What is "Puzzle Challenge"?

In game design, a puzzle challenge refers to a gameplay segment or activity that requires players to solve a specific problem or overcome an obstacle using mostly real-time skills such as timing, reflex and dexterity. Players are required to combine one or two mechanics, with certain time and precision, which will let them progress through the level, obtain an item or another type of reward. These challenges can range from simple brainteasers to complex, intricate conundrums, offering players varying levels of difficulty and rewarding their persistence, creativity, and dexterity.

Puzzle challenges are widely used in platformers and adventure/action games such as Prince of Persia. The first 3D edition, The Sands of Time, showed the player a vision of each step they had to do very briefly beforehand. Players may try to decode the vision to prepare themselves for the puzzle, but once the vision is over, they needed to analyze the environment and perform a trial-and-error cycle where they learned about the timing and precision required to jump, run or attack.

The successful completion of the puzzle challenge rewards players with access to new areas, story progression, or valuable in-game items.

The effectiveness of puzzle challenges lies in their ability to engage players physically, testing their patience and reinforcing the learning process of their abilities. Occasionally, these trials are used to force the introduction of specific mechanics and use cases that would generally be used for combat but can also be applied in the environment.