This puzzle game offers unexpected complexity beneath its straightforward concept.

What’s the Password? presents a straightforward yet engaging challenge: to crack over 100 puzzles, you need to input the correct four-digit password using a number pad. While this might seem like a narrow focus, the simplicity allows solo developer Dan DiIorio, known as TrampolineTales, to explore a variety of clever concepts. Throughout a few hours of gameplay, I was consistently surprised by the creativity on display.

The clues for the puzzles come in various forms. Some are straightforward text, with the very first puzzle providing a sentence that reveals the numbers you need to enter. However, you’ll also need to interpret four-digit codes from sources like the flashing digits of a clock, nonogram puzzles, arithmetic problems, and even counting the teeth on a key. Some clues get a bit meta, referencing passwords found on the game’s cover art or details hidden in menus.

The puzzles can be quite challenging. I managed to solve a few quickly, but most required multiple attempts to find the right answer. Thankfully, there’s no penalty for incorrect guesses, allowing you to experiment with as many combinations as you like. Some puzzles had me stumped for several minutes. If you find yourself stuck for a while, the game offers an option to skip the puzzle, and you can occasionally receive hints.

Accompanying the gameplay is a soothing, jazzy soundtrack that loops a single track, perfectly complementing the game’s monochrome visuals. The overall atmosphere made me feel like a classic noir detective. Interestingly, the mellow music helped me when I was grappling with particularly tough puzzles; my mind would drift with the tunes, and sometimes that idle contemplation would lead me to the solution.

Ultimately, I wasn’t able to solve every puzzle. It took me about three hours to navigate through What’s the Password?, completing around 77 percent of the challenges. The experience reminded me of the importance of patience and the benefits of a good night’s sleep; returning in the morning with a fresh perspective and a cup of coffee often made it easier to tackle the puzzles. A significant part of the enjoyment in What’s the Password? lies in the anticipation of what unexpected clue format will come next, adding depth to its simple premise.

What’s the Password? is currently available on PC, iOS, and Android.