The Light in the Mist (2022)

About this game

Your friend’s mysterious disappearance results in the discovery of an unusual item, leading you to embark on a journey through time and memory. In this narrative puzzle adventure, an intimate coming-of-age story is told through an object that serves as a tarot deck, a puzzle game, and a work of art. You will need to manipulate cards, find hidden messages, and solve logic and word problems in order to uncover the deck’s secrets. The tarot deck contains 78 cards--56 Minor Arcana and 22 Major Arcana, the latter of which each represent a puzzle. Puzzles are solved using sets of Minor Arcana cards and clues from the story booklet and result in solution keywords that lead players to discover new pieces of the narrative. Some story passages grant items which can be later used to unlock extra scenes, and some puzzles have multiple answers, allowing players to unlock more of the story if they find all the solutions. Packed with gorgeous illustrations, resonant storytelling, and unique puzzles, The Light in the Mist can be played solo or cooperatively in a small group. It’s non-linear structure and varied puzzle difficulty will engage players of all experience levels with over five hours of gameplay. Do you have what it takes to overcome the challenges thrown your way without getting lost in the mist?

Does it fit your group?

• Group size. Works with 1 to 4. It has a designed solo mode.
• Rules load. At 2.9/5 this is a mid-weight game — expect a proper rules explanation before you start.
• Age. The publisher suggests 14 and up. That rates the rules rather than the artwork, so judge the box yourself for younger players.