Explore the wonderful world of books through deceptively simple cryptograms. 10% of every purchase benefits Project Gutenberg, an online library of over 60,000 free ebooks.
Players solve substitution ciphers by deducing the letter substitutions to reveal the original literary excerpts. The game offers four difficulty levels - Easy, Medium, Hard, and Progressive - allowing players to adjust the challenge to their preference. On Easy, the game pre-fills several letters, providing more guidance for beginners. Higher difficulties present a greater test, with fewer or even no letters revealed initially. Players can navigate the puzzles by either typing letters directly or clicking on the cipher to select the appropriate replacement, with all instances of the chosen character automatically filling in.
The game features over 400 unique literary excerpts, categorized into 8 distinct genres: Adventure, Great Thinkers, Children, Sci-Fi, Drama, Notable, Mystery, and Horror. This diverse selection ensures players encounter a wide range of writing styles and subject matter, keeping the experience fresh and engaging. Additionally, the developers have added over 75 new ciphers for free since the initial release, further expanding the content and replayability.
A standout feature is the game's integration with the Project Gutenberg online library. Upon solving a cipher, players are presented with a direct link to access the full text of the literary work from which the excerpt was taken. This seamless connection encourages exploration of the source material, potentially introducing players to new authors, genres, or classic works that pique their interest. Furthermore, the developers have committed 10% of all sales to directly support the Project Gutenberg initiative, aligning the game with a noble cause.
Alongside the engaging puzzle-solving, the game offers a soothing and contemplative experience. The calming piano soundtrack sets the tone for a relaxing and immersive activity. Players can also customize the visuals, adjusting the text size and enabling a dark mode to cater to their preferences and accessibility needs. This combination of challenging puzzles and serene ambiance allows players to engage in a thoughtful, almost meditative experience, providing a welcome respite from more intense gaming experiences.