Thistlemine Review – A Puzzling Take on Strategy – Indie Game Reviewer – The Best Indie Games

Thistlemine by Thistlebro

During the course of my life, I have embarked on a number of wild goose chases, ending up empty-handed and discouraged. Regardless of the approach, defeat seizes every possibile victory. However, a glimmer of hope and satisfaction always pushes me to try one…more…time.

Or maybe it’s my stubborn nature.

This is what it’s like to undertake the ambitious puzzle experience that is Thistlemine. Developed by Thistlebro, Thistlemine’s perplexing dynamics aren’t for everyone.

Lost in a Haze, Trapped in a Maze

The supposed RPG and exploration elements are a headscratcher, barely present. Thistlemine lacks an introduction or a reason why Noa, your main playable character, is suddenly encountering mutated monsters amidst an eerie haze.

From the get-go, you happen upon a list of general tips that support Noa’s success. It’s a lot to remember, and you’re only able to visit this list once, so it’s useful to review it a few times.

Afterward, you randomly start running around and confronting these anomalies in a perpetual loop.

Though the game is visually charming, the repetitive music made my ears bleed. Flying by the seat of my pants, the first battle proved to be elementary enough. It’s what follows that may make you want to repeatedly bash your head against a wall.

Puzzling Out a Strategy

I love a good challenge and brainteaser, and Thistlemine does not disappoint there. Some encounters require experimentation of Noa’s skill combinations. You’re granted a limited number of turns to defeat all enemies. If turns are depleted and enemies still remain, you’re forced to start over and try again.

If you lack patience, Thistlemine is not for you. I spent what felt like an eternity exhausting numerous skill algorithms in order to progress to the next battle or puzzle. The pacing of Thistlemine’s combat could certainly be improved, especially when it’s your tenth attempt. Nonetheless, mastering a combination that works in Noa’s favor sure is rewarding in the end.

Putting your strategic foot forward will dissipate a lot of headaches in the long run. Noa can utilize a glass eye to hint at enemy weaknesses without burning through her turns.

There is no one solution, and that can be maddening as much as it is uniquely satisfying. It’s learning when to heal Noa between knocking enemies to the ground that comes with practice.

Every inch of Thistlemine is a puzzle. There will be no hand-holding, and no one is nudging you in the right direction. Generally speaking, the absence of these things doesn’t mean you’re bound to fail. Clues are sprinkled throughout Noa’s adventure. I even found it helpful to write them down as I stumbled upon them.

The Verdict

Thistlemine delivers a grueling puzzle experience, forcing players through tormenting battles and mind-bending riddles. There are “ah-ha!” moments that make you feel a little less incompetent, or sometimes you just get lucky. I came close to throwing in the towel umpteen times, but Thistlemine kept egging me on with its uncompromising nature.

It sure is sweet to beat the odds.

Thistlemine is available via Steam.

Watch the trailer for Thistlemine:

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