If you’re currently experiencing lower-back strain, then you might be old enough to remember Minesweeper on Windows 95. This classic game has since been revamped and re-skinned in a myriad of different ways. So how does Minesweeper: Next-Gen make its mark on such an iconic genre?
Demo-lition
I received the demo for Minesweeper: Next-Gen via Keymailer and played around with the first few levels. Just like classic Minesweeper, you aim to use numbers on a board to clear the tiles while avoiding hidden bombs safely.
While the premise remains largely the same, Minesweeper: Next-Gen tweaks the rules a bit, keeping things fresh and exciting. Sometimes the board uses differently shaped tiles, and other times the numbers turn into symbols. It’s not a unique spin by any means, but there are some interesting takes for players to uncover.
Compute This
Although it’s hard to break away from the Minesweeper format, Minesweeper: Next-Gen adds cute characters to inject personality into an otherwise simple puzzle game. The two characters argue and make jokes as they introduce the various new mechanics. It’s a cute approach, and I appreciate the effort, but seasoned players might get frustrated by the story when they want to play.
There’s also a game-within-a-game meta going on as you log into your Minesweeper game to open up levels. It’s interesting and gives Pony Island vibes, as if suggesting a greater mystery/game for you to uncover, but I haven’t found anything like it. Similarly to the cute characters, it’s cool, but I’m not sure what it’s doing in the puzzle game.
To The Future
Minesweeper: Next-Gen is set to release later this year and has a lot to offer puzzle gamers. Minesweeper fans will surely get a kick out of the different rules and shapes, but the quirky packaging won’t be for everyone.
Platforms: PC
Publishers: Astrophoros
Developers: Astrophoros
Played On: Steam
Key Provided By: Keymailer
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