via: Unsplash / Matt Wojtaś
There Is No Game is short, sweet, and seriously strange -- in a very good way. If you're on the hunt for a quick game that doesn't take itself too seriously, you can't go wrong with this cult classic.
This bizarro puzzler is one of the most addicting online games, and it can be quite tricky, despite its silly facade.
If you're going into this game blind, you may quickly realize that finding your groove is tough, to say the least.
Your time is valuable, and if you're going to play a game (especially a game that doesn't even exist), you want every moment to be a blast.
That's why we decided to make this handy guide.
Read on to learn about this mysterious puzzler and how to approach There Is No Game like a seasoned pro.
What is There Is No Game?
There is no game...or is there? There Is No Game is -- well -- technically it's a game, but it's unlike any game you've played before. It flips the classic puzzle game formula on its head, delivering a one-of-a-kind point-and-click experience that's as quirky and zany as it is clever and challenging.
Created by Kamizoto in 2015, the game gained critical acclaim after winning first place in the Deception Jam competition hosted by Scirra. While it may not be a household name, the non-game has become a cult classic among fans of indie games.
Kamizoto's bizarre-yet-strangely-charming sense of humor shines brightly in this game. The narrator is extremely entertaining while also providing clues to help you keep momentum up while still retaining an element of mystery and surprise. Kamizoto did a fantastic job making a game that appeals to expert gaming wizards and newbie casuals alike.
The graphics are pretty much what you'd expect from an indie Newgrounds-esque point-and-click game, and that's just fine. This isn't an immersive masterpiece designed to make your eyes pop. It's a fun time-waster with a classic look that nostalgia gamers are sure to appreciate.
Again, in order to really understand the game, you just have to give it a try. A word of warning: once you start this addictive suck-you-in puzzler, it's extremely hard to stop. Every small victory draws you in further and further.
This game's oddball personality isn't for everyone, but we recommend sticking with it even if you're not immediately hooked. Once it clicks, it clicks hard.
How to Play There Is No Game: 7 Steps
So you're ready to dive in, but how do you play? After all, it's not exactly easy to start a game when there's no game in the first place, right?
Okay, fine. Spoiler alert: don't be fooled by the name -- there's actually a game! Not only is there a game, but there's a game that's sure to keep you on your toes from the first click to the last.
Step 1: Set Aside an Hour
If you're a seasoned puzzle gamer, you can probably power through the game in around half an hour. However, you might want to give yourself some extra time in case you get stuck or if you just want to enjoy the game at a leisurely pace.
This game is great to play in short bursts while you're surfing the internet. You can leave it in an open tab and come back to it whenever the mood strikes.
Don't be surprised if you can't help but play it through right until the end in one go. If you have anything important to do in the next hour, proceed with caution.
Step 2: Head to Crazygames.com
Take a seat, dim the lights, and turn up the volume (audio is important in this game). All you need is a computer and a mouse to play, so if you're reading this, you're probably already set up and ready to go.
Now, simply click this link to There Is No Game, and it should load up automatically. Select your preferred language, and get ready to enjoy the ride.
Step 3: Approach the Game with an Open Mind
Try not to go into this game with preconceived notions. You've probably never played a game like this one before. Far from your typical puzzle game, The game has some twists and turns that you're probably not going to be expecting. Abandon your usual approach and take it as it comes.
Step 4: Click Around
If you get stuck, click around. Sometimes you may need to click a certain graphic or move an object to a certain place, and the next move isn't always obvious.
This game only has a minimal cast of components and characters, yet there's a lot that can be done with so little. When nothing makes sense, sometimes the best approach is the process of elimination.
Curiosity is your companion as you attempt to navigate this peculiar non-game. Embrace your sense of exploration and don't let your better judgment stand in the way of your next move.
Step 5: Think Outside the Box
In order to succeed in the game, you need to use logic, but you also need to throw logic out the window. Sounds like a paradox, right?
Sometimes the answer to a puzzle is right in front of you, blatantly staring you in the face. Sometimes the answer is obscure and you only find it after exhausting every other option. That's what makes it so fun.
You're probably going to have moments of frustration, as well as blissful 'Eureka' moments when you figure a puzzle out. This game forces you to use only the resources available in front of you -- often in odd ways that you wouldn't expect.
Step 6: Take a Breather
If you get to a point where you just can't figure out what to do -- but you don't want to cheat just yet -- take a break. Go eat a sandwich, watch an episode of your favorite TV show, or play a few rounds of Mario Kart -- whatever it takes to clear your head.
Once you come back to the game with a fresh mind, you may find that the answer was right in front of you all along. The cool thing about this game is that sometimes the most obvious solutions are also the most difficult ones to discover.
Recharging your batteries is a great way to read between the lines after you've been furiously pointing, clicking, dragging, and dropping to no avail.
Step 7: Check the There Is No Game Walkthrough
There's no shame in getting stuck -- it happens to the best of us. While the wacky narrator does drop occasional hints to help you get out of a jam, there are still some puzzles that may not click with you. When that happens, it's more than acceptable to sneak a peak at the answer sheet.
If you're fed up with a puzzle and you want to move along, you can check the There Is No Game walkthrough for detailed information on how to proceed. This handy guide outlines every step so you can experience the full game without throwing your computer out the window in a fit of rage.
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In Conclusion
This game may not offer a ton of replay value, but that first journey is an absolute pleasure. Fortunately for gamers who fell in love with the first installment, rumor has it that the sequel There Is No Game: Wrong Dimension may be released in the not-too-distant future.
One of the coolest aspects of the game is that you don't need an ultra-beefed-up PC or console to play it. It's perfect for passionate gamers and casual dabblers alike, thanks to its user-friendly barrier of entry.
Whether you're killing time on your lunch break or just looking for a fun puzzler that's easily digestible, the game is guaranteed to make you crack a grin. It's not the most polished or in-depth game, and that's just fine. What it does, it does extremely well.
Load it up, and start clicking around. You may be surprised how engaging this out-of-left-field puzzler can be. Oh, and by the way, there is no game, so take all of this information with a grain of salt.
