14 new thinky releases from September 2023

Joseph Mansfield, 3 October 2023

Wow, what the heck is going on? Why are so many great thinky games coming out? How do they expect me to play all of them!?

You'll all have to help me out. Have a scroll through this list of games released throughout September, find something that catches your eye, and give it a try! Deciphering languages in an ancient world, a chaotic co-op construction puzzler, a cryptic sokoban that goes places you'd never expect, and an incredibly flatulent cube — this month had it all!

COCOON

Developed by Geometric Interactive, published by Annapurna

From Jeppe Carlsen, the lead gameplay designer of LIMBO and INSIDE — COCOON takes you on an adventure across worlds within worlds. Master world-leaping mechanics and solve intricate puzzles to unravel a cosmic mystery.

Chants of Sennaar

Developed by Rundisc, published by Focus Entertainment

Legend says that one day, a traveler will reunite the Peoples of the Tower who are unable to communicate with each other. Observe, listen, and decipher ancient languages in a fascinating universe inspired by the myth of Babel.

Ugly

Developed by TeamUgly, published by Graffiti Games

Unravel the dark secrets hidden throughout this stirring puzzle platformer about a tormented nobleman confronting the traumas of his past. Use an innovative mirror mechanic to solve challenging puzzle rooms and defeat towering bosses as you strive to piece together the ugly truth.

Escape From Mystwood Mansion

Developed by Lost Sock Studio

In this first-person puzzle escape room game, you are trapped in the mysterious Mystwood mansion. Explore the mansion and find hidden compartments while solving puzzles and deciphering codes to find a way out. Will you escape or linger to uncover the mansion's final secret?

Astronimo (Early Access)

Developed by Coatsink, published by Thunderful Games

Astronimo is a construction platform puzzler that takes you and your friends out of this world into a vast solar system, providing them with expansive creation tools to stretch the bounds of imagination.

Billy Bumbum: A Cheeky Puzzler

Developed by Frambosa Games, published by Bonus Stage Publishing

Solve thinky puzzles as a cube with a butt. Flip, push and fart your way through colorful levels as you rescue your adorable friends in need in this cheeky, cozy and slightly absurd feel-good adventure. Fart for freedom!

Headlong Hunt

Developed by Toombler Games

A puzzle game about capturing a creature. Learn to guide it and hide from it in simple yet surprisingly deep and satisfying ways.

Stick to the Plan

Developed by Dead Pixel Tales

In this game you can't pet the dog... because YOU are the dog! A relaxing and charming puzzle game about Roberto, a dog who really loves loooooooong sticks with a plan in mind.

Void Stranger

Developed by System Erasure

Void Stranger is a 2D sokoban-style puzzle game where every step counts.

Descend into the forgotten labyrinth teeming with fiendish foes and traps that defy reason. A swift defeat lurks at every corner for those who neither study their surroundings nor think their moves through with care. Trust you wits and slowly, surely, you will conquer the mysteries before you.

Kanji Industry (Early Access)

Developed by Tsune Studio

Kanji Industry is a Kanji production automation game. It is great fun to watch the production line move automatically to assemble complex kanji characters! It is also a great way to study kanji characters.

Underground Blossom

Developed by Rusty Lake

Underground Blossom is a new adventure game by Rusty Lake. Fulfil various tasks at every station to find the metro that will take you through each important event from Laura Vanderboom's life.

Side by Size

Developed by Zac E

Side by Size is a puzzle game where taking damage and healing changes the puzzle layout. Purposefully get hurt to open the way to the exit in 100 hand crafted puzzles!

Stoneman's Adventure

Developed by Minda Chen

Enter an island full of puzzles and secrets as a stoneman and explore by harnessing the power to generate and manipulate stones. The gameplay is an unique combination of sokoban and one-line drawing.

Unloop

Developed by ThreeTrees

Unloop is a calm and minimalist puzzle game designed to provide a soothing and engaging experience. Your goal is to eliminate all the blue portals, embarking on a journey of thoughtful problem-solving.