The user tips the levels to move the liquid, and must gauge the friction, momentum and properties of the different liquids in order to bypass hazards such as electrical sparks, fire, rifts, and obstacles. The realistic physics make controlling the liquid a tricky affair, with tilting too quickly causing droplets to split from the main mass, while the liquid will not clear jumps if it is not moving fast enough. Similarly, hot areas can evaporate the liquid.

Players guide their respective liquid by tilting the environment, balancing each fluid’s unique properties with the environmental factors of gravity, friction, and each course’s obstacles. Players can only see one small section of a stage at a time, thus Puddle will offer plenty of unexpected twists, keeping players alert and ready for the next challenge. Puddle for the PlayStation Network also supports motion controls using the Playstation Move or Sixaxis controller.

Puddle started life as a six-stage student project, and won the 2010 GDC Independent Games Festival Division award. The full game offers a huge challenge, with intricate levels design, stunning physics and a wide variety of obstacles set to test the player. Players must use logic and planning to master its ever more complex stages, creating one of the most addictive and enthralling puzzle games of recent years.