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Handshakes

PC (Microsoft Windows), Linux, Mac, Web browser, Android • 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

  • Autonomy
    4

    "Players control two hands independently with separate inputs, allowing free decision-making and problem solving."

  • Competence
    3

    "Puzzles require skillful thinking and coordination, with increasing difficulty and speedrun challenges."

  • Competition
    2

    "Includes speedrun leaderboards and achievements encouraging competition, but can be played casually."

  • Continuation
    3

    "Players report enjoying multiple sessions, replaying for achievements and speedruns."

  • Cooperation
    4

    "Supports local co-op play with two players controlling separate hands, fostering teamwork."

  • Creativity
    3

    "Players experiment with mechanics like cutting off hands and pushing characters to solve puzzles."

  • Domination
    -3

    "Interactions are cooperative and balanced; no evidence of exerting control or superiority over others."

  • Escapism
    3

    "Players use the game as a relaxing and enjoyable distraction with charming aesthetics and music."

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Engagement is voluntary and motivated by intrinsic interest and enjoyment."

  • Experimenting
    4

    "Game encourages trying new solutions and mechanics, including unconventional puzzle approaches."

  • Exploration
    -2

    "Puzzle levels are fixed and known; limited discovery but some novelty in mechanics."

  • Expression
    -3

    "Minimal customization; players use predefined characters and environments."

  • Fantasy
    -3

    "Realistic puzzle scenario with simple pixel art; no strong fantasy elements."

  • Fellowship
    3

    "Community engagement through co-op play and shared achievements."

  • Growth
    3

    "Players develop problem-solving skills and improve speedrunning ability."

  • Health
    -5

    "Sedentary puzzle game with no physical activity component."

  • Idle
    -3

    "Requires focused attention to solve puzzles; not suitable for idle play."

  • Intimacy
    2

    "Cooperative play and shared experiences foster social connection."

  • Leadership
    -3

    "No leadership roles; cooperation is equal and collaborative."

  • Progression
    3

    "Players progress through levels and unlock achievements, including speedrun goals."

  • Relaxation
    3

    "Described as charming and chill; music and aesthetics promote relaxation."

  • Sensation
    2

    "Enjoyable pixel art and music provide moderate sensory stimulation."

  • Status
    1

    "Some recognition through achievements and leaderboards, but limited social status focus."

  • Story
    1

    "Minimal narrative; some thematic elements about connection but mainly puzzle-focused."

  • Strategy
    3

    "Puzzles require logical thinking, planning, and problem solving."

  • Thrill
    1

    "Some tension from challenging puzzles and speedrun pressure, but overall controlled."

  • Value
    5

    "Free game with high enjoyment and replay value; excellent return on time investment."

  • Violence
    1

    "Includes cartoonish severing of hands as puzzle mechanic, but no graphic violence."

  • Survival
    -5

    "No survival or risk elements; stable puzzle environment."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026