Many video games involve solving puzzles. These are great for exercising the brain and teaching critical thinking skills. Of course, not all video games are suitable for all ages. If you have kids and are looking for puzzle-solving games for them to play (or to play with/around them), it’s important that you select the right games. Below are just a few family-friendly favourites to consider when exploring puzzle-based online games.
Tetris Friends
Tetris is one of the most timeless puzzle games. Created in 1985, it has transformed from an arcade game to one of the most popular mobile games. This game teaches spatial reasoning and quick reactions by fitting together differently-shaped falling blocks in order to score points. You can find many different versions of Tetris online. One version of the game to try could be Tetris Friends, which allows you to compete against family and friends online.
Fruit Merge
Fruit Merge is a puzzle game that is loosely based on Tetris. Instead of controlling falling blocks, you control falling fruit. You must try to match pieces of fruit together to create larger fruits and score points. It’s a very easy game to pick up that can be fun for all the family to play. You’ll find a few different versions of this game online.
Wheely
This puzzle game follows the adventures of a little red car named Wheely. Players must navigate various obstacles and solve various puzzles across an array of different brightly-coloured levels. The controls are very simple and the content is suitable for players of all ages. The Wheely series contains several games to choose from, which you can play online for free.
Cut the Rope
If you’re looking for a fun physics-based puzzle game, try Cut The Rope. In this game, you must feed candy to a little green monster named Om Nom by strategically cutting ropes. This allows you to collect stars, which can be used to unlock boxes. The game contains hundreds of levels, and has charming visuals and fast-paced gameplay to keep it engaging. As with other games listed here, there are several versions of Cut The Rope now available that you can choose from.
2048
In this game, you must rearrange numbered tiles. When two tiles of the same number merge, they are added together. The aim is to keep adding together the numbered tiles until you reach the sum of 2048. That might sound like a lot of maths – but in fact the maths is all done for you. The game instead revolves around strategic thinking by working out how best to rearrange the tiles. This makes it possible for players of all ages to get involved. Family members can take turns to try to beat the game and compete for the highest score.
