Do you know how when you’re scrolling through your social media timelines and accidentally stumble onto a gem of a game? Threads and the Bird app have been great for that recently, and when I stumbled upon Townframe, I knew I wanted to see more. At first glance, you might mistake it for a city builder, but it’s far from the sprawling, resource-managing chaos of SimCity. No, Townframe is a puzzle game at heart, and a thoughtful one at that.
The premise is simple yet unique: you’re tasked with rebuilding towns based on fragmented memories. These aren’t just any towns—they’re places etched into someone’s past, but the details have become hazy. It’s up to you to piece together what remains, to help them remember what once was. As someone who has signficant memory loss, I felt immediately drawn to this and dived in.
First Impressions: A Gentle Introduction
From the very first level, Townframe sets a calm and inviting tone. The warm, minimalist design immediately pulls you in, and there’s a sense that each town holds a story just waiting to be rediscovered. You’re not hit with an overwhelming number of options or mechanics— although this does expand throughout the playthrough.
It starts simple. You might be given a vague memory about where the houses were or how a particular tree stood tall near the center of town. But as the levels progress, the memories become more fragmented, and that’s where the true puzzle lies. Some are quite abstract, and some are not even with written prompts!
What’s exciting is that there’s clearly room for Townframe to grow. I can easily see this game evolving with more levels, mechanics, or even new types of puzzles in future updates.
Townframe allows you to take your time, experimenting with different layouts, moving buildings around, and thinking through the puzzle until it all clicks into place. The game rewards patience and observation rather than quick reflexes or fast decision-making.
A Quiet sense of accomplishment
There’s a quiet joy in watching a town come together. It’s not about grand, flashy victories—it’s about the small moments of realization, the “aha” moment when you finally figure out where that missing piece fits. The puzzles are designed to make you think, but they’re also crafted to give you a sense of satisfaction when you complete each level.
One of the most memorable moments for me came when I was working on a town and it just felt like it wasn’t going together no matter what I tried. I honestly thought it was glitched for a few minutes. I even got my partner in on it to try and work it out to no avail. The game recommends you to try other puzzles if you get stuck, and I’m going to give you the same advice. This little detail that the map does influence other puzzles was delightfully devilish and I may have got a little too excited over my tiny victory when I finished it.
Visuals and Atmosphere: A Perfectly Cozy Fit
Townframe is a visual delight, with soft, pastel colors and a minimalist art style that fits the game’s introspective tone. The towns are simple but charming, and the UI is intuitive, allowing you to focus on the puzzle without getting bogged down by too many options or controls. There is a help option that is available (which again, I thought I wouldn’t need but here we are) and the pixel like design is just so aesthetic.
The soundtrack is another highlight. It’s calming and unobtrusive, setting the perfect mood for a game that’s all about reflection and careful thought. Whether you’re piecing together a bustling town square or a quiet, forgotten street, the music enhances the experience without ever distracting from it.
A Few Areas for Improvement
While Townframe is a beautifully crafted puzzle experience, there are a few areas where it could improve. In the later game, you unlock an option where you need to listen to the “sounds” of the building to help solve puzzles. As someone who does play games quite often with my own music (scandalous, I know) – this caught me off guard and something I think a disclaimer may be useful for. Or even the addition of some accessibility options to say “This house plays music” etc
Whilst I wouldn’t consider this to be a strong suggestion, having an additional hint available on some of the levels may also be useful. I’ve managed to get through them all, but some I was still perplexed on. That however could just be me rather than the game itself!
Why Townframe Should Be On Your List
If you love puzzle games that offer more than just fitting blocks together, Townframe is a must-try. Its unique premise—rebuilding towns from fragmented memories—sets it apart in a genre often focused solely on logic and strategy. In Townframe, you not only get the satisfaction of solving puzzles, but also the added depth of storytelling and emotional connection.
Fans that enjoyed games like Islanders or Dorfromantik, mixed with some Professor Layton will feel right at home with Townframe. While it leans more toward puzzle-solving than traditional city-building, the calm, meditative atmosphere and the joy of watching something come together from scattered pieces will appeal to anyone who enjoys thoughtful, relaxing gameplay.
For those seeking a cozy yet mentally engaging experience, Townframe offers a perfect balance. Whether you’re piecing together childhood memories or simply enjoying the satisfaction of town-building, there’s a quiet, irresistible charm that will keep you coming back for more.
So, grab a cup of coffee, settle into your favorite cozy spot, and get ready to dive into the past—one puzzle at a time.
PLATFORMS
PC (launch)
RELEASE DATE
08.10.2024
Estimated Play Time
2-3 Hours
You can buy Townframe here
