Puzzle games often fly under the radar in the gaming community, yet they consistently deliver some of the most creative and memorable experiences. While they may not receive the same level of hype as blockbuster titles, many legendary games in history belong to the puzzle genre. And now, with the rise of mobile platforms and the support for indie developers, puzzle games are thriving more than ever.
One such title making waves in the genre is Timelie, a time-bending indie gem that’s finally made its way to mobile. If you’re a fan of smart, emotional, and well-designed games, keep reading—this one’s for you.
A Time-Twisting Indie Masterpiece by Urnique Studio
Originally developed by Urnique Studio, a small indie team from Thailand, Timelie was first released for PC in 2020 using the Unity engine. Its critical success led to a Nintendo Switch version in 2021 and now, in 2025, the game has landed on mobile platforms. The mobile port is published by Snapbreak, a well-known studio behind other acclaimed mobile titles like Duck Detective: Secret Salami, The Abandoned Planet, and Lost in Play.
What started as a small independent project has grown into one of the most praised puzzle games in recent years, even earning a Metacritic score of 77, which is impressive for a debut indie title. In late 2020, the developers also released a DLC pack titled Hell Loop Puzzle Pack, expanding the game’s content with more quality puzzles.
A Silent Hero in a World of Machines
Timelie tells the story of a mysterious young girl whose name is never revealed. One day, she suddenly finds herself transported to a strange and futuristic dimension ruled by robots and dark creatures. It doesn’t take long for her to realize that she has developed a unique power—control over time.
Using this ability, she must navigate her way through a dystopian world, avoiding robotic sentries and solving mind-bending puzzles. Her goal? Find a way to escape this strange new reality.
Not Alone: A Feline Companion with Purpose
As players progress, they’re joined by a bright orange cat—a loyal companion that plays a key role in both the narrative and gameplay. This unlikely duo must cooperate to survive. The cat can distract enemies, help solve puzzles, and guide players toward solutions.
The teamwork between the girl and her feline friend adds a layer of emotional depth and gameplay variety that makes Timelie stand out from typical puzzle games.
Unique Time Control Mechanic Sets the Game Apart
The core mechanic of Timelie—the ability to rewind and fast-forward time—is more than just a gimmick. It’s an integral part of solving puzzles and navigating enemy threats. Players can experiment with different strategies, test outcomes, and then rewind time to perfect their approach. This trial-and-error gameplay encourages creative thinking and provides a satisfying learning curve.
Few mobile games offer this kind of control over cause and effect, and it’s one of the reasons Timelie feels so refreshing and original.
Strategic Challenge Meets Smooth Difficulty Curve
As you move deeper into the game, the puzzles become more challenging and complex. The girl encounters tougher situations and deadlier enemies, but thanks to the rewind mechanic and cooperative gameplay with the cat, every challenge feels fair and solvable.
Importantly, the game is fully playable offline, which makes it a great choice for players on the go. Whether you’re commuting or just unplugging from the internet, Timelie offers a premium-quality puzzle experience with no online requirements.
Visual Style: Minimalist but Meaningful
One of the most striking aspects of Timelie is its visual presentation. The game uses minimalist art and symbolic environments to evoke emotion and guide players. The visual style isn’t flashy or overwhelming—it’s clean, thoughtful, and full of atmosphere. The visuals subtly communicate the story, drawing players deeper into its mysterious world.
Soundtrack: Emotionally Rich and Elegantly Composed
Music also plays a key role in the game’s emotional storytelling. The soundtrack, composed by Pongsathorn Posayanonth and Aun Jessada, features 17 original tracks that perfectly complement the game’s mood. From tense moments of stealth to calm puzzle-solving segments, the music enhances the experience in every scene.
Final Verdict: A Mobile Puzzle Game You Shouldn’t Miss
Timelie isn’t just a mobile game—it’s an independent triumph that combines emotional storytelling, clever mechanics, and beautiful design. With a gripping narrative, innovative time-manipulation system, and polished visuals, it proves that mobile games can offer deep, engaging, and meaningful gameplay.
If you’re looking for a standout title in the puzzle genre or simply want to experience something different on your phone, Timelie is a must-play. Don’t let its minimalist look fool you—this is a game that will leave a lasting impression.
