[Review] Maze: Interim Odyssey on PlayStation 5

Maze: Interim Odyssey from TreeFall Studios is, well, it’s kinda like that odd halfway sequel. You know, the ones squished between a game that everyone either loved or was kinda meh about, and the next big thing you’re crossing your fingers for. Anyway, it’s dangling between Maze: Pedestal of Trials and some new thing called Rising Trials. I mean, maybe they really like trials? But then again, who doesn’t? Or do they? I digress.

So, it’s supposed to be a stand-alone puzzle nibble, or something, filled with fresh head-scratchers and fresh places to poke around in. Four levels, nothing too wild. They toss in some fancy checkpoint system, ‘cause, let’s face it, you’ll mess up. I surely did, more than I want to admit. It’s PlayStation 4 nostalgia all over again—flashback to 2021 when Pedestal of Trials was fresh on my brain, err, fingers.

First-person shenanigans, those controls everyone sorta expects: left stick for bopping about, right stick for gawking around. Jump with X, sprint with R2 because who runs slow these days? Hit the Square button here and there to plant checkpoints ‘cause falling into pits is a rite of passage. Gathering ten coins per level sounds breezy, doesn’t it? Until it isn’t.

And oh, trophy fiends, heads up! It’s brimming with shiny things, from Silver to the elusive Platinum. If crossing it off your list brings you joy, well, have at it. Plus, they’re throwing both PS4 and PS5 versions at you for no extra cash since it’s a Cross-Buy deal. Cha-ching! Separate trophy lists too — bonus.

Honestly though, it’s the quirks and sneaky collectibles that’re the real game here. I mean, a tutorial, checkpoints, falling… all part of this trial… I mean game. And if you’re scratching your head, there’s a trophy guide floating around somewhere to un-muddle the mess we tend to make on those adventures.

Oh, and snag it for $2.99. Not gonna break the bank, right? At least there’s that.

Maze: Interim Odyssey, tangled, puzzle-filled, very trial-ish, but hey, maybe give it a whirl? At least until Rising Trials tempts your wallet. Thanks TreeFall Studios for letting me, well, puzzle it out on PS5.