The Wizard of Bug Review: Challenging Sokoban-Inspired Puzzles Arrive on Nintendo Switch

The Wizard of Bug has landed on the Nintendo Switch, introducing players to a brain-bending puzzle adventure that fuses classic Sokoban-style gameplay with elements from adventure, dungeon crawler, and RPG genres.

Released in early 2025 via the Nintendo Switch eShop, this indie title challenges fans of logic games while injecting a novel twist unique to its imaginative theme. Developed with inspiration from tried-and-true Sokoban mechanics, The Wizard of Bug invites players to guide characters Shirley and Ella through a series of rooms, each room brimming with puzzles that require strategic thinking.

The objective in every level is to eliminate adversaries in a precise pattern, ensuring that at least one protagonist survives with a single heart.

While the setup may appear complex initially, the intuitive control scheme and gradual learning curve allow players to adapt to the game’s unique challenge. Though the early stages of The Wizard of Bug strike a balance between fun and clever design, the game progressively ramps up in difficulty.

This rapid shift occurs not long after Ella is introduced, demanding a higher degree of problem-solving and teamwork, especially with two distinct character move sets.

The ability to switch control between Shirley and Ella adds another layer of depth, rewarding players who leverage their unique skills in tandem — though the full potential of this mechanic could be better realized in the game’s opening chapters. Despite its focus on puzzles, The Wizard of Bug includes a narrative component, with character portraits and story elements occasionally taking up screen space.

While these additions provide personality, some players may find the storytelling and visual presentation distracting in a genre anchored by streamlined interfaces.

As the reviewer noted, the in-game dialogue and descriptions felt less polished, with writing that sometimes struggled to enhance the puzzling experience. To mitigate potential frustration, the developers have implemented features aimed at accessibility, such as limited non-linear progression, a room restart function, and a hint system.

However, the effectiveness of these tools varies, as the rewind function proved less useful in practice, and hints occasionally added confusion rather than clarity.

The game’s translation and writing may also impact how easily players utilize these support features. The Wizard of Bug’s design stands out for its willingness to experiment, but it also courts criticism for balancing and structural choices.

Progression is further complicated by content locked behind game completion, which may challenge completionists and casual puzzle fans alike.

For those interested in taking a closer look, a demo version is available to download from the Nintendo Switch eShop, allowing players to experience the early puzzles firsthand before committing. In summary, The Wizard of Bug delivers a distinctive Sokoban-inspired puzzle adventure on the Nintendo Switch, characterized by challenging mechanics, dual-character interplay, and quirky presentation.

While its ambition and complexity are notable, the unbalanced difficulty and narrative execution may temper some of its initial charm.

Those looking for a demanding brain workout will find plenty to tackle, but the experience requires sustained attention and may not appeal to everyone.

Nintendo Switch Nintendo Switch The Wizard of Bug Switch eShop Sokoban Shirley Ella