Set within the expansive Mt. Holly Estate, Blue Prince invites players to unravel its secrets by navigating through an intricate maze of rooms. As Simon P. Jones, the protagonist, players must locate the elusive 46th room to secure their inheritance. This debut game from Dogubomb and director Tonda Ros blends exploration with strategic planning, presenting a unique roguelike experience that encourages curiosity without combat or jumps. Despite its calming aesthetic, the game evokes a subtle sense of unease, driven by its atmospheric music and first-person perspective. Players interact with various rooms, each offering puzzles and stories tied to the Sinclair family’s history, while also facing challenges like a math-based puzzle in the billiard room.

In this intriguing title, players step into the shoes of Simon P. Jones, who inherits the ever-evolving Mt. Holly Estate from his grandfather. To claim his birthright, Simon embarks on a daily quest to construct and explore the mansion's interior, aiming to uncover the hidden 46th room. Using a grid map, he places rooms strategically, crafting pathways that lead toward the mysterious north end of the house. Along the way, he encounters both standard and special rooms, each containing items, letters, and puzzles that reveal fragments of the Sinclair family’s tragic past.

Each day in Blue Prince begins anew, as the mansion resets once Simon exhausts his allocated steps. This roguelike mechanic demands meticulous planning and note-taking, as all collected items vanish with the reset. However, the consistent information within the rooms allows players to build upon their knowledge over multiple runs. The game’s unhurried pace contrasts sharply with typical roguelikes, fostering a rewarding rather than frantic experience. Whether spending just a few minutes or half an hour per session, players can immerse themselves in the textured storybook visuals and ambient soundtrack, which together create an unsettling yet captivating atmosphere.

While Blue Prince avoids traditional horror elements such as jump scares or eerie noises, certain rooms evoke discomfort due to their peculiar design and associated cutscenes. For instance, the billiard room introduces a challenging math-based puzzle that tests players' skills progressively. Initially daunting, these problems transform into opportunities for growth, enhancing mental arithmetic abilities and instilling confidence. Through repeated attempts, players overcome their apprehensions, turning what was once intimidating into a source of pride and accomplishment.

Blue Prince offers more than just a puzzling adventure; it delivers a thought-provoking journey through a meticulously crafted digital space. By blending exploration, strategy, and personal development, the game captivates players with its charm and depth. Though lacking overtly frightening elements, its ominous undertones linger, inviting players to ponder the mysteries concealed within the walls of Mt. Holly Estate. Ultimately, this experience transcends mere gameplay, leaving a lasting impression rooted in discovery and self-improvement.