Cheese cravers, big hats, and loud talkers abound in this incredibly chill Steam Next Fest demo that has me hooked on… organizing seating?

gamesradar.com:

Okay, so these two kids want to sit next to each other, and also have a nap. But these other two want to have a loud chat. So they can't be near the kids or they'll wake up. But also I can't move the chatterboxes back there because that person skipped showering and one of those in the conversation really doesn't like bad smells. I could shift them across the aisle but, gah, then they'd be next to someone else who really wants to ride this bus alone while peering out the window. So it goes in Is This Seat Taken?, a logic puzzle game that's taxing and chill in equal measure.

From Poti Poti Studio (and published by Wholesome Games Presents), I've been playing the really lovely and generous Steam Next Fest demo that had me working my way through multiple modes of transportation, a cinema screening, a dine-in disco, and even a wedding reception, encompassing the Barcelona-set chapter of the game. I knew going in I loved the art style, with its monochromatic colors, chunky text, and people who are emotive literal shapes. But I didn't expect to get so hooked on listening to each shape's requests and puzzling out where to place them to get max stars. This is one of the best puzzle games I've played all year, and I can't wait for more.

At the start of each level you're presented with a location-based situation, and sometimes a little bit of narrative set-up to go along with it. You see, these shapes aren't completely abstract. Some characters re-occur, and you follow them between moments – one standout throughout my demo being an aspiring actor who feels like their shape just isn't fit for the silver screen. It's actually a bit touching, and not what I was expecting from a logic puzzler, but I love it.

With all the characters clumped up, you mouse over to see their requests, and then simply drag and drop them into place, able to rearrange as you please before you submit your result, each one you make happy earning you a star. It's easy enough to tell if they're satisfied