Steam Next Fest is probably one of my favorite events because developers are excited to push out their demo, showing their daily wish list numbers go through the roof. It is very exciting to see the indie games flourish during this time. This week I played a puzzle game that preys on our anxieties.

This week is Is This Seat Taken?

Is This Seat Taken? is a puzzle game from Poti Poti Studios and Whole Games Presents. The demo is available now for the PC.

Is This Seat Taken? has a small narrative about a shape that is trying to make it in acting and sees a shape like themselves make it big. It’s a fun narrative that consists and takes shape through a multitude of levels.

Everyone has their favorite seats, especially regarding things like bus and taxi rides and even movie theater seats. That is where this game caught my eye because, in certain scenarios, I REALLY CARE about where I sit. Is This Seat Taken? takes advantage of those by placing the player in scenarios where they place little-shaped people in seats, ensuring all of their seating needs are met. Locations in the demo take place in a bus, a limousine, and a little rock show.

People tell you their preferences upon clicking on them with the left mouse and they will be shown on the bottom left of the screen. Saying like “I prefer a window seat,” “I want to steal popcorn,” and even “I don’t like bad smells” give hints on where to place the shape in the puzzle. As the levels continue, more people will show up and leave meaning the puzzles are always changing because new people have different preferences.

Placing people correctly results in a little cheeky smile and when you place them incorrectly they will let you know the issue through a little thought bubble. It is a nice little touch that makes Is This Seat Taken? more accessible for everyone.

It’s got that cozy waiting room music.

Pastel colors flood the screen and with the soundtrack create such a chill vibe to play a puzzle game. I really like the way that the little shapes express themselves when burdened, when their happy, and how they sway when they are waiting for their little turns.

So far, so good. Is This Seat Taken? is cozy enough for everyone to enjoy. The onboarding is spot on and when it comes time to seat people on your own, the player feels like an expert up until no people on the bus leave, and you are tasked with seating 15 people in one go. It feels good to complete the puzzles, to see the happy shapes sitting in their seats and the star counter go wild after each level.

A simple concept that excels at the task it sets out to do. Excellent demo and a great start for Steam Next Fest.