Youropa (2018)

Youropa is a puzzle platformer with a unique, gravity defying twist – but it’s not quite enough. You could easily find yourself getting lost in the pleasant atmosphere, but you’re just as likely to enter a void of chasing your own tail.

Youropa is a stand-out indie that offers a memorable unravelling game world that's full of variety and hidden treats. It may take things a bit slowly but the fact that it's something very different is commendable, especially because it does everything very well.

If you’re into Portal, The Talos Principle, or any other game that forces you to think outside of box or in other creatives manners in order to solve puzzles, Youropa is a decent pickup. The amount of levels and collectibles throughout the game will give you plenty to do, and so much customisation means creating your perfect character. All in all, it’s a solid, if somewhat forgettable experience.

Youropa is a special puzzle game that manages to do enough memorable things to keep you interested and invested. Smart puzzle designs make the game a fun challenge to complete, along with clever new abilities you unlock as you play. The big miss here is its painting mechanic, which it describes as an important aspect, but rarely ever uses the feature. Youropa offers plenty of variety to keep you playing throughout its adventure.

However it must be said that this playtime feels extended by a sluggish pace that makes exploration and even some of the puzzle solving feel exhausting at times. The game runs good enough on Switch and for those who like trying their hand at creating games or levels of their own, Youropa has plenty to offer here. But if you're looking for something with its own personality or a story that will keep you engaged while solving these puzzles, you're going to have to pull some other strings.