Is This Seat Taken? Review: A Charming Logic Puzzler Hits Nintendo Switch

The indie puzzle game "Is This Seat Taken?" by Poti Poti Studio and Wholesome Games Presents, made its debut on Nintendo Switch shortly after the latest Nintendo Indie World Showcase, capturing the attention of puzzle enthusiasts with its elegant visuals, thoughtful audio design, and uniquely relaxing gameplay loop.

The game is available now via the Nintendo Switch eShop, as well as on iOS and Steam Deck, broadening its reach across major handheld gaming platforms. At its core, "Is This Seat Taken?" offers a deceptively simple premise: players are tasked with arranging groups of people—represented as expressive, shape-based characters—according to their individual preferences in various real-life-inspired scenarios.

These range from concert halls and trains to classrooms and cinemas, each location featuring its own set of intricate, multi-stage puzzles.

As the levels progress, the challenge gently escalates.

Early puzzles might merely require ensuring a character gets an aisle or window seat; later stages introduce more complex relationships, such as keeping families together or seating people who haven’t showered away from others, all while ensuring maximum satisfaction among the digital crowd. The gameplay design is intentionally relaxed, as there’s no time limit or pressure to complete a puzzle quickly.

Players can experiment with placements at their own pace, and although there’s no undo or rewind feature, the trial-and-error process feels fair and rarely frustrating due to the forgiving design.

Levels do require completion of all their component parts in a single sitting; otherwise, progress resets upon exiting the session.

As a tip, players should monitor the progress bar before quitting to avoid unnecessary repetition. On the technical front, "Is This Seat Taken?" is optimized for touchscreen and click-and-drag controls, offering the most intuitive experience on devices like the Nintendo Switch in handheld mode, iPad, or other touchscreen-enabled platforms.

While controller support is provided for docked Switch play, the analog stick-based cursor control is less precise and slightly more cumbersome.

The game features haptic feedback when using controllers, but overall, handheld play is highly recommended for best results.

Visuals look crisp on iOS and Steam Deck, and while the standard Switch version performs well, a potential higher-resolution "Switch 2" edition could further enhance image quality. Visually, the game stands out with its minimalist art style and playful use of color, with character animations and dynamic font choices lending every stage a cheerful, inviting tone.

The audio design is another highlight—combining a relaxing and catchy soundtrack with perfectly matched sound effects.

Each track, like "Barcelona" and "Brussels," has its own distinct mood, evoking comparisons to beloved game soundtracks such as Animal Crossing's KK Slider tunes. While minor usability quirks with controls or UI may inconvenience some, particularly on docked Switch setups, they do little to detract from the overall experience.

Most players will quickly adapt, and the creative, stress-free puzzles more than compensate for these small hurdles. Ultimately, "Is This Seat Taken?" is an easy recommendation for puzzle game fans and Nintendo Switch owners seeking a title that balances charm, depth, and relaxation.

Whether playing on Switch, iOS, or Steam Deck, Poti Poti Studio and Wholesome Games Presents have delivered a delightful package that justifies its place alongside indie favorites like Mini Metro and Mini Motorways. "Is This Seat Taken?" is available now on Nintendo Switch, iOS, and Steam Deck.

To experience its relaxing gameplay and standout aesthetics, puzzle lovers should consider adding it to their eShop wish list today.

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