Blue Prince preview

Stepping into the enigmatic world of Blue Prince, you’re immediately greeted with a unique and intriguing premise. Developed by Dogubomb and published by Raw Fury, this game stands out as a genre-defying mix of mystery, strategy, and puzzle-solving. As players explore the ever-shifting manor of Mt. Holly, they unravel the secrets buried deep within its constantly changing rooms. From our hands-on time with the game at Gamescom, it’s clear that Blue Prince has something captivating to offer, blending atmosphere, exploration, and narrative in a novel way.

What we know

Blue Prince is set within Mt. Holly, a large and mysterious mansion filled with constantly shifting rooms. In this first-person adventure, players are tasked with exploring its depths to uncover the truth about the manor and, more importantly, the rumored Room 46. Each door the player opens reveals a different room, and the layout changes daily, adding layers of unpredictability to the gameplay. The house resets every day, wiping away non-permanent progress but allowing players to retain essential tools and upgrades. The game combines elements of exploration, puzzle-solving, and strategic decision-making as players manage their limited resources while diving deeper into the narrative’s dark secrets, which weave together political intrigue and the disappearance of a local children’s book author. The game is set to launch on PC and promises a visually rich experience with a story that slowly unfolds as players navigate through the shifting halls.

What we saw

At Gamescom, we met with Dogubomb’s director, Tonda Ros, who guided us through a hands-on session of Blue Prince. As we explored Mt. Holly, Tonda shared insights into the game’s mechanics, particularly the unique room-drafting feature partly inspired by Christopher Manson’s book Maze. We played through several room cycles, experiencing firsthand how the manor constantly evolves, requiring a strategic approach to exploration.

What we thought

One of the most striking aspects of Blue Prince is its ability to draw players in with its sheer novelty. The concept of navigating a mansion where the rooms change daily taps into that irresistible curiosity of “what’s behind the next door?” Each step feels like peeling back another layer of an intricate puzzle, inviting you to dig deeper. This constantly evolving nature ensures that no two play sessions feel the same, providing a fresh challenge each time. The pacing of the game, though still in development, will need careful balancing to ensure players feel compelled to continue their journey without becoming disoriented or overwhelmed by the ever-shifting environment.

As fans of mystery-laden narratives, we were intrigued by the game’s premise and its promise of uncovering hidden truths. The storytelling is intertwined with exploration, with every room contributing to a larger narrative, gradually revealing details about the political intrigue surrounding the mansion. There’s a slow burn to the story, but for fans of mystery and discovery, that build-up feels rewarding, encouraging careful observation and thought.

Mechanically, Blue Prince does an excellent job of incorporating its puzzle elements into the exploration. Every room feels like a mini-challenge, where finding items and tools contributes to your progress in a meaningful way. However, the constant resetting of the manor could risk becoming frustrating for players if they’re unable to make permanent progress on key objectives – though the inclusion of estate blueprints does help mitigate this concern. We’re curious to see how the game manages to keep players hooked as the puzzles grow more complex and the narrative unfolds further.

Visually, the game has an attractive and unique look and feel, with a world that feels alive despite its eerie stillness. From the lighting to the ambient sounds, every corner of the manor feels carefully crafted to maintain an atmosphere of suspense. The minimalist yet haunting soundtrack further complements the experience, heightening the tension as players uncover new parts of the mansion.

Ultimately, Blue Prince stands out as a game filled with potential. It’s a giant puzzle waiting to be uncovered, layer by layer, with an atmosphere that draws players into its surreal mystery. The question now is how the developers will maintain that momentum, especially when it comes to balancing the difficulty of puzzles with the pacing of the narrative as the house resets itself.