Review
Review | Way of Rhea (PC)
Way of Rhea is a puzzle game that is easy to learn and relaxing to play while also putting your critical thinking skills to the test.
A World That Will Test Your Critical Thinking
Welcome to another story of how I was introduced to an awesome game during a convention or event. Way of Rhea is a game that I was first introduced to during the UCSC Silicon Valley Indie Playtest Night back in February 2020. Even though it was still in its early stages, it was enough to leave a lasting impression on all who played it.
Way of Rhea is a puzzle game where players solve color-coded challenges to advance through each stage. Though it may seem simple at first, it quickly tests your critical thinking skills. Upon solving each puzzle, you’ll likely feel foolish for not realizing how obvious the solution was.
Welcome to the Clouds
Set in a fantasy world, players pursue the Professor after he steals Shrew’s motorcycle. To locate him, players must solve the puzzles of the cloud to reach the next stage. Guiding you is Rhea, the world’s creator, who holds a grudge against the Professor for cheating on the puzzles. Players must navigate through this world and overcome numerous obstacles to find Shrew’s motorcycle.
The story can easily get lost if you’re not paying attention. However, if you take the time to follow it, you’ll appreciate its sense of humor. It doesn’t try to be overly serious but strikes the right balance. For those who do follow along, it provides a good chuckle.
Solving the Puzzles
The gameplay is simple: players must match their color with that of a lever or door to proceed through an area. To change their color, players collect the appropriate orb and submit it to the light machine. While this may seem easy, the real challenge lies in navigating through sections while overcoming various obstacles. You will need to find ways to get through the doors or elevators. There also moments where machines will prevent you from passing through with an orb in hand.
When playing for the first time, don’t worry about messing up and starting from scratch. A key gameplay element is the ability to turn back time. This feature lets you revert to a previous step or explore the setting more thoroughly. Or it allows you to correct a mistake you made when trying to solve the puzzle. For me personally: it has been a lifesaver many times, especially when I rushed into the puzzle without examining everything.
Way of Rhea is a game that is easy to understand but challenging when it comes to overcoming the puzzle. It will put your critical thinking skills to the test but it won’t make you rage quit. The calming soundtrack will also ensure that you are in a state of calm when trying to get through a stage for probably the 30th time.
Two Different Things
Gamers who enjoy puzzles and critical challenges will immediately take a liking to Way of Rhea. However, some aspects of the game might be less appealing. One notable shortcoming is the inconsistency in puzzle difficulty. Instead of a gradual increase in difficulty, players may encounter challenging levels followed by ones that are surprisingly easy.
Don’t think of this shortcoming as a total deal killer, overall the game is both fun and challenging.
Making a Puzzle
Way of Rhea is a puzzle game that is easy to learn and relaxing to play while also putting your critical thinking skills to the test. Its colorful but simple world will get your attention while the soundtrack will ease you into the right mood. Which is great because those puzzles will put your critical thinking skills to the test.
Disclaimer: The publisher provided the game used for this review.
This review is the critique and thoughts of one writer. If you want to see how other critics felt then check it out on OpenCritic.
8Bit/Digi is an independent media outlet that provides insight into the gamer community of the San Francisco Bay Area.
Way of Rhea (PC)
9
Pros
- A colorful but also simple world rich in beauty.
- Soundtrack that keeps you calm.
- Its sense of humor will give you a good chuckle.
- Easy to learn gameplay but challenging puzzles.
Cons
- The story can easily get lost if you’re not paying attention.
- Lack of consistency regarding the difficulty uptick.
Stan Rezaee
Stan Rezaee is the founder and Editor of 8Bit/Digi. He is a journalist and gamer from the Bay Area who has been writing about the medium for over five years.
