Recent reviews by bado badi

🎮Gameplay

8

The current mechanics are solid, but I’d want to see more introduced.

📷Graphics

7

Nothing too special, but the UI is great.

🎧Narration/Audio

6.5

The soundtrack gets repetitive after a while.

😮Variety

4.5

The game needs more content.

🎰Re-playability

5.5

As of now, there’s little room for re-playability.

💲Price

6

I feel like the game is overpriced. Consider waiting for a sale.

🔶 Fly Wheel is an adaptation of the popular television series Robot Wars, where unique robots battle it out in an arena. To better understand the similarities between the game and the show, I even watched a few episodes. As someone who has been interested in robot-themed content since my childhood, I was genuinely excited to try the game!

🔷 When I hear robot wars, the first thing that comes to my mind are the limitless customization options for the robots. I was very disappointed to see that this game does not have any sort of upgrades for the robots. Currently, the gameplay revolves around a 20-level campaign where each player or AI starts with equal health. The winner of each round is the one with the most health when the timer runs out. The game operates on a best-of-four-rounds system, requiring a player to secure at least three wins for an overall victory. In the event of a tie, an extra round is played to determine the match winner.

🔶 Discussing the actual mechanics, it feels like the developers have missed an opportunity to incorporate cool features into their game. The attacking tools available to the robots are quite similar, likely an intentional choice to maintain accuracy with the original Robot Wars, which had a rulebook that restricted the use of certain dangerous weaponry. While I appreciate the commitment to accuracy in an adaptation, it does raise concerns about potential repetitiveness in the long run without the introduction of additional mechanics. To address this, I would suggest implementing a different mode where the game is not bound by the constraints of the actual show's rules.

🔷 Although the robots have a cool and menacing appearance, they are essentially the same in terms of their stats, lacking meaningful distinctions between them. It's disappointing to see that the game has a currency which is awarded to you after each match, but it can only be used to purchase skins for the robots and not for actual upgrades to their components or parts. This does limit the depth of customization and progression within the game.

🔶 The limited number of arenas in the game restricts the gameplay, as they all essentially have the same layout, with only the non-playable area distinguishing them. While the game includes booby traps akin to those seen in the show, there are only two of these traps in the current version. It seems like a missed opportunity, as incorporating more traps would have added variety to the gameplay. With the game's recent release, there is hope that the developers will introduce more of them in the future.

🔷 The game also provides the typical trio of difficulty modes for each of its levels. It was nice to see that the designated difficulty levels corresponded rather accurately to what I had expected. For a well-rounded experience, I would likely suggest opting for the "Medium" difficulty setting when playing the game.

🔶 Except the main campaign, there is also an option to play split-screen multiplayer. Despite the limited mechanics in the game currently, I believe that playing with friends can still be an enjoyable experience. While online multiplayer isn't supported at the moment, I anticipate that the developers have plans to implement it in the future. Furthermore, there's a Free Play mode that enables you to face off against your preferred robot, allowing you to fine-tune game settings to your liking.

🔷 As a top-down game taking place in a small arena, the visual aspects of the game are relatively straightforward. Overall, the graphics of this game are decent, and they are probably not going to be the reason that you close the game. I particularly appreciated the clean and polished user interface, which adds to the overall experience of the game.

🔶 Although I did not face any optimization issues or game-breaking bugs, I still found a few minor bugs- (These bugs might get fixed with future updates)

🔷 Regarding the audio, the main menu theme is quite enjoyable. However, when it comes to the in-game soundtrack, there are some drawbacks. The soundtrack, which is the same in all levels, can become repetitive over time. Furthermore, the lyrics are in a language that may not be familiar to all players, which can potentially make it less enjoyable for some.

🔶 In general, the game shows promise but currently lacks substantial content. It might be worth considering a purchase during a significant sale, especially if you have friends to play with. With the release of the multiplayer mode and potential additions of new mechanics, the game has the potential to significantly improve and become more appealing.

🎮Gameplay

3

Awful game mechanics.

📷Graphics

3.5

Looks fine, but poor optimization.

