Panic in Puzzle World

About Panic in Puzzle World

Panic in Puzzle World is a 2D platformer from Iced Lizard Games, released in December 2026 for PC and Linux. It blends retro action with modern mechanics, letting you play as Tide, a creature with claws, wings, and fire-breathing abilities. The story follows Tide as he battles robots invading Puzzle World after an explosive battle destroys his home. Along the way, he teams up with Violet to rescue Puzzle Masters and repair the ancient seal. The game leans into classic console vibes, emphasizing fast-paced combat and environmental puzzles. It’s a single-player adventure focused on exploration, combat, and a quirky, blocky world.

Gameplay

You spend most of your time platforming through levels filled with floating debris, narrow ledges, and robot patrols. Tide’s core moves, claw slashing, fire breathing, and gliding with wings, let you tackle enemies and obstacles. Combat is real-time and tactile: you dodge, smash, and chain attacks, often needing to bounce on enemies to weaken them. Levels often require combining platforming and combat, like using fire to melt barriers or wings to reach high platforms. The game includes collectibles and hidden paths, rewarding exploration. Each level feels distinct, mixing puzzle-solving with action. Controls are tight but have a slight learning curve, especially when juggling movement and attacks mid-air.

What Players Think

Panic in Puzzle World holds an 88% PlayPile community score, with 73% of players completing it. Average playtime is 10.5 hours, though 15% finish in under 8 hours. The mood is mostly positive, with 68% reporting “fun” and 42% “frustrating but fair.” Critics praised the “classic feel with fresh twists,” though some found the difficulty inconsistent. Early reviews highlight “solid level design” and “creative boss fights,” while others mention “repetitive enemy types.” Achievements are present but not overly challenging, with 92% of players earning at least 50% of them. The price point of $19.99 is seen as reasonable given the game’s length and polish.

PlayPile's Take

Panic in Puzzle World is a solid pick for fans of retro-style platformers. It shines with its responsive combat and varied level design, though some sections drag with repetition. The price is fair, and the 10-hour runtime offers decent value. Achievements add a light layer of challenge without overwhelming. While not impressive, it’s a fun, polished experience that hits the nostalgia buttons. If you enjoy games like Sonic or Super Mario with a modern twist, this one’s worth a look.

Storyline

Kaboom! A fierce battle erupts at the foot of Shrine Mountain, and Tide's home is destroyed in the crossfire! He heads to the source of the commotion, encountering mysterious, hostile robots along the way! Tide soon meets a rabbit, Violet, who explains that the ancient Puzzle Seal has been broken, allowing the robots to invade Puzzle World. With her help, Tide sets out on an adventure to rescue the four Puzzle Masters from their robot captors. If the Puzzle Seal can be repaired, there may just be a chance to stop this Panic... in Puzzle World!