Developer: Poti Poti Studio
Platforms: App Store, Google Play, Linux, macOS, PC (Reviewed), Switch
Genre: Adventure, Puzzle
Publisher: Wholesome Games Presents
Is This Seat Taken? is a cosy, logic-based indie puzzle game. Developed by Poti Poti Studio and published by Wholesome Games Presents. The game was officially released on August 7th, 2025, across Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and Nintendo Switch.
Is This Seat Taken? is a single-player game where you try to achieve the shapes (quite literally shape characters) happiness and wishes of the shapes, happiness and wishes on what and who they would like to sit next to, having to deal with many challenges and rearrangements. Arranging shapes on buses, at weddings, in the cinema or even on the beach, where some demand being next to the window, some not being able to tolerate harsh smells or loud talkers, and others that just wish to be alone. The gameplay embraces logical puzzles that make you think as if you were playing Sudoku, while having a drag-and-drop format, making it feel more manageable. Hovering over each ‘shape’ reveals their preferences, and the absence of a timer or harsh penalties makes the game feel more chill and welcoming, while unlocking all the stars delivers a satisfying taste.
The controls are easy and welcoming, making the game more accessible to many different people of all ages and allowing the gamer to be comfortable. The ease of the drag and drop play, allows gamers to be able to play the game in any scenario without feeling the need to need a definite space to be allowed to play. To finish the game to completion, it took me around 6 hours, which allows players to finish the game in a single sitting. And breaking the rules results in the characters being upset and having subtle animations or comments to say.
The art style of Is This Seat Taken? is the first thing that really sold me on the game. The minimalistic cartoons are extremely inviting. The game opts for simple geometric shapes with different faces and styles, turning basic shapes like circles, triangles, and rhombuses into personal little characters with different personalities. Each character is subtly different and has different preferences, styles and friends. Stinky characters have grey clouds on them, and extroverted characters are brighter and smiling. While introverts may have muted colours or smaller smiles, kids are smaller in size with pink cheeks. Showing how detailed and intricate the game is. Backgrounds are extremely well developed in this game, whether you’re at a bus, wedding or cinema, each background is unique and subtly changes the mood without overpowering the characters.
At some parts, I was truly stuck and maybe took an embarrassingly long amount of time, so the only thing I wish was that there would be a help tool to guide or provide assistance. Also, I truly enjoyed the little aspects of the background that I was able to interact with. These include taking trash out of the bin, or taking pictures, breaking bottles and touching ducks.
Now Is This Seat Taken? is a single-player game, but we were provided with two codes. Hence, another player, Sapphire, had the following to say about the game: “What really stands out about Is This Seat Taken? is its charming sketch-like art style. The world feels like it’s been built from paper, cardboard and pinboard textile that gives it a unique sketch-like effect. The character designs are simple shapes, but they’re surprisingly expressive. A triangle might sulk if you don’t seat it according to its preferences, while a square beams with delight when you get it right.
A big part of the fun comes from reading each shape’s quirky preferences and figuring out the most fitting spot for them. The puzzles are well-paced, with each location offering just a handful of levels before moving on to a new backdrop. These settings are wonderfully realistic: in Barcelona, you’re arranging seats in a ‘fancy taxi’ while shapes throw in occasional Spanish phrases. In another stage, you’re placing them in front of a live band. The environment feels playful, and situations that you could picture yourself in.
The puzzles themselves have a nice balance. Some arrangements are straightforward, whilst others require more thought. The game keeps things fresh with little twists too; sometimes you’ll be arranging luggage on a train, other times you’ll be setting food on tables for shapes to enjoy. It’s these small touches that make this game an engaging experience.
What I really liked was that in Is This Seat Taken? There is a narrative that flows throughout the game, getting you to travel through different cities. Shapes tend to play out a cutscene before the start of a level that adds more to an intriguing narrative. One of the most intriguing plots follows an aspiring rhombus actor travelling from country to country in hopes of meeting a famous star that looks just like them. The addition of the narrative adds little easter eggs in the game that players can enjoy, which adds a level of personality to the puzzles. Overall, this game is filled with so much charm, with clever puzzles and creative settings that really makes it worth your time (I would also recommend striving for 100% completion!).”
Is This Seat Taken? is a refreshing game that makes social awkwardness adorable. It’s a fun, easy and cute game that allows players to feel no pressure. The narrative adds an emotional warmth while unlocking confidence throughout the gameplay. It’s a repetitive, challenging game that ends up being a soothing delight.
Overall: 9/10
This is S & S. We are world game explorers. We play games. We have played over 10,000+ games! We travel, we write reviews AND we play more games!!!!
