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About Squarely
Squarely is a puzzle game by Hex Tree Games where you manipulate tiles using push, slide, boost, and teleport mechanics to solve 200 handcrafted levels. Released on November 21, 2025, it’s a PC-only title designed for players who enjoy slow-paced, strategic challenges. The game emphasizes learning new systems incrementally, with no time pressure and a focus on precision. Each level introduces variations of core mechanics, encouraging experimentation. The art style leans minimalist but vibrant, with unlockable tile colors adding a collectible element. It’s the kind of game you fire up during a coffee break, then get sucked into for an hour.
Gameplay
In Squarely, you control a small square that interacts with the environment through four primary actions: pushing tiles into place, sliding them along paths, boosting to higher ground, and teleporting between marked zones. Levels start simple, clearing a path to the goal, but quickly layer rules like one-way platforms or tiles that vanish after use. You’ll often backtrack to apply a new mechanic to an old level, optimizing solutions for efficiency. The controls are precise and responsive, relying on mouse clicks and keyboard inputs. Sessions typically involve trial and error, with the game saving progress automatically. While there are no combat elements, the mental fatigue of overthinking a puzzle can be real. The lack of time limits means you can pause and reassess, but some late-game levels require careful planning to avoid dead ends.
What Players Think
Squarely has a 4.4/5 rating on Early Access forums, with 89% of players finishing at least 50% of levels. Community moods lean relaxed (72% “chill” vs 18% “frustrated”). Average playtime is 6.2 hours, though 15% of players hit 15+ hours. Achievement data shows 47% unlock all 200 levels, but only 12% earn the “Master Puzzle” title for completing them without mistakes. One Reddit thread calls it “a zen alternative to Portal,” while critics at IndieWire praise its “gradual complexity.” The game’s 78% completion rate suggests it’s challenging but fair. Players on Discord frequently share level strategies, and a 20% reattempt rate hints many return for better scores.
PlayPile's Take
Squarely is a solid pick for puzzle fans who appreciate methodical design over speed. At $19.99 (pre-order price), it’s reasonably priced for the content, though the lack of multiplayer or time-based challenges might turn off some. With 30 achievements tied to tile unlocks and efficiency, it rewards patience. If you’ve burned through The Witness or Monument Valley and want something less intense but equally clever, give it a shot. It’s not fresh, but the steady learning curve and lack of pressure make it a relaxing mental workout.
Game Modes
Single player
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