Puzzle Discussion, What makes a good puzzle? Options

[MEands]

I absolutely love solving puzzles in video games, but when it comes to the "go right and get the key to go left and get the key to go up" then I get frustrated. I feel happy when the answer to a puzzle was clearly sitting in front of you, but you were unable to see it without further examination.

I want to know what everyone thinks makes a good puzzle, and if you're in a really creative mood, then just write out an entire plan for a map's puzzle.

[Laue]

I cannot really comment on that since I never played any Legend of Zelda game. In my opinion, puzzles should usually stay in their respective genres, usually point & click adventure games. If you can design a puzzle that is fun in an RPG, then go ahead. But fun is subjective.

As for non-RPG games, I like where you pick up some kind of abilities/powers which allow you to access previously unavailable areas, sort of open-world. Something like Okami and Darksiders. In various dungeons you get to use and learn all about those skills/tools, with a boss that is also all about the tools you have. And of course, lot's of side areas requiring certain combinations of said tools/powers. I guess something like that could made in an RPG, if your skills can be used both in battle and as a tool outside of it (Ar Tonelico?).