Hey there! Dropping by with my thoughts on Lorelei and the Laser Eyes. Simogo’s latest puzzle-mystery, published by Annapurna Interactive and out since May 16, 2024. I’ve spent a cozy week wandering through its baroque manor halls, scribbling notes in my notebook. And I’m here to share what felt like a charming detective stroll—and where I hit a few bumps.
Overall Impressions
I went in excited by the very positive buzz. And for the most part, it delivered a unique, chill puzzle walk. Imagine Resident Evil’s mansion layout without the zombies. Just you, a mysterious woman named Lorelei, and rooms full of cryptic puzzles. The game really stands out with its style and atmosphere. It doesn’t reinvent puzzle gameplay. Most brain teasers are simple, self-contained logic tests. But it wraps them in a gorgeous mystery that kept me curious. Compared to other detective-puzzle games I’ve played (I’m looking at you, The Room series), Laser Eyes leans more on mood and story than on deep mechanical twists. If you love soaking up vibes as much as solving riddles, this could easily be one of your new favorites.
Gameplay Mechanics
Classic exploration anchors the experience with fixed camera angles and deliberate pacing. At a slow walking speed, you naturally pause to admire dusty chandeliers or pore over old letters. Additionally, pairing the in-game journal with a real notebook elevates note-taking joy—there’s genuine satisfaction in mapping clues and connecting dots on paper. Moreover, mostly clear directional prompts ensure you rarely wander aimlessly, keeping progression smooth, focused, and rewarding.
However, the intentionally old-school controls can feel clunky, as menu navigation and item use test your patience when a quick-select wheel or smoother drag-and-drop would streamline gameplay. Furthermore, puzzles sometimes exist in isolation—standalone breaks rather than narrative-woven challenges—acting more like palate cleansers than integral story elements. Occasionally, similar textures or shapes cause confusion, so pause, step back, and double-check your in-game notes before diving into a rabbit hole.
Story and Characters
You play as Lorelei, an investigator with a hazy past who enters a grand old manor (maybe a hotel or museum) searching for answers. The game is heavy on found documents and audio logs, and the characters you meet— from a secretive curator to cryptic guests in period dress—are sketched mostly through letters or overheard whispers. That minimal approach works for me; I’m a sucker for piecing together lore from scraps of paper. If you prefer fully voiced characters or big cutscenes, you might miss more direct storytelling. The ending wraps things up but left me wanting a bit more clarity on certain twists. Still, the journey kept me reading every dusty note I found.
Visuals and Graphics
Spectacular is the word I’d use. Simogo’s art team nailed the late-17th to early-18th-century baroque vibe—ornate wallpaper, dim corridors, flickering candlelight. Every room feels hand-crafted, and I often just paused exploration to soak up a corner of the manor. A few players mentioned that stunning visuals sometimes tricked them into seeing connections where there were none, but honestly, I loved the chance to get lost in those halls.
Sound and Music
The soundtrack is subtle piano and strings, perfect for a candlelit mystery. Footsteps echo just right, doors creak, and the occasional wind howl outside sets the mood. There’s no full voice acting—characters speak in bits of text—but the ambient sounds really carry the weight of each scene. I kept my headphones on even during simple puzzle moments, just to stay immersed.
Difficulty and Replayability
Lorelei and the Laser Eyes sits in that sweet spot of “mild challenge.” Most puzzles leaned easy-to-medium for me, but I did reach for a few hints online when I couldn’t tell how far to look for a clue. There’s talk of randomization in room layouts or clue placement, which could add some replay value. I haven’t replayed it yet, but I can see myself coming back for a speed-run or to hunt down every single document. If you’re after heavy-duty puzzle meat, you might feel it’s a light snack. If you just want a relaxing detective stroll with enough challenge to keep you thinking, it hits the mark nicely.
Trivia & Behind-the-Scenes
Simogo, celebrated for art-forward puzzle hits like Year Walk and the acclaimed “Go” series, delivers its first true homage to classic survival-horror design—stripping out combat while preserving tense atmosphere. Meanwhile, Annapurna Interactive’s signature flair shines through with stunning presentation and off-beat storytelling that defy expectations. To top it off, Lorelei’s mansion layout reportedly shifts with each playthrough, ensuring no two explorations feel the same, whether you dive back in solo or join a friend’s game.
Final Thoughts
It’s a warm, moody puzzle adventure that nails style and mystery, even if some puzzles feel a bit shallow and the controls are a touch clunky. If you’re looking for a cozy detective game to unwind with—one that’s more about mood and story than hardcore brain-burn—Lorelei and the Laser Eyes is a solid pick.
Raitng: 4 out of 5 stars
Thanks for reading! If you try it, let me know which secret room or puzzle was your favorite. Stay cozy, and happy gaming!
