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About Mosaic of the Strange
Mosaic of the Strange is a puzzle game that merges picross logic with a large mystery narrative. Developed by Divide The Plunder, it launched on PC and Mac in December 2025. You play as one of two agents figuring out a bizarre murder while solving a single interconnected puzzle spanning 125 real-world paranormal cases. The game avoids typical episodic structures, instead presenting a massive grid where each solved section reveals story details and case files. It’s a slow-burn hybrid for players who enjoy methodical deduction and narrative interweaving.
Gameplay
Each session involves clicking cells to deduce hidden patterns, using numerical clues and adjacency rules similar to picross. Minesweeper mechanics add risk, wrong guesses trigger penalties but rarely force restarts. Progress reveals fragments of the murder investigation and linked paranormal files, which contextualize the puzzle’s design. Sessions often last 30, 90 minutes as players toggle between logic grids and story snippets. Controls are minimal: left-click to reveal cells, right-click to flag. The challenge lies in balancing pattern recognition with narrative curiosity, as later puzzles grow dense with overlapping clues.
What Players Think
PlayPile users rate it 91%, with 67% completing the full puzzle. Average playtime is 12.5 hours, though some spend over 30. Community moods are split: 42% “Rewarding,” 31% “Challenging,” and 18% “Frustrating.” Critics on Metacritic average 78, praising its original structure but noting a steep learning curve. One user wrote, “The murder mystery feels tacked on until the final act, then it hits hard.” Achievements (28 total) skew toward puzzle milestones, with 74% unlocking within the first 8 hours.
PlayPile's Take
Priced at $19.99, it’s a niche title for logic enthusiasts who don’t mind a punishing difficulty curve. The hybrid mechanics work well for dedicated sessions but may test patience during smaller playtimes. With 28 achievements and a completion rate just shy of 70%, it rewards persistence more than skill. Skip if you prefer fast-paced puzzles or standalone stories. For those who thrive on figuring out complex systems, it’s a unique but uneven experience worth the entry cost.
Game Modes
Single player
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