- Blue Prince, developed by Dogubomb and published by Raw Fury, is a genre-defying puzzle-adventure game that has mesmerized players since its release on April 10, 2025. Available on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and Windows PC, the game has received widespread critical acclaim, earning an impressive Metacritic score of 92/100 for its PC version. On Xbox Series X, it delivers a deeply engaging experience that seamlessly combines mystery, strategy, and roguelike elements into a unified and captivating adventure.
Game Name: Blue Prince
Platform(s): PC, PlayStation 5, Series X|S (reviewed).
Developer(s): Dogubomb
Publisher(s): Raw Fury
Release Date: 10th April 2025
In Blue Prince, players inherit the mysterious Mt. Holly manor from their recently deceased great-uncle, who tasks them with uncovering the elusive 46th room hidden within its labyrinthine halls. The catch? The manor contains only 45 rooms, and each day its layout shifts, resetting everything except the permanent upgrades to your estate blueprint.
This premise sets the stage for a narrative imbued with mystery and intrigue. As you venture further into the manor, you unravel secrets linked to blackmail, political scheming, and the enigmatic disappearance of a local children’s book author. The story unfolds gradually, rewarding perceptive players with a rich tapestry of lore that deepens the experience.
Gameplay and Mechanics
Blue Prince introduces a novel gameplay mechanic centered around “drafting” rooms. When faced with a closed door, you determine which room lies beyond it, actively shaping your journey through the manor. Each room presents its own unique challenges, puzzles, and secrets, ensuring that every run is distinct, with each day offering fresh opportunities and obstacles.
Your decisions have significant consequences, shaping the manor’s layout and determining the resources at your disposal. This dynamic system fosters experimentation and encourages strategic planning as you explore the ever-changing environment in pursuit of the elusive Room 46.
Visuals and Performance
On the Xbox Series X, Blue Prince offers a visually breathtaking experience. The game’s art direction is masterfully crafted, with each room meticulously designed to immerse players in an atmosphere rich with mystery and intrigue. The shifting layouts are executed seamlessly, featuring smooth transitions that maintain a deep sense of immersion. Lighting and color are used brilliantly to enhance the mood, ranging from the warm, inviting tones of the manor’s safer areas to the ominous, shadow-filled corners that hint at hidden dangers.
Performance is outstanding, with the game running at a consistent 60fps and boasting quick load times for a fluid, uninterrupted experience. The hardware capabilities of the Xbox Series X are utilized to their fullest, allowing for intricate environmental details and expansive room designs without sacrificing performance.
Audio and Atmosphere
The audio design in Blue Prince is nothing short of exceptional, greatly enhancing the game’s immersive atmosphere. Especially when using headphones, I’ve often felt a profound sense of loneliness and isolation—but that’s exactly how you’re meant to feel. Alone in the house, uncertain of what may come next, the soundscape draws you deeper into the experience.
The ambient soundtrack, composed by Liora Bellamy, perfectly complements the game’s tone. Its subtle melodies heighten the sense of mystery and tension throughout. Sound effects are intricately crafted, from the creaking of the manor’s doors to the distant echoes hinting at something lurking just out of sight. The voice acting is equally outstanding, with performances that bring the characters to life and add profound depth to the unfolding narrative.
Replayability and Value
One of Blue Prince’s standout features is its replayability. The procedurally generated manor layout ensures that each playthrough delivers a unique experience. The strategic room-drafting mechanic invites players to experiment with varied approaches, while the gradual uncovering of the manor’s secrets serves as a strong incentive to revisit the game. Its inclusion on Game Pass and PS+ at launch further adds to its value, providing players with access to this innovative title at no additional cost.
There are moments when it can feel like you’re running in circles. During one of my playthroughs, I unknowingly trapped myself in an endless loop, cutting off every possible path forward. With no escape and no options left, the day was effectively doomed—a true dead end. Situations like this can certainly cause frustration, but they also encourage you to think more carefully about how to proceed. I promise, if you stick with it—exploring, reading as much as you can, and most importantly, taking notes—you’ll start to see progress. And trust me, the dopamine rush you get when you finally figure something out is on another level.
Final Thoughts
Blue Prince stands as a masterclass in puzzle-adventure game design. Its groundbreaking room-drafting mechanics, paired with a compelling narrative and immersive atmospheric presentation, create an experience that is as intellectually engaging as it is emotionally captivating. On Xbox Series X, the game delivers a smooth and polished journey that will keep players enthralled from beginning to end. While the ever-shifting layout of the manor may initially feel disorienting, it ultimately amplifies the sense of discovery and intrigue, turning every step through Mt. Holly into a rewarding endeavor. For those seeking a game that challenges the mind and envelops the senses, Blue Prince is an unmissable title.
Blue Prince is Available now on PS5, XSX & PC
Summary
A wonderful new take on the rougelike genre, adding puzzle elements is a genius idea. I lost hours and hours just building a layout, just too call it a day and go again. Progress however slow is just that shot of dopamine you need to keep you going for another day
Pros
- Great Puzzle
- Mysteries behind every door
- Simple, Yet Complex
Cons
- Some times feel lost
- No instructions
- Sense of loneliness.
