Play Kwirk (USA, Europe) Online

Kwirk came out for the Game Boy in 1989, published by Acclaim Entertainment. It was part of that early wave of puzzle games for the system, the kind you'd play in short bursts between other things. It didn't have the flash of an action title, but it had a quiet, persistent charm that fit right in your pocket.

You control a little round character, pushing blocks around single-screen puzzle rooms to clear a path to the exit. The main goal is straightforward: get out. The challenge comes from the mechanics. You navigate conveyor belts that force movement, deal with blocks that only slide in one direction, and often have to plan several moves ahead. It's a methodical game, sometimes frustrating when you box yourself in, but solving a tough stage brings a real sense of accomplishment. It feels like untangling a knot with your thumbs.