Strange Antiquities

Strange Antiquities is developed by Bad Viking and published by Iceberg Interactive. It was released on 17 September 2025 and represents a recent entry in the puzzle and adventure simulation genre. With both developer and publisher established in their respective roles, the game benefits from a clear creative vision and cohesive production.

The game launched on Windows PC and Nintendo Switch simultaneously, and a free demo was made available on PC prior to the full release. There are no other console ports or mobile versions announced at this time, so the focus remains on these two platforms.

In Strange Antiquities, players take on the role of an apprentice thaumaturge running a shop of arcane and mysterious artifacts in the town of Undermere. The gameplay involves examining, identifying, and cataloguing items brought in by townspeople, deciphering clues from ancient tomes, deciding whether to help or hinder clients, and occasionally venturing outside the shop to explore hidden areas and uncover deeper secrets. The game combines atmospheric storytelling with a puzzle-deduction focus, requiring players to weigh, touch, smell, and listen to items to determine their significance, with consequences for misjudgments.

Promotion for the game included a gameplay trailer, demo releases, and features in showcases such as Thinky Games Direct. Marketing emphasized the title as a standalone sequel, highlighting a richer and more intricate puzzle experience than its predecessor. Community engagement was encouraged through early demos, which allowed players to experience the game ahead of launch and provide feedback.

Reception has been very positive. Critics and players have praised the puzzle mechanics, immersive atmosphere, and how the game builds upon the strengths of the previous title while introducing new features. While some feedback notes that it may not feel as novel as the first game, the overall response highlights its enjoyable and polished gameplay, solidifying it as a well-received addition to the puzzle-adventure genre.