'Baffle' is a puzzle game written by Slawomir Krampa and published by LK Avalon for the Commodore 64. The game challenges players to solve a series of logic-based puzzles by manipulating colored blocks on a grid. The objective is to arrange the blocks in a specific pattern or sequence, often requiring careful planning and strategic thinking. Each level increases in complexity, introducing new mechanics and obstacles to test the player's problem-solving skills.
The gameplay revolves around moving blocks in a grid-based environment, with rules that vary depending on the level. Players must navigate around walls, avoid traps, and sometimes use blocks to activate switches or open pathways. The game's mechanics are simple but require precision and foresight, as mistakes can lead to dead ends or unsolvable situations. The minimalist design emphasizes the puzzles themselves, with clean visuals and straightforward controls.
'Baffle' was released during the heyday of the Commodore 64, a period when puzzle games were gaining popularity due to their accessibility and replayability. The game's design reflects the era's focus on challenging yet intuitive gameplay, with no reliance on complex graphics or storytelling. It was distributed on cassette tape, a common format for C64 games at the time, and required players to load the game manually, a process familiar to users of the platform.
The game's development was led by Slawomir Krampa, a programmer known for his work on other C64 titles. LK Avalon, the publisher, was a Polish company that produced a variety of games for the Commodore 64, often focusing on niche genres like puzzles and strategy. 'Baffle' fits within their catalog of thoughtfully designed, intellectually stimulating games aimed at players who enjoyed cerebral challenges over action-oriented gameplay. The game's release contributed to the diverse library of software available for the Commodore 64, showcasing the platform's versatility.