A classic puzzle game that is completely unique and has yet to be replicated successfully

User Rating: 8.4 | Lemmings PC
Lemmings was a novel puzzle game introduced at the height of PC gaming in 1991, taking off like wildfire and inspiring dozens of sequels. The player must save a requisite number of the lemming population on each level. Lemmings are small creatures with green hair clad in only a blue moo-moo. They march steadily in whatever direction they are facing, occasionally wandering over cliffs and into various implements of death.

The player is tasked with providing the lemmings with the tools they need at the time they need them to save them from a mortal end. To do so, the player clicks on a particular tool, such as an umbrella, to save the lemming or lemmings. An lemming with an umbrella will automatically open it after walking off a cliff, comfortably drifting to safety at the base. There will also be occasions to dig, erect girders, and spontaneously combust. Each level has a quota of lemmings that must survive.

It can be challenging to discern what is happening on screen due to the tiny sizes of the lemmings (a dozen or so pixels, at most), but their successful escape at the end of each level emits a satisfying yelp of joy from the respective critter.

Lemmings is a relatively straightforward game made difficult by the challenging environment the player must navigate. There is little depth as far as story or characters, but the simple challenge of navigating the lemmings through their environment successfully is reward enough. Any puzzle fan should have a copy of lemmings or one of its sequels in their collection.