The pinnacle of warehouse simulators. Crate Mates is a block pushing puzzle game with a unique twist: Gravity.
The key selling point of this game is its unique twist on the classic block pushing puzzle genre. Players must contend with the unpredictable force of gravity, which causes blocks to tumble and fall in unexpected ways. This adds an extra layer of challenge as players carefully plan their moves to account for gravity's effects, creating a strategic depth beyond simple block sliding.
The game boasts over 100 distinct puzzles across 4 different worlds, each with their own unique mechanics and environmental elements. Reviewers praise the 'deceptively challenging' nature of these puzzles, which start off seemingly simple but quickly demand significant thought and planning to solve. The optional 'skull levels' in particular test the mettle of dedicated puzzle enthusiasts, providing a true challenge for those seeking it.
While the core gameplay revolves around gravity-based block pushing, the mouse-only control scheme is widely lauded as intuitive and easy to learn. A few players noted a desire for keyboard or controller support, but the majority found the control scheme to be a natural fit for the gameplay.
Players highlight the game's 'smooth and progressive difficulty curve,' allowing both casual and hardcore puzzle fans to enjoy the experience. The main campaign can be completed relatively quickly, but the wealth of optional puzzles and high-difficulty challenges provide ample motivation to keep playing. Reviewers noted that they were compelled to tackle the more challenging levels, speaking to the game's addictive and rewarding puzzle design.
The game's pixel art style and charming, humorous presentation are widely praised, with reviewers noting the overall 'production value' and attention to detail. While the lack of music and sound effects is occasionally mentioned as a minor drawback, the core gameplay more than makes up for it, creating a polished and cohesive experience.