When it comes to genres that have more than enough representation on the Switch, there’s no question that puzzle games are near the top of the list. Sure, depending on the style, there’s quite a lot of wiggle room to bring different flavors to the mix, but since most puzzle games are more on the subdued side they really need to make the most of what sets themselves apart to try to be interesting. While some titles opt for some new twist on classic mechanics, others will go all in on some sort of novel theming, hoping to set themselves apart. Hogtie, though very simple in its appearance, actually does a little of both to help it stand out.

In principle, below it all, this is a variation on a classic box pushing game, but thankfully it has managed to wrangle together some novel ideas tied to its Western schtick to help it feel different. What makes all the difference is simply the fact that you’re generally pulling things instead of pushing them. Then throw in the variety of objects and ways you’re able to control them when they’re lassoed, and you have the makings of a fresher hook than you’d normally see. While it starts out more simply, with you throwing your lasso around a pig and pulling them back to the corral, new complexity is added when you start grabbing more than one at a time, or begin throwing barrels into the mix that you can use in a variety of ways as well.

The good thing is that even for somewhat jaded puzzle fans, the different techniques you’ll be able to use, especially when combining more than one in later levels, shouldn't all feel like old hat. So many of these titles fundamentally fail to do much more than rehash the same old patterns and tricks, leaving you with levels that start to feel very familiar after a while. If you’re willing to go all in with Hogtie’s somewhat unique hook, understanding that it’s still just a decent puzzle game at the end of the day, but not amazing, you should at least feel that it was worth a chance, though perhaps waiting for a sale first.