Homescapes

Somewhere between a puzzle and a story sits the adventure game. You are given a world to walk through and a reason to be there. Progress comes from paying attention: a loose brick, a character who mentions a key, a path you missed. The pace is steady rather than frantic, and sessions usually last until you reach a satisfying moment to stop.

• Click to open the gates

1. 1Move through the first area slowly and interact with everything; doors, drawers, signs and people all respond.
2. 2Pick up any item that can be picked up, then open your inventory to see what you are carrying.
3. 3Try items on locked or broken things nearby. The game will tell you if the combination does nothing.
4. 4Use markers or a map if the game has one to see which areas you have not yet visited.

• Free to play, nothing to install, no account needed
• Loads in the browser tab and opens full screen when you press Play
• Plays best with the phone turned sideways or on a wider screen
• Mouse and keyboard controls, with touch support on most devices
• Listed under Adventure

Homescapes is a slow game in the best sense. It gives you time to think and rewards you for looking carefully. It is free to play in the browser with nothing to install, and it suits a quiet evening on a laptop as well as a tablet on the sofa.

Suits players of around ten and up who like to explore and figure things out. Adults who enjoyed point-and-click games will appreciate it. Those looking for constant action may find the pace slow.

Can I play Homescapes with a touchscreen?

Yes. Most adventure games provide tap-to-move or on-screen buttons on phones and tablets. A larger screen helps when looking for small items.

How many sittings will it take?

That depends on the game and how quickly you solve its puzzles. Some finish in one go; others are better split across a few sessions.

Is it suitable for children?

Generally yes. Adventure games here are family friendly, though younger children may need help reading dialogue and working through puzzles.