KINTSUGI is a 3D puzzle game inspired by the medieval Japanese art of repairing ceramics, which turns cracks into decorative elements, highlighting their beauty with gold.
The goal is to assemble broken vessels from fragments, like 3D puzzles. This process not only restores the integrity of objects but also reflects the philosophy of Kintsugi, which considers imperfection, impermanence, and traces of the past as sources of beauty and value.
This philosophy suggests that a completed project is a symbol of rebirth – a repaired object gains a new uniqueness and story it did not have before. It encourages reflection on one’s life experiences, showing that difficulties and changes, instead of weakening us, can become the foundation of our growth. It reveals that beauty can be found even in something that has undergone a difficult transformation.
In the game, there are 4 (for now) randomly selected locations where the table for assembling pots (and more) is placed.
The game offers 5 difficulty levels:
VERY EASY MODE
Pieces that don’t fit with the currently assembled ones disappear, eliminating any “guesswork” about which piece fits and which doesn’t yet.
Additionally, assembly is very easy as even slight connections between pieces will be detected, and the piece will snap into place. There’s no need to aim precisely; being close is enough.
In this mode, pieces are not rotated.
Pieces disappear only in this mode.
The game moves the assembly location to random spots on the level.
For now, there are 4 (the demo has only 1).
EASY MODE
Here, pieces no longer disappear, and “weak” connections won’t work anymore. Pieces must have solid connections to stick together.
Pieces are not rotated.
NORMAL MODE
In this mode, pieces are now randomly rotated, but only on 2 of the 3 axes. Additionally, their rotation is in 45-degree increments, so it’s not too hard to find the correct position.
A piece will only attach to the rest if it’s correctly oriented.
NORMAL+ MODE
From now on, pieces will rotate smoothly, so precision is required.
How precise? Pieces still rotate on 2 of the 3 axes, but a 10-degree difference is enough for them to fit with the assembled ones.
I’m terrible at this game, so the example image is a bit imperfect ;)
CHALLENGE MODE
This is the same as NORMAL+ mode, except that instead of 10 degrees, the precision is now 5 degrees.
You need to align the pieces more accurately.
Warning! This mode may give the impression that the game “cheats” or that pieces “really don’t fit.” It doesn’t cheat, and “it just works” TM ;)
FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO FEEL THE SPIRIT OF KINTSUGI
In this final mode, pieces rotate on all axes, making it extremely demanding and patience-draining. Here, the precision is still 5 degrees (I didn’t dare make it less), and assembly sets “quality” requirements higher than one might expect.
Really, only play this mode if you “know” that easy times are behind you ;)
You need to align the pieces more carefully. And slowly.
Warning! This mode may convince you that the previous one was fair. This one is too.
Let me repeat—“it just works” TM :)
Why isn’t there a “HARD” mode?
Because real Kintsugi art is hard.
It requires patience, precision, time, thoughtfulness, composure, and the ability to find beauty in broken porcelain.
That’s why :)
More than one person might use the same computer.
This game has 3 separate profiles, each allowing independent game progress saves.
The DEMO has only one profile.
POINTS FROM THE DEMO CARRY OVER TO THE FULL GAME.
Now a bit about prices and patience rewards :)
Each pot has its “price” and the number of points you can earn by completing it.
The price is GRAY if the cost of the pot is higher than the points available.
The price is RED if you have enough points to purchase it.
What’s GREEN are the reward points for completing it.
Short on points?
Assemble a pot again, but using a harder method—you won’t run out of points then :)
