What it is
In Is This Seat Taken?, you play seating-matchmaker for groups of people in different settings — think a bus, a banquet, a cinema, or other cramped social occasions. Each character has their own personality quirks and preferences: “I don’t like sitting next to someone who’s blasting music,” or “I need a window seat,” or “I can’t tolerate strong cologne next to me.” You receive these hints and must place people so that everyone’s reasonably happy. No timers, no leaderboards — just logic, spatial arrangement and a bit of social reading.
What I loved
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Charming concept & characters: The idea of seating people based on their quirks is both funny and clever. It turns what could be a mundane puzzle-mechanic into a game of reading personalities.
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Relaxing pace: Because there are no timers or leaderboard pressure, you can take your time to figure out the seating. That makes the game suitable when you just want to unwind.
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Variety of scenarios: The shift in settings (bus ride → wedding reception → cinema) keeps things fresh and gives nice visual and contextual variety.
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Accessible gameplay: The logic is intuitive enough that if you like puzzles but hate being rushed, you’ll appreciate how this one unfolds.
What to keep in mind
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Puzzle depth may vary: While the concept is delightful, if you’re a hardcore puzzler looking for ultra-challenging levels, you might find the difficulty curve modest.
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Repetition risk: Once you’ve done a few scenarios, the “seat people by quirks” mechanic may feel familiar, and the novelty might fade for some players.
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Limited competitive/social component: The absence of timers or leaderboards is a plus for casual play, but if you like competing or sharing your score, there’s less in that area.
Who it’s for
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Puzzle fans who enjoy logic over reflexes.
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Players looking for a game to unwind with, rather than stress about.
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People who love character-driven, lighthearted games with a little social humour.
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Anyone who enjoys “bite-sized” sessions — the kind of game you pick up for 10-15 minutes.
Final thoughts
Is This Seat Taken? delivers on a cute, well-executed concept. It may not be the deepest puzzle game ever made, but it doesn’t try to be. What it is — is a breezy, enjoyable way to match quirky characters to seats, in a variety of fun settings. If that sounds like your kind of thing, give it a shot — especially if you’re on iOS and want something charming and low-stress.
