A new puzzle game, He Who Watches, is drawing comparisons to Valve's seminal 2007 title Portal, offering players a mind-bending experience with a unique perspective-shifting mechanic. Developed by Bobby Vanden and published by Draknek and Friends, the game challenges players to navigate intricate puzzle chambers by manipulating boxes with arrows and utilizing the ability to walk on walls and ceilings.
The core gameplay loop involves solving puzzles to progress through a strange structure as an archer in search of glyphs and a trapped, god-like being. Players can interact with boxes by firing arrows at them, allowing them to be pushed onto switches or cleared from paths. At its heart, it can be classified as a 3D Sokoban game, requiring clever spatial reasoning to reach the exit of each room.
The defining feature of He Who Watches is its gravity-flipping mechanic. Players can move between the floor, walls, and ceiling of each room, with objects adhering to the surface they are placed upon. This twist leads to complex puzzles, such as placing a box on the ceiling to create a bridge or jamming transport beams. While the first-person movement across multiple surfaces may induce slight nausea for some, the puzzle design is described as precise and inventive.
Beyond its central gimmick, He Who Watches introduces a variety of puzzle concepts that build upon the gravity manipulation. Players will encounter transport beams that move boxes, which can be redirected or used as pathways by strategically placing boxes. This gradual introduction of mechanics allows players to feel as though they are becoming engineers as they solve increasingly complex challenges.
To mitigate potential frustration, Vanden has implemented a thoughtful hint system. Each main puzzle room is accompanied by an optional mini-puzzle chamber designed to teach the core concept required to solve the main challenge. This approach ensures that players understand the game's demands, with the difficulty arising from the execution of solutions rather than a lack of clarity.
The game is noted for its satisfying puzzle design, where even challenging obstacles yield a sense of delight upon discovery of a fair and logically constructed solution. He Who Watches is positioned as a standout puzzle game for 2026, offering a creative and euphoric experience that echoes the impact of Portal.
