Skip to content

**Game: Times Trials ****Genre: **Puzzle, Arcade, Education **System: **Steam (Windows) **Developer|Publisher: **Arc-Fy **Controller Support: **Yes **Steam Deck: Playable ****Price: US $TBC | UK £TBC | EU € TBC ****Release Date: **November, 2025

Review code provided with many thanks to Arc-Fy.

Times Trials Review — Crunching Numbers Has Never Been This Fun

I’ve always admired developers who take a brave swing at mixing education with entertainment, especially when it comes to math. It’s a tough balance to strike. Too dry, and it feels like homework; too chaotic, and you lose the learning entirely. Times Trials, from Arc-Fy, presents a fast-paced puzzle game that makes your brain whirr just as much as your fingers. And honestly? It’s surprisingly fun, in that “I might actually be learning something” kind of way. However, I will say this game is no replacement for the actual study of times tables, sorry, kids.

Let’s get multiplying

Falling Blocks, Rising Brainpower

At first glance, Times Trials looks a lot like the usual suspects in the block-dropping genre, Tetris, Columns, maybe even Puyo Puyo. But there’s a twist: every falling block carries a number, and your job isn’t just to fit them neatly together. Nope, you’ve got to solve equations.

In Single player, each round gives you a target number, and you must align the falling numbered blocks so they add, subtract, multiply, or divide to hit that total. Do it right, and the matching blocks disappear. Miss the mark, and you’ll be staring at a messy tower of math mistakes before long.

The challenge builds gradually; early levels start with simple addition and subtraction, then move on to double-digit sums, and even some fractions. Before I knew it, I was juggling negative numbers and muttering “carry the one” under my breath like it was exam season again. Modes also vary, requiring you to get a high score in a time limit. Others ask you to clear specific blocks on the board as quickly as possible.

Levels are short and snappy, ideal for quick play sessions. The single-player campaign introduces new concepts gradually, so you’re never completely lost, and the increasing difficulty keeps things fresh.

The real hook here is how quickly you need to think. Blocks keep falling whether you’ve solved the sum or not, which makes Times Trials part puzzler, part time trial (the name’s not lying). If you hesitate too long or fill the screen to the top, that’s it, back to square one.

Starting to feel the tension

Head To Head

There’s a versus mode, where you can go head-to-head with a friend and race to clear your equations faster. Though it may be hard to find someone fairly matched, as everyone’s math skills are different. Maybe one for parents to play with kids, and maybe let them win. There also isn’t the option to go against A,I which seems a misstep.

Chalkboards and Cheerful Faces

Visually, Times Trials goes for a school-themed aesthetic, chalkboard-style backgrounds, bright colours, and number blocks that pop against the dark backdrop. It’s playful and inviting, without leaning too hard into “classroom” territory.

There are also some charming little characters to choose from, each with their own cute victory animations when you clear a combo or hit a big score. It adds a bit of personality to what could’ve been a very clinical puzzle game. Watching your little avatar do a happy dance after solving a tricky equation gives just enough serotonin to keep you going.

The best workouts involve math

The Joy (and Stress) of Mental Math

Depending on your relationship with math, Times Trials might feel like a relaxing brain workout… or a mild panic attack. Personally, I enjoyed the pressure, that satisfying rhythm of seeing the pieces drop into place, hearing the little sound cue when you nail a solution, and watching the blocks vanish in a neat cascade. It hits the same dopamine notes as Tetris, just with a touch more thinking involved.

However, I can see how some players might find it a bit overwhelming, especially when you’re juggling falling blocks and quick calculations at the same time. It’s definitely more of a “mental agility” game than a laid-back puzzler at times. It is good that the single-player element doesn’t require perfection to progress.

What’s less clear is who exactly this game is for. It could be a great fit for students brushing up on their arithmetic, but it’s also fun enough for adults looking for a casual brain teaser. Let’s just say it covers all ages, anyone who doesn’t mind flexing their mental muscles for fun.

No need to get negative

Conclusion: Education Can be Fun

Times Trials isn’t just another Tetris clone; it’s a clever, lively twist on the formula that manages to make math feel fast, fun, and occasionally stressful. It’s colourful, energetic, and simple enough for newcomers, while most rewarding quick thinkers, and those familiar with their sums already.

Sure, it won’t replace your favourite block-dropper, and not everyone wants to do arithmetic for relaxation, but it’s hard not to appreciate what Arc-Fy has pulled off here. If you’ve ever wanted to flex your brain and your reflexes at the same time, this is absolutely worth a shot. A free demo is available to try.

Final Verdict: I like it

Do you like our content? Subscribe to our daily news and never miss a review!