Nelson Tethers: Puzzle Agent

The structure of the game resembles a linear adventure game - the player does not have inventory, but he can communicate with other characters using the dialogue tree system. Some elements or dialogue options lead to the solution of puzzles, although in some cases the puzzle does not affect the course of the game. Types of puzzles range from puzzles to mathematical and logical . Each of them has a brief description of the purpose of the puzzle, while some also have a basic set of rules and conditions that help the player find a solution. A player can ask for three hints for each puzzle, and each hint costs a chewing gum player - there is not enough chewing gum in the city, as the hotel employee explains, but Nelson can collect pieces of the used chewing gum that he finds in each location. The puzzles do not automatically confirm the player’s decision, even if the player gives the correct answer - Nelson must send the answer back to headquarters, where he will either be approved or rejected. If the decision is approved, the player is given an assessment depending on how many hints he used and how many unsuccessful attempts he had (the latter is presented in taxpayer dollars), and an additional explanation is provided on how the puzzle could be solved.

The game begins when Agent Nelson Teters, the only member of the FBI Puzzle Research Division, is given his first assignment. The factory that produces the erasers used by the White House has stopped production; Any attempts to contact the factory are bizarre puzzles. Teters should visit the factory in Skoggins, Minnesota , and start it again.

Skoggins tells Teters that the factory was closed after an unidentified accident, and that the factory’s chief, Isaac Davner, has not been seen since. Further investigation is not possible because the plant is sealed with a complex lock requiring three keys.

The search for clues and additional clues about Isaac’s whereabouts is made difficult by mysterious creatures similar to gnomes, whom the townspeople call Hidden. The Hidden People appears to be supported by a local box called the Skoggins Brotherhood. The head of the box, Björn, tells Teters that the hidden people “chose” Isaac, although he cannot explain exactly what this means.

Finally, Teters gains access to the factory. Inside, he finds Isaac, who is crazy about the mysteries given to him by hidden people. Teters tries to save Isaac, but the Hidden People pulls Isaac out before he can be saved. The factory begins to work shortly afterwards. Returning to Washington, Tetersa is congratulated on their work and reminded that the disappearance of Isaac is a matter for local law enforcement agencies.

The story continues in the sequel , Puzzle Agent 2 .

• Puzzle Agent on GameRankings
• Puzzle Agent on Metacritic