I have to start this review with a confession, I didn’t play the first Qube. I had seen some screenshots of the game, and despite my usual enjoyment of puzzle games, something about Qube just didn’t speak to me. But, if it’s anything like the sequel, I missed a marvelous, inventive puzzle game.

Regardless of my past mistakes, my time with Qube 2 was a thoughtful, satisfying revelation. The first thing I was struck by was the story. I genuinely didn’t think the game would have any kind of narrative structure. And while it could perhaps have a use, a little more exposition, the story feels nicely inspired by the mildly surreal, ambiguous sci-fi of Philip K. Dick, though with a couple of clichés. The central character waking up in a strange world with amnesia is a little overplayed, for instance. Its inclusion was a nice surprise for me, and even if you know it’s coming, it does have some really fascinating moments and heartfelt acting.