BoxBoy! + BoxGirl! - Gi Review

Final Score 9/10 (reviewed on nintendo switch)

There must be something special about geometric shapes as characters that appeals to me because BoxBoy! + BoxGirl! is super fun. It reminds me of one my all time favorite games, Thomas was Alone back from 2013. This puzzle platformer sees you control a square character either BoxBoy or BoxGirl and these square shaped characters have to the ability to create boxes in chains or other variety of abilities to solve navigational puzzles. The challenge of building games that involve puzzle solving is achieving the delicate balance of difficulty and fun. If the puzzles are too hard one risks a majority of players getting indefinitely stuck, but if it is too easy or requires too little thought it could be boring. While not overly challenging, I found the puzzles entertaining and finding that balance. Solving later level feels rewarding but doesn’t take an excessive amount of time to do.

(Full Trailer - Credit @Nintendo)

For such a simple art style, black and white 2D words and geometric shapes it is quite impressive how much beauty is derived from the world map and “cutscenes”. I was also impressed that you have the ability to customize Box Boy and Box Girl with various outfits and hats. To see modern game elements like character skins implemented in such an old school platformer is quite entertaining.

BoxBoy! + BoxGirl! is simply one of the best non GiFreinds full release indie games in 2019 so far. If you are looking for a simple fun game to play on the go, even if you don’t normally play puzzle games or platforms this game is a must try for 2019.