factori is a puzzle video game wherein you must complete the alphabet in a unique and fun way. Developed by Star Garden Games, this cutesy 2D indie game is a minimalist puzzle experience that features “letter factories” which produce new letters that you can use to continue your progress.

Similar to gem setter, factori makes use of unconventional puzzle pieces to keep you thinking outside of the box. First made for the 2021 GMTK Game Jam, this game is all about making the right connections to keep your rhythm going. Take note that this version is just the free demo.

Start the production line

factori is all about thinking up new ways to look at letters. You start off with an “i” factory, as it’s a simple vertical line that can be the base for all other letters of the English alphabet. After placing it down on the grid map, you must connect it to other factories to produce new letters. For example, the Bender factory will immediately produce “C”. 

Meanwhile, the Merger factories will combine parts depending on the number of nodes attached to them. Lastly, the Rotators and Reflectors will change the orientations. The tutorial will helpfully guide you as you begin but afterward, you have to figure things out on your own—and it’s greatly satisfying once you find the right combination. However, the demo only features 9 levels and 6 of these are of the tutorial.

What’s great about this game is that it doesn’t spoon feed you too much—although a hint system would still be nice. If you want more challenges outside of what the main game mode offers, you can try its Type-a-Word mode, which features player-created words. However, this is only available in the full versions, as well as the full view of the letter recipes book.

A different kind of alphabet fun

All in all, factori is a great alphabet puzzle if you prefer visual challenges. Not only does it offer unique methods in tackling each level, but it also allows you to interact with its fan community. However, the tutorial could use some more levels to tempt players into getting its full version and a hint system would go a long way for encouragement.