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What Lies in the Multiverse

Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4 • 2022

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Quick resume

A bombastic puzzle platformer about worlds turned inside out. Shift dimensions at the push of a button, solve brain-twisting logistical riddles, and race through the wilds of the multiverse in a bleakly hilarious (and hilariously bleak) story where everything you know can turn on a dime.

Global score

92/100

Genres

Adventure, Casual, Indie, Platform, Puzzle

Pros

  • Engaging and emotional story
  • Unique universe-switching puzzle mechanics
  • Beautiful pixel art and music
  • Well-written characters and humor
  • Accessible puzzle difficulty

Cons

  • Some bugs and softlocks reported
  • Lack of dialogue skipping reduces replayability
  • Slow character movement can feel tedious
  • Story pacing and ending criticized by some
  • Backtracking for collectibles can be annoying

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    4

    "Players have control over switching between universes and solving puzzles with different mechanics, indicating high player agency."

  • Competence
    3

    "Puzzles are generally light to moderate difficulty, providing a sense of skillful problem solving without excessive frustration."

  • Competition
    -4

    "Focus is on personal puzzle solving and story progression without competitive or ranked elements."

  • Continuation
    3

    "Many players report engaging story and gameplay that encourage long sessions and replay for achievements."

  • Cooperation
    -5

    "Single-player experience with no multiplayer or cooperative gameplay elements."

  • Creativity
    4

    "Unique mechanics involving universe switching and puzzle design encourage creative problem solving."

  • Domination
    -5

    "No evidence of exerting control or superiority over others; gameplay is individual and narrative-driven."

  • Escapism
    4

    "Players use the game to immerse in a fictional multiverse with emotional and narrative depth, providing escape from reality."

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily out of intrinsic interest in story and puzzles, not out of obligation."

  • Experimenting
    4

    "Game encourages trying new puzzle mechanics and exploring different universes with varying rules."

  • Exploration
    3

    "Players discover secrets, alternate universe details, and hidden collectibles throughout levels."

  • Expression
    2

    "Some character animations and minor details allow for subtle expression, though customization is limited."

  • Fantasy
    4

    "The game features imaginative multiverse travel, fictional characters, and narrative fiction elements."

  • Fellowship
    -4

    "Experience is primarily solo with minimal social interaction or community involvement."

  • Growth
    3

    "Players develop puzzle-solving skills and understanding of game mechanics over time."

  • Health
    -5

    "Sedentary gameplay typical of puzzle platformers with no physical activity elements."

  • Idle
    -3

    "Requires focused attention on puzzles and story; not designed for background or idle play."

  • Intimacy
    1

    "Narrative fosters emotional connection to characters but limited to single-player experience."

  • Leadership
    -5

    "No leadership or group management roles; purely individual gameplay."

  • Progression
    3

    "Players progress through chapters, unlock achievements, and collect secrets, showing advancement."

  • Relaxation
    3

    "Generally light puzzles and engaging story create a relaxing flow state for many players."

  • Sensation
    3

    "Enjoyable pixel art, music, and sound design provide pleasant sensory stimulation."

  • Status
    -4

    "No social status or recognition systems; focus is on personal experience."

  • Story
    5

    "Strong narrative immersion with memorable characters and emotional storytelling."

  • Strategy
    3

    "Puzzles require logical thinking and planning, though not highly complex."

  • Thrill
    1

    "Some suspense from story twists but gameplay is mostly controlled and predictable."

  • Value
    4

    "Players report good value for time and money with engaging story and gameplay."

  • Violence
    -3

    "Minimal violence; some dark themes but gameplay focuses on puzzle solving and exploration."

  • Survival
    -4

    "No survival mechanics or threat avoidance; stable puzzle platforming environment."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026