Hexcells

Play it on: Windows (Steam Deck: OK), macOS, Linux, iOS
Current goal: Spread the good word

I’m very analytical, but rarely discover puzzle games that delve deep into my brain’s furrows in the most pleasurable way. So when I do find one I never forget, and the Hexcells trilogy is one such goat.

Hexcells is kind of like Minesweeper, but unlike that Windows mainstay it’s attractive to behold and 100 percent fair. Each puzzle, which you solve by marking hexagons as occupied (blue) or empty based on numeric clues, is completely based in logic, and can be solved entirely without guessing. Developer Matthew Brown is an incredible puzzle maker, rolling out new rules and logic foibles at just the right pace to keep you enjoyably awash in earned-feeling “a-ha!” moments while avoiding repetition.

According to Steam, whenever I first played these I got five hours of enjoyment from Hexcells, 20 from its sequel Hexcells Plus (same idea but more, harder puzzles), and 20 from Hexcells Infinite (yet more stumpers, plus a level generator). This weekend Steam has the trilogy on sale for $2.69. If you enjoy logic puzzles I’d call that a no-brainer, but your brain’s actually going to be quite busy. — Alexandra Hall