Handshakes similar games & best alternatives
Handshakes
2023
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Quick resume
Take your brain for a walk in Handshakes, a simple yet tricksy sokoban puzzle game. Guide two hands through puzzles designed to stump, not frustate, so that they may achieve their dream of a warm, firm handshake.
Global score
99/100
Genres
Casual, Free To Play, Indie, Puzzle
Pros
- Free to play
- Unique and clever puzzle mechanics
- Supports local co-op
- Charming pixel art and music
- Well-paced difficulty curve
Cons
- Short length (only 30 levels)
- Some players find speedrun achievements frustrating
- Minimal narrative and customization
- Limited exploration and replay content
- Controls can be unintuitive for speedrunning
Motivations
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Autonomy4
"Players control two hands independently with separate inputs, allowing free decision-making and problem solving."
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Competence3
"Puzzles require skillful thinking and coordination, with increasing difficulty and speedrun challenges."
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Competition2
"Includes speedrun leaderboards and achievements encouraging competition, but can be played casually."
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Continuation3
"Players report enjoying multiple sessions, replaying for achievements and speedruns."
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Cooperation4
"Supports local co-op play with two players controlling separate hands, fostering teamwork."
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Creativity3
"Players experiment with mechanics like cutting off hands and pushing characters to solve puzzles."
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Domination-3
"Interactions are cooperative and balanced; no evidence of exerting control or superiority over others."
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Escapism3
"Players use the game as a relaxing and enjoyable distraction with charming aesthetics and music."
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Expectation-4
"Engagement is voluntary and motivated by intrinsic interest and enjoyment."
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Experimenting4
"Game encourages trying new solutions and mechanics, including unconventional puzzle approaches."
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Exploration-2
"Puzzle levels are fixed and known; limited discovery but some novelty in mechanics."
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Expression-3
"Minimal customization; players use predefined characters and environments."
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Fantasy-3
"Realistic puzzle scenario with simple pixel art; no strong fantasy elements."
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Fellowship3
"Community engagement through co-op play and shared achievements."
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Growth3
"Players develop problem-solving skills and improve speedrunning ability."
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Health-5
"Sedentary puzzle game with no physical activity component."
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Idle-3
"Requires focused attention to solve puzzles; not suitable for idle play."
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Intimacy2
"Cooperative play and shared experiences foster social connection."
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Leadership-3
"No leadership roles; cooperation is equal and collaborative."
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Progression3
"Players progress through levels and unlock achievements, including speedrun goals."
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Relaxation3
"Described as charming and chill; music and aesthetics promote relaxation."
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Sensation2
"Enjoyable pixel art and music provide moderate sensory stimulation."
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Status1
"Some recognition through achievements and leaderboards, but limited social status focus."
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Story1
"Minimal narrative; some thematic elements about connection but mainly puzzle-focused."
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Strategy3
"Puzzles require logical thinking, planning, and problem solving."
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Thrill1
"Some tension from challenging puzzles and speedrun pressure, but overall controlled."
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Value5
"Free game with high enjoyment and replay value; excellent return on time investment."
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Violence1
"Includes cartoonish severing of hands as puzzle mechanic, but no graphic violence."
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Survival-5
"No survival or risk elements; stable puzzle environment."
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Last update: 06/03/2026