Soko-Ban

Game review

Soko-Ban is a classic puzzle game that offers a timeless and engaging challenge. The name might be a bit mysterious, but the game can easily be likened to the tasks of a storekeeper, a concept that remains popular even today, with various incarnations available as applets on the Internet. The primary objective in Soko-Ban is at the first sight very simple: players must maneuver boxes around a maze and place them in designated spots. However, as players progress through the levels, the game introduces more complexity. With each new stage, the number of boxes increases, while, intriguingly, the maze itself becomes more confined and intricate.

A key aspect of the gameplay is the limitation that boxes can only be pushed, not pulled. This restriction adds a significant strategic layer to the game, as players must carefully plan their moves to avoid trapping boxes in corners. As the saying in the game humorously goes, not even the Little Red Riding Hood would be able to retrieve a box stuck in a corner. Soko-Ban's blend of simple mechanics and increasingly challenging puzzles makes it an addictive and mentally stimulating game. Its straightforward concept, combined with the need for strategic thinking and foresight, provides a satisfying puzzle-solving experience that has stood the test of time.