Cypher takes players through the history of cryptography, from simple substitution cyphers to complex digital codes. The game builds on itself nicely, but with no narrative and some truly inscrutable puzzles, it's not always the most fun. The built in history lessons and commitment to its aesthetic, however, make Cypher a game worth investigating, especially for puzzle buffs.
Cypher is a puzzle game with very little narrative focused on teaching players the history of cryptography. Dropped into a bright white minimalist library, players unlock a series of rooms that allow them to learn about and try out different stages of cryptographic puzzles. Completing all of the puzzles in a room unlocks the next one, allowing players to progress through time to increasingly complex puzzles.
Each room contains a handful of podiums placed in front of some sort of code displayed on the wall. The podium acts as the player's point of interaction -- answers can be submitted and verified through these interfaces and players can even solicit hints from them. A large freestanding wall placed in front of the entrance to each room provides a necessary primer for how to solve the room's puzzles, as well as a notification of how many of the puzzles have been solved.
Part of the reason Cypher stands out from the crowd of puzzle games is its commitment to museum-style aesthetic. Each room is designed to feel like an exhibit -- puzzles are displayed on the walls as if they were art, complete with small notes that replicate museum labels. The larger arrangement of rooms in a vaulted, immaculate building also imitates many museums' oppressive grandeur. Cypher is a game that players can feel even while there is little to interact with physically.
The other notable characteristic of Cypher is its difficulty. While some of the early rooms feature familiar types of cryptography, with simple substitution codes or rearrangement games, later levels introduce a high level of complexity that no hinting system could truly ease. This difficulty is intentional as the game wants players to feel how hard World War II code-breakers actually worked and why cyber-security is such an important field, but it can make the game feel less fun.
Cypher also invites players to think critically about the role that narratives play in a game. While it isn't telling a traditional story with protagonists, climactic moments and satisfying conclusions, Cypher presents a history that necessarily has a beginning and a progression. The "narrative" of the game is the creation and changing uses of cryptography, and while that story may not be as compelling as those found in lore-rich games, it still works to link Cypher's puzzles together loosely.
Puzzle gamers may find their match in Cypher, with difficult puzzles rooted in historical context, but that doesn't mean it's not worth a try. The game's commitment to aesthetic and educational value make it something more than just a puzzle game, but the inherent difficulty of cryptography makes Cypher not for the faint of heart.