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**Game: The Bench ****Genre: **Puzzle, Adventure **System: **Steam (Windows) **Developer|Publisher: **Voxel Studios | Noovola **Controller Support: Yes Steam Deck: Playable ****Price: US $14.99 | UK £12.79| EU € 14.99 ****Release Date: **October 24th, 2025

Review code provided with many thanks to Noovola.

The Bench – One Man, a Walking Stick, and a Flock of Pigeons

The Bench is a cozy, puzzle-filled adventure starring an old man who decides that sitting in a retirement home just isn’t for him anymore. With his trusty walking stick and a growing army of pigeons, he sets off on a gentle escapade across parks, plazas, and sleepy neighbourhoods, bench by bench.

There’s something instantly appealing about this setup. Games rarely put older characters in the spotlight, and The Bench embraces its unusual hero with warmth and humour. You’re not wielding a sword or saving the galaxy here. You’re feeding pigeons, solving puzzles, and maybe painting a fence or two. And somehow, it’s all utterly captivating.

I’m going to need more bread

Gameplay: If in Doubt, Throw a Pigeon

The entire adventure is built around benches, literally. You don’t walk around freely; instead, you “hop” from bench to bench, choosing your next resting spot and solving whatever puzzle or mischief awaits there. The first-person view helps you take in every colourful scene, and movement is delightfully simple: find a bench within view, click on it, and your character will shuffle over. It’s a clever way to make the world feel larger while keeping the pace relaxed.

Then there are the pigeons. Oh, the pigeons. They’re your companions, your tools, and occasionally your agents of mischief. You can grab one (no pigeons are harmed, promise) and send it to fetch items, hit switches, knock things over, or distract unsuspecting NPCs. “If in doubt, throw a pigeon” quickly becomes the game’s golden rule.

Collecting eggs expands your feathery army, and the more pigeons you have, the further you can progress. But it’s not all about completionism; there’s room to take your time, skip trickier puzzles, and enjoy the journey.

Rather fine art if I do say so

Puzzles and Mischief

The Bench keeps its puzzles varied and pleasantly unpredictable. One moment you’re fishing for a lost item, the next you’re solving a chess riddle or figuring out a vault combination. Sometimes you’ll just be painting a fence or just breaking things with bricks. Some puzzles are simple, others take a bit of trial and error or exploration, but they all tie neatly into the game’s laid-back tone.

The world also encourages curiosity. Talking to NPCs can trigger mini-quests, and each little errand feels worth doing, even if the reward is just a funny reaction or another marble to spend on cosmetics. It’s the kind of game where you’ll stop to admire the details: a park-goer reading the paper, a musician strumming by a fountain, or your pigeons just… cooing around you.

Customisation and Collectables

A big part of* The Bench’s *charm comes from its customisation. You can rename every pigeon in your flock (yes, every single one), tweak their colours and sizes, and even dress them up with cosmetic add-ons. You may spend entire sessions just creating the ultimate pigeon army.

There’s even a newspaper you can interact with, complete with puzzles, doodles, and little side notes. It’s a small detail, but it adds to the game’s cozy, lived-in feeling.

The day-and-night cycle is another lovely touch. You can watch the world change as time passes, or just use the old man’s greatest superpower: falling asleep instantly to fast-forward time. It’s equal parts funny and oddly relatable.

How heavy do you want your bird?

Visuals, Sound, and Tone

Visually, The Bench uses a soft, low-poly art style that suits its mood perfectly. The colours are bright and warm. It’s a world you want to linger in, whether you’re exploring a sunny courtyard or sitting quietly under a streetlamp at night.

The sound design deserves praise, too. The ambient noises, rustling leaves, faint chatter, and yes, highly authentic pigeon coos, add a wonderful sense of place. Combined with gentle background music, it makes the game feel peaceful without ever becoming dull.

A Heartfelt Adventure with a Sense of Humour

What really makes The Bench special is its tone. It’s whimsical without being too silly, gentle without being slow. It pokes fun at itself in all the right ways: your old man isn’t exactly graceful, your pigeons aren’t exactly obedient, and sometimes things go hilariously wrong, but it’s all done with affection.

There’s also a hint of deeper storytelling if you look for it. As you explore, you catch glimpses of the old man’s past, suggesting he might not have always been the quiet pensioner he appears to be. These moments add an unexpected layer to what could have been just a simple puzzle game.

No pigeons were harmed in this game

Conclusion: Pigeon Surprise

The Bench is a thoughtful, funny, and oddly touching little adventure about finding freedom, friendship, and a second wind in life’s later years. Whether you’re solving puzzles, naming your 27th pigeon “Kevin,” or just sitting quietly watching the world go by, it’s the kind of game that makes you smile.

If you’re looking for something laid-back but full of personality, The Bench absolutely deserves a spot on your wishlist. It’s a small game with a big heart, and a lot of pigeons.

Final Verdict: Two Thumbs Up

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