If the lazy days of summer means you have spare time to catch up on video game playing, read on for our pick of the mind-bending titles worthiest of your attention from the last six months' releases. Five strong contenders compete for your attention as we head into the second half of 2016, a year in which "The Witness" and "Twofold" started proceedings strongly, and since then we've seen a number of engrossing puzzle games emerge including space adventure "Love You To Bits" on mobile, an Android version of "Her Story," and the more action-oriented "Heart's Medicine."
- "The Witness" -
Part near-impenetrable series of obscure mazes and part serene island exploration, it's a good thing this ephiphany experience makes for such an inviting tourist destination: the game's creator expected only 1 in 100 to make it to completion.
An iOS version is said to be in the works; for now, it's available on PlayStation 4 and Windows PCs.
- "Twofold" -
Fancy a twist on the item-matching genre popularized by "Bejeweled" and "Candy Crush Saga"?
In iOS and Android game "Twofold," pared-down visuals hide added layers of complexity elsewhere: players connect same-colored tiles, but they can also slide the tiles around in order to both clear each successive board and meet each level's score target.
- "Her Story" -
Sneaking into our list of 2016's Best is "Her Story." Released as it was in 2015 on iOS, Mac, and PC, the police procedural asks players to comb through evidence from video interviews with the wife of a missing man.
It collected multiple awards, particularly towards the end of 2015, and arrived on Android in June of 2016.
- "Heart's Medicine: Time to Heal" -
Help Allison Heart work her way up the career ladder, going from medical intern to talented surgeon, by juggling hospital duties that demand constant attention.
Apart from the challenge of keeping hospital staff and patients all topped up, what helps make iOS, Android and PC game "Heart's Medicine" such a treat is the clever little storyline woven through its levels.
The first location is free; it's $9.99 for the rest.
- "Love You To Bits" -
Trot through space in this beautifully-presented jaunt to retrieve the shattered pieces of your favorite friend as well as treasured memories that you shared together.
Currently available on iOS, with Android, Mac and PC editions planned before the end of the year.
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