LOK is lovely: I'm often ranting in our discord or the newsletter about my love of cryptic puzzles that don't explain themselves, and this game is a masterclass in that kind of "invisibly guiding players while letting them feel like they're discovering it all on their own." Pulling that off while maintaining the level of elegance that LOK does makes the whole thing feel like a magic trick.
I've mostly played LOK using the physical puzzle-book version sold on the creator's website (also available as a PDF) but now you have another convenient option: LOK Digital just got a surprise release today on Steam, which is a big deal when this is one of our most anticipated titles of the year. Here's the launch trailer:
The "LOK" creatures speak a unique "LOK" language, and learning the grammar of this mysterious dialect is the game's central task. You'll be introduced to one new phrase at a time, each with some sort of power to alter the world, and very quickly the ripple effects between these words of power will surprise and delight you.
Filling in squares to spell words, which let you fill more spaces, thus spelling a new word and chaining the effects together... it's the kind of one-discovery-leading-to-the-next domino effect that widens your eyes and provokes an "ohhhh" just about every level. The puzzles are clever and the satisfying realizations plentiful.
I've heard that the new digital version takes things in new directions and does things that the paper version can't, and I believe it. The designer of LOK, Blaž Urban Gracar, has several other cryptic paper-puzzle projects under his belt, and everything I've played has been similarly smart and enjoyable.
LOK Digital currently has a 10% launch discount on Steam, and is being published by Draknek & Friends, a name that has become synonymous with "high quality puzzle experiences". Announced alongside the surprise release today was the news that LOK will also be coming soon to iOS and Android platforms, with a planned release of January 23rd, 2025. (I noticed Draknek's previous release Sokobond Express is also on sale for 30% off, a great game in its own right.)
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