levels made by community members. Due to its difficulty level, the ice palace is unlocked only after the player finishes the game.

With the contents of Recursed entirely consisting of puzzles, platforming is a necessary part of the game. Its 2D, pixelated art certainly leans into the retro platformer style. However, the platforming does not require the player to be as precise as in other action-oriented games. Recursed also incorporates bits of narration into the game. Through exploring objects in the room, the player can discover a narrator that either provides useful information or a laugh.

This description was written by Cay Macres and edited by Oriane Tury.