Mystery Box 2: Evolution

The second part in always interesting solve-the box series that almost anyone can solve due to generous hints. Now with unique boxes and styles. Disclaimer: since all entries in this series more or less play and look the same way, and since I already reviewed one title before, most of the review can be used for all games. However, there are some distinct elements between each title. Your only tool is the mouse cursor, which is used for all interactions. The camera is focused on the box, so you may move it around by clicking and dragging, zooming in with a double click on one of the sides, and interacting with a left click. The game has a very generous amount of content. There are seven distinct boxes or packs, each with eight stages. All stages in all of the boxes are unlocked from the start, allowing you to tackle them in any order you wish. Compared to the first game where the theme was different materials, this game changes that to ancient nations. There are Aztecs, Vikings, Egyptians, and so on. But the biggest and most welcome change is that each nation has its own box, music, and background. Sometimes a box will also contain symbols and letters from that nation. Each puzzle or box uses the same template. There is a large button in the front, as well as three sides with objects that provide a hint or can be pressed, moved, or interacted with. The bottom does not matter because the box lies on a table, and the top is designed for the lid, which opens after the box is solved. There is no need to experiment because you just need to concentrate on the three sides. All of them are pieces of the puzzle, and they must be put together to obtain the solution. Puzzles frequently include buttons, switches, knobs, and levers. The goal is to move everything into place and press the big button. If everything is correct, you will open the lid. Some of the challenge due to lack of feedback when you do something right is still present. However, there are a bit more sound cues when you complete one side of the box. It’s still reserved for rare situations, but not you’re more aware that your action caused something on the remaining sides. Fortunately, you can use a hint if you get stuck. It does not offer a solution; it simply directs you in the right path. Because there are no penalty for using hints, it might lessen the satisfaction you get from accomplishing everything on your own. But on the other hand, boxes aren’t that hard to figure out and all of them have the same difficulty. The reward for opening a box is a puzzle tile. Each puzzle has two pieces, with the other hidden somewhere on the box. Since boxes are more unique and detailed for each nation, spotting a tile is a lot harder than before. Most of them completely blend with the box pattern. Once you have found all of the tiles, you can do a simple puzzle in which you rotate them to reconstruct an image. It depicts a nation’s legend with a few sentences of lore. Achievements are rewarded for finding all tiles, so the last puzzle is just a bonus. However, if you manage to find all tiles, you’ll unlock a bonus box with only one short stage.