Create cutesy fire hazards in socket management puzzler Plug It In

Hidden beneath my desk is a secret shame: a tangled mess of power cords sprawling across two overlapping extension units. The sight of this cable chaos weighs on me like the tell-tale heart of Poe’s tale, yet I remain unable – or rather, unwilling – to address it. However, even I found solace in the demo of Plug It In from Steam Next Fest, a laid-back puzzle game centered around connecting chunky plugs to the right outlets.

Primarily, the game involves matching plug shapes to corresponding sockets and rotating them to fit within the uniquely shaped outlet arrays. All of this unfolds against a backdrop of cozy tunes. The most engaging puzzles are those where the plugs come with outlets of their own, introducing a three-dimensional element to the power stacking process that is immensely satisfying to accomplish, even if your creation appears perilously close to causing a massive electrical disaster.

The clean, minimalist visuals and the satisfying sound of a plug clicking into place make the experience akin to playing with building blocks rather than dealing with the mundane task of organizing actual power outlets. My only gripe is the occasional lack of clarity when a plug doesn’t fit, despite seeming like a good match for the connection type and having no obstructions. This befuddled me in a couple of puzzles, which I eventually solved using alternative arrangements. What was wrong with the initial setup?

Despite this minor setback, Plug It In remains a charming, relaxing puzzle game suitable for both neat freaks and those guilty of neglecting cable management. You can access the demo on Steam, and there’s also a browser version available on Itch, although the Steam version offers a more polished and expanded experience.