Microsoft Entertainment Pack: The Puzzle Collection is a collection of 10 puzzle computer games developed by Mir - Dialogue and published by Microsoft Games. The creator of Tetris, Alexey Pajitnov, designed some of the games featured in the pack. It was released on CD-ROM for Windows 95. It was also bundled as part of the Microsoft Plus! Game Pack which was released after Windows Me. A version was made for the Game Boy Color. It features six of the games from the PC version; Fringer, Charmer, Mixed Genetics, and Muddled Casino have been omitted.

Presentation

Each game in the collection runs in a window using 256 colors. They use MIDI background music and digitized sound effects. Controls vary from game to game - each game uses either the keyboard or the mouse.

Games

Critical reception

Windows version

In Computer Gaming World, Charlotte Panther wrote that The Puzzle Collection "should please both serious puzzle fans and those looking for an occasional quick-fix." While she found its graphics lackluster and felt that "a couple of the puzzles are pretty lame", she summarized it as "a terrific collection". Electric Games wrote that "while the games here are entertaining, there is nothing as innovative as [Tetris]". Adrenaline Vault said there was "an unexpected amount of depth to each game in the package and a lot of thought put into the creation of these puzzles", concluding that the pack "will keep you occupied and entertained for hours on end".

GBC version

IGN wrote "I really enjoy playing Microsoft Puzzle Collection, since each of the games are a lot of fun to pick up and kick around. " Nintendo Power Magazine decided that "Chances are, the diversions will hold your attention for only minutes at a time."