Puddle

Game Overview

Puddle offers a unique physics simulation experience focused on fluid dynamics, temperature management, and spatial control. Instead of directly moving a character, players tilt the surrounding environment left or right to let gravity roll, slide, and pour liquid through complex pipeline layouts, machinery, and organic pathways.

The core challenge stems from managing different types of fluids, each possessing distinct physical properties, viscosities, and environmental reactions. Throughout the campaign, players guide water, radioactive waste, molten lava, nitroglycerin, human blood, and weedkiller through specialized stages. For instance, nitroglycerin explodes if jostled too violently, lava cools and hardens into solid rock if moved too slowly, and weedkiller absorbs into surrounding foliage.

On the Wii U, Puddle utilizes the hardware's motion controls, allowing players to physically tilt the Wii U GamePad to control environmental gravity in real-time. Paired with full touch menu support and Off-TV Play capabilities, it provides a tactile and immersive puzzle campaign for physics enthusiasts.

Quick Specifications

• Title: Puddle

• Platform: Nintendo Wii U (eShop)

• Developer: Neko Entertainment

• Publisher: Neko Entertainment

• Release Date: November 30, 2012 (Europe) / January 31, 2013 (North America)

• Genre: Puzzle, Physics, Platformer

• Mode: Single-player

• Input Method: Wii U GamePad (Motion Controls & Buttons), Wii Remote / Nunchuk, Wii U Pro Controller

• ESRB Rating: Everyone 10+ (E10+)

Key Features

• Physics-Based Fluid Simulation: Guide various liquids across complex stages where friction, momentum, gravity, and viscosity directly affect movement.

• Diverse Liquid Types: Navigate distinct fluid substances including water, radioactive slime, molten lava, flammable oil, and volatile nitroglycerin.

• GamePad Motion Controls: Tilt the Wii U GamePad physically to manipulate environmental angles and steer fluid flows.

• Hazardous Obstacles: Avoid hot surfaces, electric arcs, absorbent materials, and high-speed fans that vaporize or destroy your liquid volume.

• Off-TV Play: Stream and play the complete physics-puzzle campaign directly on the Wii U GamePad screen.

Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

Q: How do you control the liquid in Puddle?

A: Rather than controlling the fluid directly, players tilt the entire environment left or right using the Wii U GamePad's motion sensors or analog sticks to let gravity move the liquid.

Q: What happens if you lose too much fluid in a level?

A: Each stage requires a minimum threshold volume of liquid to clear the exit; if too much fluid evaporates, explodes, or gets absorbed along the way, you fail the stage and must restart.

Q: Are there different liquid types in Puddle?

A: Yes, the game features numerous liquids—such as water, lava, nitroglycerin, and radioactive waste—each with unique physical properties and environmental hazards.

Q: Does Puddle support Off-TV Play on the Wii U GamePad?

A: Yes, you can play the full game directly on the Wii U GamePad screen using Off-TV Play mode.