We've done it. We've found the perfect mobile game: an embroidery puzzle game that combines Picross and stitching.
I’m always on the lookout for the perfect mobile game. It’s a difficult task as only one or two games fit the bill for me every year. The best mobile games need to be something I can either sit down with for hours or simply play for a few moments. They need to function offline so I can play them no matter where I am. And on top of that, I prefer that they have a tactile component to them that uses tap controls in a satisfying way.
Stitch is an embroidery puzzle game that combines Picross and stitching. It’s the latest game from Lykke Studios, a developer that’s already made some of Apple Arcade’s best games, like Tint and Lumen. Like those titles, Stitch works because it’s focused around an elegant puzzle premise that’s easy to communicate to players thanks to intuitive controls. It’s also one of this year’s most soothing games — something that’s already made me spend hours with it.
As a puzzle game, its closest parallel is Picross. Like that format, I need to create a picture by filling in grid squares correctly, but it’s even more streamlined than that game, especially when it comes to controls. Rather than using a joystick to navigate a grid, you simply need to tap and drag to make a stitch. Erasing it is as easy as double tapping. It’s a perfect control scheme for the idea, making it an ideal mobile experience.
Though it does get tricky, Stitch never stops being relaxing. Naturally, the whole game looks like it’s made out of soft and colorful yarn. Light piano music soundtracks the experience, giving it a cozy winter feel — like I’m sitting next to a fireplace in a rocking chair. If I get frustrated on a puzzle or simply need to get off my phone, I can quit and pick up exactly where I left off on any hoop.