Blue Prince is the wrong kind of frustrating
I showed the notes I've been keeping while playing Blue Prince to my wife recently, because I like giving her periodic reminders that she's married to a definitively unwell person. I won't replicate them here—spoilers, and all—but suffice it to say that they resemble nothing so much as a rudimentary version of classic internet mainstay Time Cube, full of half-scrawled ideas, snippets of code, rough descriptions of images, and hastily crafted maps. The product of a cheerfully disordered mind.
I like this kind of stuff. The last game that caused me to fill pages with these kinds of rantings (in a physical journal, although my Prince stuff is just in an email draft) was Lorelei And The Laser Eyes, which Dogubomb's first-person exploration game resembles in many ways. Blue Prince—say it out loud, if the pun eludes you at first, as it did me—can't match Simogo's 2024 puzzler on things like style and tone, for all that it comes in an appealing package. But as a giant puzzle box, masquerading as a house? It might have the edge—when it lets you get to the good stuff, at least.
Here's where I'm forced to make my terrible confession: Not only have I not finished Blue Prince, despite having had weeks to do so, but I also find myself woefully out of step with my peers in the gaming press when it comes to what it does right. I like the game—bordering on a mild obsession. But its dedication to randomness, to making me play a game I don't like very much in order to get to the one that's burning its way through my brain, was ultimately too much for me. I had to set it aside, for my tattered sanity if nothing else.
It's like this: Blue Prince puts you in the shoes of the young inheritor of a vast mansion called Mt. Holly, tasked with discovering its mysterious '46th room.' (Tricky, given that the house is clearly laid out on a 5 x 9 grid.) Mt. Holly is no ordinary manse, though: Every day, starting from its entrance hall, you draft a new floorplan for it, picking rooms from a set of possibilities every time you approach a new door. The day progresses until you either run out of stamina, or somehow block yourself from forward progress—either flummoxed by increasingly stringent security measures that pop up the deeper you get into the house, or just because you were an idiot who always loses at Carcassone, and blocked off all possible exits from all your available rooms. Within the various bedrooms, pantries, hallways, and more, you'll find clues, puzzles, and lore notes, helping you to figure out the game's intriguing story, or just how to open some door you've accidentally dropped halfway across the damn house. Through a blend of deliberate building and random discovery, you slowly build up your options, and your understanding, making Mt. Holly feel like it's truly yours.
I don't like it.
I get it, mind you. I understand the ways the game deploys randomness to break up its basic puzzle-solving rhythms; the ways it deliberately courts feelings of triumph and frustration as you try to work your way toward one particular map point that you know has something pivotal lurking within it, only to be stymied because you've been presented with nothing but fucking left-turning rooms for the fifth goddamn time in a row. Building the house is a game, and a mildly interesting one: You slowly unlock new resources that give you more options, better ways to predict paths or overcome locked doors. Cracking a big secret that gets you better access to resources, tools, or new routes feels exultant—as does drafting a room you've never used before because you desperately need it to fit in on your map, only to realize it holds the secret to some other mystery. It's all cool, in theory.
In practice, half the time I feel like I'm doing a fascinating escape room, only to be suddenly forced to switch over to a Sudoku, or maybe some jumping jacks, in order to get back to the thing that's actually got me excited to play. Randomness has value in game design—I'm a person who can count his playtime in The Binding Of Isaac in terms of weeks, so I'm well aware of that. But Blue Prince's random layer, and its more thoughtful one, don't gel for me in the way I think they're supposed to. Sometimes, navigating around that randomness becomes a game in itself, forcing a different kind of lateral thinking than the work of cracking codes or navigating combinations. But I'll be 100 percent honest and say that it's not a game I'm especially jazzed to play. (And while I'm drawing parallels, I'll note that Lorelei had this same irritation baked into it: Intrusions meant to break up the puzzles, except I really like the puzzles, guys, I swear.) The key breaking point came the last time I stumbled onto some clue that gave context to a different puzzle in a different room of the house—and the broken sigh I let out when I realized the game would force me to jump through its various hoops before letting me test that newfound knowledge out. I know I'll revisit the game at some point, crack back open that insane and rambling email draft, and start teasing out new mysteries again. But I also know I won't be able to stop myself from asking: Dang, what if this was just the parts of the video game that I liked?
