The Curious Stairs of Mr. Hinks by Bluefish Games

This game was played September 2020.

Inspectors' Review:

• The box is tiny yet PURRFECT! We even fought over ownership of it.

• Cardboard is tasty but don't try it in front of your pawrents.

• Paper is good quality and very shiny.

• The dinosaur is not cuter than me.

• Computer keyboard was out of bounds during the boss' play...we protest this statue.

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Boss' Review:

The Curious Stairs of Mr. Hincks is a prequel coming to the successful The Curious Elevator of Mr. Hincks but I highly recommend playing Elevator first. Stairs is a smaller game but much more challenging. As someone who isn’t the greatest at puzzles (I use hint systems like a crutch or start emailing the creators for help) yet still loves doing them, I thoroughly enjoyed my experience, which is a testament to a well made hint system.

The premise of this game is very light. Bluefish Games is all about the puzzles but they do so in such a colourful way. Essentially you need to unlock the stairs to each floor. Sounds simply enough? Well, Mr. Hincks does not make it easy - it is almost as if stairs are more difficult than elevators.

The puzzles are all paper and cardboard. They involve ciphers, paper manipulation, observation, and activity based puzzles that all working towards solving a word to put into the lock for the floor. The second floor did have a more challenging puzzle for those who struggle with visualizing things so I recommend have some paper to cut out little icons to help you follow. Also take notes for each thing you do! Despite this challenge it was my favourite puzzle for its ingenuity as it was something I had never done before. These puzzles do require a bit more brain power compared to Elevator as you have to really examine the items given to you…also don’t misplace the items like I did

Overall if you enjoyed Hincks Elevator or if you like whimsical puzzle games that focus on the puzzles than this is a very affordable game to keep you occupied for 3+ hours. They provide engaging puzzles that on the surface look like ordinary cards, flyers, and tests but in reality unfold to be part of something greater. Their online system works well to keep puzzles on task and provide step-by-step hints for those who get stuck. I look forward to more Bluefish Games offers!

Check out this game here!

If you haven't tried the first game, The Curious Elevator of Mr. Hinks, check it out here!

This game was purchased by me.