There are retro-inspired games, and then there are games that look like they crawled out of a time rift and refused to update their design documents. Beyond Logic very much falls into the latter category.
Now available on Steam, Beyond Logic is a family-friendly puzzle and logic game that tasks players with collecting diamonds, navigating increasingly hostile screens of switches, lifts, tunnels, trap doors, bombs, and collapsing bricks — all before reaching the exit teleporter.
It sounds simple. It very clearly is not.
You can see what you’re getting into via the trailer here:
A game that wants you to think, not relax
At its core, Beyond Logic is about clearing every diamond from the screen before escaping the level. The catch is that each stage introduces new complications, layering mechanics on top of mechanics until the screen feels like a hostile logic experiment.
Switches open paths elsewhere. Lifts take you to places you didn’t realise you needed to be. Tube tunnels funnel you into situations you’ll immediately regret. Bombs exist to solve problems, but will just as happily end your run if you’re standing in the wrong place when they go off.
There are 29 levels in total, each building on what came before, and judging by the design, the game has absolutely no interest in holding your hand.
A lineage that goes way back
Part of what makes Beyond Logic so strange is that it isn’t some modern retro pastiche. This thing has history.
The game originally appeared on the Apple II in the late 1970s, before being ported to the Amstrad CPC and Commodore 64, eventually landing on the Commodore Amiga in the late ’80s. Over decades, it’s been refined, reworked, and stubbornly preserved in a form that still looks unapologetically old-school.
Incredibly, despite that, I have no recollection of this game’s previous existence. There’s a definite Chip’s Challenge vibe, and perhaps Boulder Dash owes something to this game, too. But Beyond Logic itself is totally new to me, which is always interesting in the world of retro gaming.
Now, somehow, it’s resurfaced as a PC-exclusive Steam release, published by Australian indie developer Aaron Pile under the Efficiency Through Technology banner.
Who is this actually for?
That’s the big question.
Beyond Logic is being pitched as suitable for players of all ages, but make no mistake — this looks like the kind of game designed to test patience, spatial reasoning, and your ability to accept failure.
A lot of it.
Repeatedly.
If you grew up with brutally unforgiving logic games, or you enjoy the kind of puzzle design that feels closer to a technical exam than a casual diversion, this might be exactly your thing. If not, the visuals alone may be enough to send you running for something with fewer trap doors and less judgement.
Still, there’s something oddly admirable about a game that refuses to modernise its soul. Beyond Logic doesn’t care if it looks dated, confusing, or borderline hostile — it’s been doing this for decades, and it’s not about to stop now.
If you’re curious (or feeling brave), Beyond Logic is available now on Steam, although Steam Deck compatibility is currently unknown.
Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through those links. This comes at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!
Christian Cawley is the founder and editor of GamingRetro.co.uk, a website dedicated to classic and retro gaming. With over 20 years of experience writing for technology and gaming publications, he brings considerable expertise and a lifelong passion for interactive entertainment, particularly games from the 8-bit and 16-bit eras.
Christian has written for leading outlets including TechRadar, Computer Weekly, Linux Format, and MakeUseOf, where he also served as Deputy Editor.
When he’s not exploring vintage consoles or retro PCs, Christian enjoys building with LEGO, playing cigar box guitar, and experimenting in the kitchen.