More from A.V. Club
This real-life Lord Of The Flies had a happy ending
Deborah and Ava try to find a new equilibrium in Hacks' season 4 premiere
Paul Verhoeven thought Starship Troopers was "too subtle for the American consciousness"

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Yahoo
Miley Cyrus Reveals Why She Has No 'Desire' to Tour, Says It Could Interfere with an 'Important Pillar of Stability'
Miley Cyrus said she has no "desire" to tour her latest studio album Something Beautiful The "Flowers" singer said it's hard to maintain "sobriety" on the road, which is crucial to her "stability" Cyrus' last major tour was for Bangerz in 2014Don't get your hopes up, Miley Cyrus stans! The Grammy-winning singer won't be going on tour anytime soon. In an interview with Good Morning America that aired on Tuesday, July 15, the star revealed why she has no "desire" tour her latest album Something Beautiful. "I do have the physical ability and I have the opportunity to tour. I wish I had the desire but I don't," Cyrus, 32, said. The "Flowers" singer then said that she believes there isn't a proper "infrastructure that supports artists." "There's artists like Prince that are not here today that lived such a high intensity lifestyle on the road," she said. "It's really hard to maintain sobriety on the road, which is a really important pillar of stability in my life." For Cyrus, it's important to maintain her "mental wellness" — and that can be difficult to balance while on tour. "You have so many thousands of people screaming at you so dopamine — you're feeling a lot of love — and then you totally crash at the end of the show," she said. "You start thinking that one person loving you is not enough. It needs to be 10,000 it needs to be 80,000." The "Malibu" singer's last major run was the Bangerz Tour in 2014. Still, she has much to look forward to, including being recently named as part of the Hollywood Walk of Fame class of 2026. "Honored to be receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. When I first came to LA from Nashville as a little girl, my family would stay at a hotel on Hollywood Blvd, and I would go on late night walks with my dad when no one would recognize him," she wrote, alongside a clip of the music video to her newly released song "Walk of Fame" on Instagram. "We'd have the gift shops to ourselves & buy knock off Oscars and Marilyn Monroe merchandise. To now be cemented on this legendary boulevard, surrounded by the icons who inspired me, feels like a dream." She concluded, "This moment will live forever, thank you to everyone in my life who made it possible. I am grateful to share this star with you." Cyrus released her ninth studio album, Something Beautiful, on May 30. The album was accompanied by a complete visual film that premiered on June 6 at the Tribeca Festival. While on Jimmy Kimmel Live in May, the "Slide Away" singer explained that the film "has no story" and is instead focused on the music. "The music is the story. Every song is storytelling," she said. "Even though this has become very kind of psychedelic and over the top [like] everything that I do, but at the end of it, really the heart of it is just the music. Really, the storytelling. So there was no need for characterization because I'm the character. And I never want to become something or someone that I'm not." Read the original article on People
Yahoo
9 hours ago
- Yahoo
Jason Day's Pre-Open Championship Outfit Is Drawing Wild Reactions From Fans
Jason Day's Pre-Open Championship Outfit Is Drawing Wild Reactions From Fans originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Jason Day has always been a step ahead of other golfers in the fashion game—he loves making a statement. For instance, during the U.S. Open, his American‑flag shorts made headlines and got the whole community talking. Well, he has done it again. Advertisement On Tuesday during the practice session of the Open Championship, Day showed up clad head to toe in a coordinated rain‑ready set fashioned from a gray Prince‑of‑Wales plaid fabric. A roomy, high-collared half‑zip jacket with sealed pockets and elastic cuffs, matching dropped‑crotch trousers featuring zip side‑pockets and stretch‑panel ankles and white slip‑on golf shoes. His outfit immediately became the talk of the town. Jason Day can be seen on the 17th hole during the second round of the Travelers Championship golf tournament.© Bill Streicher-Imagn Images "Not gonna lie, This stuff is really growing on me" A fan commented. "If golf was in the winter Olympics" Another joked. "Actually, he unfolds into a tent that can be set up in just 15 minutes." One said, clearly voicing his criticism. Advertisement "Modeled after a bin liner. Malbon needs to be raided by the FBI. Make up some charges..." A fan expressed. "Zip off pants is wild" Another pointed out. "My boy pulled out the snowboarding gear 😎" One worded. Fans stand divided over his outfit choice. Some really love it while others not so much. Day is coming to Portrush after missing the cut in the John Deere Classic. He carded rounds of 74-66 to exit with a final score of 2-under par. Related: News on Grant Horvat and PGA Tour's Disagreement Emerges This Week This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 15, 2025, where it first appeared.


