Tidalis
Released Jul 2010
Tidalis is a block-based puzzle game with casual appeal, hardcore depth, and an addictive new "streams" mechanic. The game is brimming over with riffs and variants on that core mechanic with 20 game modes, dozens of special blocks and items, and 115 levels in the adventure mode alone.
63% positive · 239 reviews
Done
All announced content has been released
High confidence
Done
All announced content has been released
High confidence
Where to buy
Prices in USD, as listed by each store.
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Evaluation
Tidalis launched on July 16, 2010 as a complete block-based puzzle game. The developer's most recent post directly about Tidalis, dated July 17, 2014, added Linux support along with a handful of bug fixes — the developer explicitly noted at the time that they had initially decided not to port it because "it's just not a profitable enough game for us." This was effectively a maintenance gesture, not the start of a new content cycle.
The two more recent news posts from this developer (October 2018 and October 2019) are entirely about a different game, AI War 2, and contain no mention of Tidalis. The store description presents the game as a fully self-contained package with no mention of future updates, additional content, or ongoing development. There are no DLC listings, no unreleased content, and no developer statements suggesting further work is planned.
Tidalis launched as a finished product and its last meaningful update was the Linux port in July 2014. The developer has made no communication about Tidalis since then — over a decade of silence. The game is complete.
Evidence
Developer added Linux support and minor bug fixes to Tidalis, noting it was initially going to be skipped because the game 'isn't profitable enough.' This is the last official communication about Tidalis.
Store description presents Tidalis as a complete, self-contained game with no mention of planned updates, additional content, or ongoing development.
Media
Details
Developer
Publisher
Arcen Games
Achievements
64
Platform
Windows, macOS, Linux
Controller
—
Steam Deck
Not rated
Players
Single-player · Multiplayer · Co-op
About this game
Tidalis is a block-based puzzle game with casual appeal, hardcore depth, and an addictive new "streams" mechanic. The game is brimming over with riffs and variants on that core mechanic with 20 game modes, dozens of special blocks and items, and 115 levels in the adventure mode alone. The basic rules of the game are this: blocks fall down into the board and have a color and an arrow direction. If a stack of blocks exceeds the height of the board, you lose. In order to clear blocks, you must right-click and drag paths through the arrows to set up chain reactions of like-colored blocks.
If this sounds simple, that's because it is -- you'll be lining up lengthy chains within minutes. But you'll be surprised how much brainpower it takes to set up combos of multiple chains, and the many brainteaser-style puzzles include some real stumpers. Tidalis has co-op and competitive multiplayer modes (both online and offline); action-oriented modes and timer-less brainteasers; a lengthy, casual-friendly adventure mode; twenty unique game modes providing innumerable twists to the basic gameplay; dozens of special blocks and items; and over fifty minutes of beautiful music to go with the painterly art.
In short, several games' worth of content are built on top of this core mechanic, which you'll quickly find to be as iconic as it is novel.
If this sounds simple, that's because it is -- you'll be lining up lengthy chains within minutes. But you'll be surprised how much brainpower it takes to set up combos of multiple chains, and the many brainteaser-style puzzles include some real stumpers. Tidalis has co-op and competitive multiplayer modes (both online and offline); action-oriented modes and timer-less brainteasers; a lengthy, casual-friendly adventure mode; twenty unique game modes providing innumerable twists to the basic gameplay; dozens of special blocks and items; and over fifty minutes of beautiful music to go with the painterly art.
In short, several games' worth of content are built on top of this core mechanic, which you'll quickly find to be as iconic as it is novel.
Key Features:
- Puzzle game with casual appeal, hardcore depth, and an addictive new mechanic.
- Two-player co-op and competitive play (both local and networked).
- A wide selection of both action-oriented or brainteaser-like levels.
- Casual-friendly adventure mode, hardcore-focused custom games and vs modes.
- 20+ game styles, and dozens of items and special blocks.
- Rich, painterly art style and beautiful music.
- Players can create and share whole new themes, levels, and adventures.
- Options for colorblind players, players averse to lots of light and motion, and older computers.
Are these done yet?
Last evaluated Jun 28, 2026
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