A good word for the original BoxBoy! was crisp. It was a clean, neat puzzle game. It reveled in its simplicity, even when introducing complex mechanics like snaking through narrow gaps, using boxes as impromptu grappling equipment, and finding the proper way to hit switches. Hal Laboratory had a goal, made it their primary focus, and just so happened to also introduced the world to one of its cutest platforming heroes. The good news is, BoxBoy! One More Box continues that tradition.

The name is very telling. BoyBoy! One More Box does indeed add more boxes to the formula. Qbby has developed a new ability. Instead of being able to spawn one set of boxes, he’s able to create two sets. These are indicated by various shades of green, a color which has the distinction of the new color added to the game’s palette. As usual, each level has a limit on how many boxes he can spawn at once. So if he’s capped at 3 boxes, he’ll be able to spawn three connected boxes in the one shade of green, then three more in a slightly different hue. If he tries to spawn a third set, the first set disappears.

I think part of what makes this work and keeps BoxBoy! One More Box from getting more complicated is that the core formula remains unchanged. The various worlds proceed in a manner similar to the original game. The first world has rudimentary puzzles. Then, you learn to use blocks to reach higher platforms. Bit by bit, the more complicated elements from the previous game are introduced with the new levels and worlds. Qbby will need to flip switches, block lasers, be grabbed by hooks, ride conveyor belts, avoid spikes, and deal with enemies as he advances through each area.

Everything people loved about BoxBoy! is here again. Yet, by making two sets of blocks available, everything also changes. In the first game, there was a sense of security. Even if a puzzle seemed impossible, you knew you’d have to be able to leap over that hurdle with the resources available. By offering an additional group of blocks, your intelligence is put to the test. Most situations are solved with block combinations that make so much sense that your head will drop to the desk when you realize all you had to do was make one L shaped block, then use the next group of blocks to rappel on top of it. (Yes. This did happen to me.)

Despite this slight increase in difficulty, BoxBoy! One More Box remains as accessible as ever. You can still spend 1 PlayCoin to see a solution to the puzzle at hand. It won’t show you how to collect the optional crown, should one be available, but do you really want everything handed to you? The game helpfully shows people how to use new mechanics as they appear. Hal Laboratory wants you to succeed. It’s clear that this is a happy, delightful game to enjoy either in bursts or in one satisfying session.

It’s all because it is such a pure experience. Qbby generates cubes. You use these cubes to climb, avoid, move, and survive. There are no timers. There are no limits. It’s all about enjoying a minimalist adventure and thinking outside of boxes to help anthropomorphic boxes.

Also, you can now dress Qbby as a cat.

BoxBoy! remains, as always, a celebration of puzzle solving and platforming. There are minimal distractions. Everything is clearly defined. There are no barriers to entry or requirements. You’re always rewarded, with small comics, additional comics, music, and Challenge World levels waiting for those who choose to spend additional time with the game. You can even just chill with Qbby and his friends in the hub. If you come away from your Nintendo 3DS with a smile on your face, then BoxBoy! One More Box has done its job.

BoxBoy! One More Box is immediately available in the Japanese eShop for the Nintendo 3DS. A global release has yet to be announced.