Puzzle or Action? Finding the Right Games

Logic puzzles, chain building and match-3 games are all exercises in planning and precision. Best of all, they are easily paused and resumed allowing multitasking or contemplation.

If a single error is frustrating, seek out games that allow unlimited or recent undo. Even with mistakes, such games teach the player the underlying pattern.

Running, shooting and twitch games are all excellent at delivering quick bursts of excitement and should be used when pressed for time, or when a quick break is needed. However, such games tax the player, and several sprints or gunfights can be more tiring than an hour of slow puzzles.

If the fingers begin to cramp, remember to stretch them out, and if available lower the sensitivity setting.

Following an action filled level, or a difficult puzzle, it is often nice to switch off, and settling into a less demanding game is often just the way to do it. However, a long list on a game site with enticing blurbs can be misleading, as often the first game tried may not be the easiest or most enjoyable. Bookmarking one puzzle and one action game, and switching between them is often a good start.

Similarly, when attempting to find something new, a player may want to try a new kind of game. However, such experiments can be disappointing if one plays an opening level, and feel that the entire game is not to their liking. To help prevent this, keep track of what one actually finishes, rather than what is attempted. It is the completed game that is a true recommendation, not an abandoned demo.