Lanterns of Vael

Lanterns of Vael is a slow, gorgeous adventure that trusts you to explore without a hundred waypoints screaming for attention. You wander a hand-painted town lighting lanterns, and each one you spark reveals a little more of a gentle story about people who vanished and why.

Puzzles are environmental and fair — you tap, you drag, you notice details, and the game never resorts to obtuse moon-logic. I appreciated that hints exist but stay quiet unless you ask for them. The soundtrack alone is worth the download.

It's short, maybe four hours, and there's no reason to rush it. Play it at night with headphones. It's the sort of game you remember longer than something twice its length.

What we liked

• Beautiful hand-painted world
• Fair, unobtrusive puzzle design
• A soundtrack you'll want to keep