Eater
a day ago
- Eater
The Twin Cities' Saddest Restaurant and Bar Closures for July
The hottest season has brought a slew of restaurant openings to the Twin Cities. But it's also marked the end of some longtime favorites. From legendary dive Palmer's Bar to fine dining beacon Café & Bar Lurcat, these are the places that have closed in recent months or announced they will in the near future. The Shutter is a regular roundup of restaurant and bar closures around the Twin Cities. The list is by no means comprehensive. Have information on another closing? Send all tips to twincities@ July DINKYTOWN — Classic burger-and-malts spot Annie's Parlour is no more. The restaurant, a favorite of the University of Minnesota community, made a comeback in 2024 after a four-year hiatus. In an Instagram post, the owners said the business was simply 'losing too much money.' Annie's originally opened in 1974. 313 14th Avenue SE in Minneapolis. LORING PARK — The curtains will fall on Café & Bar Lurcat after service on September 5. For the past 23 years, the posh space next to Loring Park has been a gathering place for celebratory dinners and fine dining American cuisine. It's also been a magnet for celebrities, including Prince, Mick Jagger, and Lady Gaga. 1624 Harmon Place in Minneapolis. WEST BANK — Iconic dive bar Palmer's has announced it will be closing for good in September. Opened in 1906, the watering hole was popular for cheap drinks and nightly live music, ranging from punk to folk to blues. 'We will be open regular hours until bar close[s] on September 14th with a jam-packed calendar and plenty of time to party and say farewell. Please join us in saying goodbye to a West Bank institution, raise a glass to all the good times and great people, and make it a last summer to remember here at Palmer's Bar.' 500 Cedar Avenue in Minneapolis. COLUMBIA HEIGHTS — The end is near for beloved 72-year-old institution Heights Bakery. According to a Facebook post, owners Debbie Doty and Dave DeShaw are retiring. The bakery, a family-owned business across four generations, is currently closed for a summer break but will reopen July 22. The final day will be August 1. 4925 Central Avenue NE in Columbia Heights. June KINGFIELD, NICOLLET — Chef Jamie Yoo has closed the Abang Yoli outposts in the Market at Malcom Yards and Nicollet. On Instagram, he cited the struggles of running multiple restaurants, which left him 'physically and mentally exhausted.' Fans can still get his Korean fried chicken at Abang Yoli's new Minnetonka spot. 501 30th Avenue SE and 3749 Nicollet Avenue in Minneapolis. NORTHEAST — Chef Ann Kim's pizzeria Young Joni will end its run on September 14. The restaurant was locked in a legal dispute with its landlord over unpaid rent, and the two sides were unable to come to terms on a new lease. The acclaimed wood-fired pies and Korean-influenced plates helped Kim win the James Beard Award for Best Chef: Midwest in 2019. 165 13th Avenue NE in Minneapolis. NORTHEAST — StepChld's last day will be August 24. The Ethiopian-influenced restaurant by Kamal Mohamed is closing after almost five years, with the chef telling the Star Tribune that rising costs, labor, rent, and limited seating were all factors in the decision. StepChld's menu features East African influences in dishes like birria tacos with berbere spice, and a smash burger topped with mitmita aioli. 24 University Avenue NE in Minneapolis. DOWNTOWN — Apostle Supper Club closed at the beginning of June, with owner Brian Ingram citing crime as one of the main challenges the restaurant faced in a since-deleted Facebook post that received national attention. The Pioneer Press looked into the claim and found that crime stats in 2025 have been down compared to the same period last year. 253 Kellogg Boulevard in St. Paul. LOWERTOWN — Customers have had their last taste of the wood-fired pies at Big River Pizza in downtown St. Paul. It closed at the end of June, with a Facebook post explaining that 'the current political and policy landscape in St. Paul has made it increasingly difficult to ensure the safety of our employees.' The Neapolitan pies featured a variety of toppings such as purple potatoes, bacon jam, and spinach artichoke dip. 280 5th Street E in St. Paul. May LONGFELLOW — Less than a year after debuting, both Lagniappe and the Du Nord Cocktail Room closed at the end of May. The restaurant and bar from the owners of Du Nord Social Spirits brought the flavors of New Orleans to town through offerings like gumbo, charbroiled Gulf oysters, boudin balls, and po' boys. The two establishments were both located inside the historic Coliseum Building. 2700 E Lake Street in Minneapolis. SOUTHWEST — Although it closed earlier this year, the owners of Terzo have officially announced that the Italian restaurant will not be reopening. A water main break flooded and caused extensive damage to the space in February. The Broder family wrote in a post on Instagram that 'the time, energy, and resources needed to rebuild Terzo are beyond [their] capacity.' Terzo originally opened in 2013. 2221 W 50th Street in Minneapolis. April MINNEAPOLIS — All four Café Ceres locations closed in April. The coffee shop started in Linden Hills in 2021, with pastry chef Shawn McKenzie earning a James Beard Award nomination for Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker in 2023. DDP Restaurant Group intends to focus on its other restaurants, but hospitality union Unite Here Local 17, which includes Café Ceres workers, criticized the move in a statement that read, 'Heads of restaurant empires like Daniel del Prado would rather close shop than give a fair share to the workers who make them rich.' Eater Twin Cities All your essential food and restaurant intel delivered to you Email (required) Sign Up By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Notice . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.