Feature: Going Platinum: I Didn’t Want This Clever, Cosy PS4 Game to End
Carto is a cosy indie puzzle adventure that won over PushSquare’s critic enough to earn their 21st platinum trophy. Released in late 2020 on PS4, the game features a unique and inventive gameplay hook: players can rearrange the world by manipulating an in-game map. By lining up matching borders on the map, players both alter the explorable environment and solve puzzles, creating a clever feedback loop between map manipulation and exploration.
The game’s premise might be tricky to explain, but the execution is delightful. Rather than overstaying its welcome with bloat, Carto delivers a fulfilling experience that respects the player’s time. Its adorable aesthetic pairs perfectly with the thoughtful puzzle design, making it the kind of indie title that stands out from the crowd. The writer notes they haven’t encountered another game quite like it since its 2020 release, suggesting its unique approach to puzzle-solving through map mechanics is genuinely distinctive.
Beyond its clever mechanics, Carto charms through its character interactions and world-building. Players help out characters with their problems using the map-rearrangement system, grounding the abstract gameplay in a narrative context. It’s precisely this balance—between innovative gameplay, charming presentation, and respect for pacing—that makes Carto a standout indie experience worth completing from start to finish.