Bonfire Peaks is a puzzle game developed by Corey Martin and published by Draknet for PC, Switch, PS4 and PS5. In this game, the aim is simple – burn your belongings. You do this by picking up a crate of belongings, and putting them in a bonfire, usually on a peak. Hence the name.
The core puzzle mechanics are fairly simple. Everything is set up in a grid, and you can pick up and put down boxes. At first, the puzzles are fairly simple. Use the boxes to create steps so you can reach the bonfire. Use the boxes to push another one along. It gets a lot more challenging as the game goes on, with various things blocking your progression, additional kinds of boxes, and even some environmental effects like waterfalls.
Luckily, there is no real pressure. There is no time limit, and the story is more interpretive than narrative. It’s slow and gentle, and leaves you to solve the puzzles in your own time. If you mess up, there is an undo button that you can press as much as you like, and a reset button to go reset the level. The undo button does come in handy, as one initial hurdle is how the game controls. Because the game has physics on the boxes, the main character moves in a sort-of tank like way, so you have to rotate before moving back, etc. It does make sense for how the game works on a grid, but it takes a little bit of time to get used too. It’s not a problem though, because of the undo button, any accidental moves are easily remedied.
Each puzzle is quite small, but can get fiendishly difficult. Some look simple at first, and then a small obstacle makes you realise it’s a lot harder than you might have initially realised. Some look more difficult, but then turn out to not be so bad. I think it’s down to how your mind works, as to which ones you’ll find difficult, and which more tricky. The puzzles are accessible via an overworld, which in itself is one much larger puzzle. Completing a level grants you a box, which you can then use on the overworld to stack up and reach other locations to complete puzzles, get more boxes, and reach a new location. Because of this mechanic, it’s not actually required to beat every single puzzle to advance, so if one is particularly challenging, moving on is no big deal.
The game utilises voxel shapes to depict it’s graphics. It most reminds me of The Touryst, but it does carve out it’s own style. It’s a very calm and relaxing game, and I really like playing it. Puzzle games can be difficult to recommend, because I believe puzzles fit personalities. If you don’t find a puzzle interesting, then it just becomes a test in frustration. Personally, I like Bonfire Peaks. Whilst the game is challenging, it’s one I can see myself coming back to every now and again, doing a few puzzles and getting the brain whirring. If you’re looking for a relaxing but engaging puzzler, then Bonfire Peaks is a great purchase.
You can purchase the game on Steam here. If you’re looking for a puzzle platformer, why not check out Jack Axe.
