Sokoban

Sokoban is one of those puzzle games whose rules can be explained in a sentence and whose harder levels can destroy an afternoon. The player controls a character inside a warehouse-like maze and must push crates onto designated targets. The important word is push: crates cannot be pulled, meaning one careless move can permanently block a passage or make a solution impossible. Success therefore depends on planning several moves ahead rather than acting on impulse. The minimalist presentation is perfectly suited to the concept, since there is little need for decoration when the real challenge is figuring out the correct sequence of movements. Later levels become remarkably intricate, often requiring players to recognize the solution before making the first move. Sokoban is a superb example of elegant puzzle design: a handful of rules, endless opportunities for mistakes, and the irresistible feeling that surely you can solve the next one.