Welcome to the world of mysterious places
Puzzling Places, the beloved virtual reality puzzle game built around detailed 3D dioramas of real-life locations, is celebrating the holiday season with a major free update. This release features an all-new game mode, a completely redesigned menu, improved hand tracking, updated puzzles, and improved mixed reality support.
The main addition is Journey mode, designed for players who enjoy a relaxed, effortless approach to puzzle solving. Designed specifically for mixed reality and hand tracking, this mode eliminates the need to manipulate or rotate many parts. It also works well in small gaming spaces. Instead of showing the entire puzzle at once, Journey mode starts with one central piece. The game then provides small groups of pieces that can be gradually attached, allowing the scene to gradually expand. This controlled structure provides a steady and calming feeling as you move through each location.
Hand Tracking 2.0 provides noticeable improvements in responsiveness and accuracy. Parts are more securely grasped and released, and new color indicators at your fingertips show interactive elements clearly. Updated tutorials make the system easier for new players to learn, and natural gestures like poking to check parts, dragging to switch tabs, and throwing parts back onto the wall make interactions more intuitive.
The in-game menu has also received a complete visual overhaul, now being brighter and featuring a more vibrant color palette. The new start screen displays Quick Start options, personal puzzle stats, and recommended sets. Browsing your library is easier with larger thumbnails, and puzzle and set ratings are now visible right in the store.
Finally, the update updates the base game's puzzle selection by adding popular community favorites. The team has completely revamped four outstanding puzzle games, adding improved animations, effects and sound to give new players a seamless first experience.
