As soon as Lumote: The Mastermote Chronicles boots up, you’re thrown straight into the action with little to no explanation as to why you’re there and what’s going on. Other than the control layout via the main menu, you’re left to discover what’s going on at your own pace, an aspect that I instantly appreciated.

It doesn’t matter what the puzzle is, whether it’s a video game or not, it shouldn’t have an explanation. In my opinion, it’s what a puzzle is all about. There’s an object or video game and you have to rely on your wits to discover how to solve the problem. This is the subtle message you’re given as soon as you venture into Lumote’s gorgeous, illuminated and vibrant multi-layered world known as the Great Depths.

In terms of gameplay, Lumote: The Mastermote Chronicles is very simple to pick up and play. Once is most certainly a benefit in my opinion. You’re a squishy emote that will bounce throughout the world and the objective is to illuminate the bioluminescent inhabitants to progress into the next area. At its core, it’s quite as simple as that.

lumote the mastermote chronicles

Credit: Wired Productions/Luminawesome Games Ltd

Furthermore, rather than going from one stage to the next, Lumote’s world is one singular, connected world. Sure, this world is broken into segments, but there are no loading screens, you simply solve that one area or “tower” and once you’ve achieved that, the gateway will seamlessly grant you access to the next area.

Given how quickly you’re thrown into the game, you’d be forgiven for thinking that Lumote: The Mastermote Chronicles is lacking story content. Well, to be fair, that might be true. However, that’s not to say that this puzzler isn’t lacking in character, because it most certainly is. For what it’s worth, you play as a curious Mote and it’s that curiosity as a player that keeps you progressing throughout the world. Ok, it doesn’t sound much, but trust me, once you play Lumote: The Mastermote Chronicles, you’ll soon get what I’m trying to say.

At first, I didn’t appreciate how big this world is, at least not until a few areas have been solved. Once I had noticed Lumote’s enticing world beneath me, I felt a little overwhelmed. My initial thought was “how on earth am I going to get there?”

lumote the mastermote chronicles

Credit: Wired Productions/Luminawesome Games Ltd

However, Lumote also gives you that “one more go vibe” and before you know it, you’ve already progressed through a few towers before you’ve even realised how much puzzle-solving lies ahead. Its progressive difficulty also eases the player into its challenge, rather than being overly daunting from the start.

Furthermore, mixed with its gorgeous and oddly soothing visuals, not to mention its calming ambience, after a few moments, nothing about Lumote: The Mastermote Chronicles felt overwhelming. In fact, I can quite honestly say that Lumote is one of the most relaxing puzzle games that I’ve played recently.

Sure, you have moments of frustration, but that’s what any puzzle is supposed to do. However, there are few better feelings following those moments of frustration when you’ve finally solved a puzzle. Lumote: The Mastermote Chronicles has self-achievement and feelings of self-satisfaction in abundance. Everything about Lumote is logical, but sometimes it might take a few moments until logic smacks you in the face. This is what puzzle games should be about.

lumote the mastermote chronicles

Credit: Wired Productions/Luminawesome Games Ltd

Sometimes you can look at a visually pleasing game and be seduced as soon as your eyes gaze upon it. Unfortunately, when we actually get to play that game, we can often feel let down by pre-set expectations. I think it’s fair to say that we’ve all been there before. Thankfully, Lumote: The Mastermote Chronicles lived up to my expectations. It looks as gorgeous as the pre-release trailers. In fact, it exceeded my expectations when I finally got to play the game.

In a poor attempt not to sound clichĂ©, Lumote: The Mastermote Chronicles is easy to play, but difficult to master, at least the more you delve deeper into the Great Depths. Lumote: The Mastermote Chronicles is a charming, satisfying and visually pleasing puzzle platformer, and a unique experience shouldn’t be overlooked.