Is This Seat Taken? is a logic puzzle game where you play matchmaker for groups of hilariously particular people. Each character has pet peeves that make seating them a delightful challenge. Find the perfect spot for each person to unlock new levels in this cozy, silly, and relatable experience.
Developed by: Poti Poti Studio
Played on: Steam
Length: 4-6 hours
A review key was provided by Wholesome Games Presents.
In a perfect world of my imagining, I’m always in the right place at the right time. The bus always has one empty aisle away from everyone else, the cinema always has an open seat right in the center, and I get to sit with my favourite cousins at the family gathering. But when the circumstances of life can’t quite measure up to your dreams, you turn to games like Is This Seat Taken? to live out your wildest fantasies.
Developed by Poti Poti, Is This Seat Taken? is a logic puzzle game that is packed to the brim with quirky charm. You play as the all-powerful Hand of God, as you help each character in this game find their perfect seat based on a unique list of requirements. From characters who want to be alone, to those who forgot to shower that morning, your job is to balance those tolerances and intolerances until you find the right spot for everyone.
For a short four to six hours of playtime, the game manages to pack in a surprising amount of content. There are a total of five stages, each with six to seven different scenarios to play out. Loosely interlaced between each stage is a heartwarming story about a rhombus named Nat (hey, that’s me!) as she travels the world in pursuit of her dream to become a working actress.
Our main character’s journey takes us on buses and trains, to coworking spaces and cinemas, as the game draws on familiar settings and awkward encounters we’ve all found ourselves trapped in before. There are certain settings that repeat multiple times throughout the game, but the introduction of new mechanics and character types manages to keep each encounter fresh for the player.
Despite its simple premise, the game is a masterclass in intuitive and nuanced puzzle design. Certain things about it just make sense. Like how fans of opposing sports teams won’t want to sit next to each other, or how the bookworm can’t concentrate if someone is playing loud music next to them. There’s even an element of self-sabotage in certain levels, as the snackers you seat in the previous level will always leave behind a mess, and not everyone is going to be comfortable sitting in a dirty seat.
While Is This Seat Taken? is ultimately a casual experience that’s perfect to pick up and put down at any time, even seasoned puzzle gamers will enjoy the level of challenge the game has to offer, especially if you’re aiming for complete stars on all stages. The only downside is I wish I had my own sky cursor to drop me in the perfect seat the next time I’m at the movies or waiting in queue. Well, some things are just a fantasy.
Verdict: Let’s Sit Together
A short four to six hour experience, Is This Seat Taken? is a logic puzzle game where you match groups of hilariously relatable people to their perfect seats. From buses and trains, to coworking spaces and cinemas, the game draws on familiar settings and awkward encounters we’ve all found ourselves trapped in before. A must-play for fans of puzzle games and cozy, no-pressure titles.
