Image: Vertex Horizons

Evergrow: Shards of Tomorrow is a very atmospheric linear puzzle game that thrusts you into a world after a civilisation-destroying event, leaving you to figure out what truly took place there and why. Solve various puzzles and explore the ruined world of Evergrow to uncover its dark, hidden secrets, while also restoring it to what it once was, letting it live another day.

Evergrow has a unique art style, world, and vibe that resonates with me strongly; its dark but beautiful landscapes are stunning and perfectly convey the atmosphere of a civilisation wiped out. This world is, as the developer says, the "main character" (akin to some interpretations of Night City from Cyberpunk 2077) of the game, meaning the environment carries much of the storytelling and exploration.

This environment then becomes a vessel for a plethora of puzzles and challenges to sink your teeth into, each one bringing you closer to your goal of figuring out what went wrong with the people who set foot there before you.

As you solve these puzzles and move through the world, you will see it change before your eyes; it is a "living environment" you can restore to its former glory as you explore the crumbling world. Clear away the corruption and let Evergrow thrive again.

It isn't all puzzles, however, as you can encounter threats that will make it difficult to achieve your goal of restoring Evergrow, which you will have to figure out how best to tackle in the situation given. This creates what the developers call a "discovery, challenge, and survival" loop, meaning gameplay stays varied and fresh each turn.

If you are a fan of puzzle games, then Evergrow: Shards of Tomorrow seems to be the game for you, with deep, immersive exploration and intricate puzzles. Evergrow: Shards of Tomorrow suits adventure and puzzle fans alike.