In the midst of a season dominated by high-octane action games, Rivage offers a more relaxed, cerebral experience. Developed as an indie sci-fi puzzle game, it places players in the role of Miranda Vigneau, a novelist and ship’s doctor aboard the A.R.E.S. space station. The station orbits a distant planet, but at the start of the game, Miranda is the only remaining crew member—her four colleagues have mysteriously disappeared. Players begin the game on May 1st, 2467, at 9:32 am, waking up in a space station that’s eerily quiet, with only a few clues to what might have happened. The environment is rich with interactive elements: a desk with a book, framed photos that hint at Miranda’s past, a password-protected computer, a disc player, a broken screen that needs fixing, and a locked safe. Players are soon on a quest to uncover the story behind the missing crew, collecting clues and using a neural interface that allows them to take screenshots, scan keycards, and store audio files. These actions are crucial, as the station runs on a severely limited battery. Each action—like opening doors—uses precious power, and once it runs out, the station falls into darkness. To help players progress, an old arcade machine in the station’s kitchen allows them to time loop back to 9:32 am. This means they can retain the information they’ve gathered across loops, without having to re-enter passwords or search for keys again. The game’s puzzle design is thoughtful and tailored to the sci-fi setting, allowing players to focus on exploration and deduction without unnecessary complications. However, some puzzles are more suited to keyboard and mouse use, which can make them slightly cumbersome on a controller. As the game unfolds, players uncover the fate of the missing crew through emails, voice notes, and messages. The A.R.E.S. station’s crew were scientists who meticulously documented their work, but their interactions were marked by personal conflicts. Despite its linear structure—where players must solve puzzles in a specific order—Rivage offers a more accessible and contemplative experience than many of its more intense counterparts. It’s not as challenging as games like The Witness, which are known for their high difficulty and repetitive puzzles. Instead, Rivage provides a steady stream of unique and thoughtful challenges, keeping players engaged without overwhelming them. Available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, Rivage is set to release on September 22nd, 2026, with an age rating of 16. While it has some rough edges, the game delivers an engaging and well-crafted puzzle experience that stands out in a season of more bombastic releases.