TR-49 review: Inkle’s tense four‑character puzzle on a mysterious machine

Pcgamer reports that TR-49, developed and published by Inkle, traps you in a damp cathedral crypt and asks you to solve a thriller using an eccentric machine that searches a library via four‑character codes.

The machine’s keypad accepts codes made of two letters and two numbers; authors are listed by initials and year (for example AS-26), and matching a book title to a log entry unlocks full extracts and commentary. Puzzles grow tougher as names and publications shift, and the game keeps tension high by having the protagonist Abbi hunted while William upstairs urges haste. Voice acting is praised, the writing and interplay between authors are highlights, and the reviewer notes the game lacks an Obra Dinn‑style guardrail, making it possible to brute‑force answers.

The reviewer reached a first ending after eight hours and labeled the game outstanding, while flagging the music as repetitive. TR-49 is due Jan 21, 2026; price is listed as TBA and Steam Deck support is also TBA, per the review.

Key Topics

Culture, Inkle, Abbi, William, Bletchley Park, Steam Deck