Quern: Undying Thoughts
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About Quern: Undying Thoughts
Quern: Undying Thoughts is a first-person puzzle adventure developed by Zadbox Entertainment. Released November 28, 2016, it blends exploration with brain-teasing mechanics across PC, consoles, and Mac. Set in a mysterious, visually striking environment, the game tasks players with solving interconnected puzzles that don’t follow a linear path. Instead of isolated challenges, tasks form a web of cause and effect, encouraging revisits with new knowledge. The story unfolds through environmental storytelling and a haunting soundtrack. It’s a slow-burn experience for players who enjoy figuring out abstract logic puzzles in a moody, atmospheric setting.
Gameplay
You navigate a decaying, ancient structure as a silent protagonist, using environmental clues and physics-based tools to solve puzzles. Each action, like moving objects or activating mechanisms, ripples across the environment, sometimes creating unintended consequences. The puzzles aren’t sequential; you might need to backtrack hours later with a new insight to unlock progress. Controls are intuitive, with a focus on precision placement and timing. The game rewards experimentation, though failure isn’t penalized beyond temporary roadblocks. Sessions often involve trial and error, with breakthroughs coming from recontextualizing earlier “mistakes.” The lack of hand-holding means progress feels earned but can frustrate players expecting clear guidance.
What Players Think
Critics gave Quern an 83/100 on Metacritic, praising its inventive puzzle design and atmosphere. PlayPile data shows 62% of players finish the game, with an average playtime of 8.5 hours. Community moods skew split: 45% “engrossed,” 30% “frustrated,” and 25% “ambivalent.” Reviewers often highlight the game’s “unique logic” but note its steep learning curve. One user wrote, “It’s like solving a Rube Goldberg machine blindfolded, confusing at first, but deeply satisfying once it clicks.” Achievement completion rates average 89%, with 70% unlocking within 10 hours. Price data isn’t listed, but the game’s reusability of mechanics keeps it relevant for puzzle fans.
PlayPile's Take
Quern is a niche pick for puzzle enthusiasts who relish abstract, non-linear challenges. Its refusal to spoon-feed solutions divides players, some call it brilliant, others call it obtuse. With 8.5 hours of average playtime and 70% of achievements unlocked early, it’s a short but dense experience. The 83 Metacritic score reflects its ambition, but the lack of clear guidance may test patience. If you enjoy revisiting failures with fresh eyes and don’t mind slow pacing, Quern’s interconnected puzzles and eerie vibe make it worth the effort. Not a crowd-pleaser, but a standout for the right audience.
Game Modes
Single player
IGDB Rating
80.6
RAWG Rating
4.0
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5Achievements
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