🎧Narration/Audio

2

Tedious soundtrack.

😮Variety

3

Pretty repetitive.

🎰Re-playability

2

Finishing it even once is a big no.

💲Price

1

Not worth playing even if it’s free to play.

🔶 Even from the store page, it was evident to me that this game is like a budget version of Assassin's Creed without the stealth elements. However, my expectations were still somewhat higher than what this game delivered. Essentially, it seems to be a collection of very basic AI and a few levels haphazardly put together. Prior to delving into the gameplay mechanics, it's crucial to highlight the game's core issue - the optimization. Despite using a rig capable of smoothly running the latest triple-A titles, I could only manage around 20 FPS, a clear indication of the game's lack of thoughtful design. At times, the game would randomly cease to respond to any user input except the movement keys, necessitating a level restart to resolve the issue.

🔷 The game further frustrated me with its tedious combat mechanics. Despite featuring only two weapons, the sword and the bow, the latter proved entirely dysfunctional. Even a quick view of the developer's trailer on the Steam store page would reveal that the arrows do not effectively damage the enemies. Additionally, when using the sword, my character frequently failed to execute attacks despite pressing the corresponding key.

🔶 Each level in this game revolves around defeating the boss, named "Mordenai," and subsequently locating the treasure chest, which essentially marks the endpoint of the level. Lacking any storyline, the significance of the treasure chest remains unclear.

🔷 I have already provided an overview of the game's visual quality. Despite the optimization issues, some levels do boast impressive visuals. It's evident that the developers prioritized realism in the game's design, seemingly without giving due consideration to optimization during the development process. The game is so broken in its current state that pressing the Escape button simply sends you to the main menu instead of pausing the game. With no video settings available, there is no way to improve the FPS.

🔶 I'm uncertain how these developers consistently find such tedious soundtracks for their games. After enduring the game for about 10 minutes, I decided to mute it.

🔷 It's evident that this game is merely a mishmash of assets pieced together. There seems to be no way to fix this mess, so I strongly advise avoiding this game at all costs.

🎮Gameplay

2

It doesn’t have any actual mechanics.

📷Graphics

5

Fine visual quality.

🎧Narration/Audio

3.5

Bad soundtrack.

😮Variety

2

The game is literally 20 minutes long and you’ll still find it repetitive.

🎰Re-playability

3.5

I wouldn’t replay this game.

💲Price

1

The price tag is ridiculous.

🔶 I've previously played a game from this series titled "Hidden City Top-Down 3D." All the games made by this developer seem to be cash-grabs, lacking any gameplay mechanics. Essentially, they all revolve around the same hidden objects concept, differing only in their themes. While the previous game I played was based in a city, this one is set in a space station. The core objective remains the same: to locate specific objects placed throughout the static space station. Regrettably, there are no other notable mechanics present in any of the developer's games.

🔷 Although the gameplay is identical across their games, I encountered a significant issue in this particular one. Even when I found the correct object, the game did not recognize it as clickable. I did not encounter this issue in the previous game, so I'm uncertain if it's specific to this installment. Even setting the price tag aside, this game lacks substantial mechanics and is plagued by game-breaking bugs.

🔶 Just like the other games in the series, the visuals of this game appear to rely on paid assets readily available online. It seems that no significant effort went into creating any of the games in the series. While there may be no issues with the developers using paid assets, as their games maintain a fine appearance, one can only hope that these assets were obtained in a legal and authorized manner.

🔷 It was somewhat naive of me to expect a different soundtrack for this game. Apparently, all of the Top-Down games in the series feature the exact same soundtrack. What's even more disappointing is that the soundtrack is subpar and does not align with the theme of a hidden objects game.

🔶 I initially anticipated that this game would receive the same rating as the previous one I played, considering they are essentially the same game. However, the inclusion of game-breaking bugs in this version further lowered the rating. Playing a game without any substantial mechanics is not enjoyable, so I strongly recommend avoiding this cash grab.

🎮Gameplay

3

It’s just a hidden objects game with essentially no other mechanics.

📷Graphics

5

The visuals are just fine, nothing too extraordinary.

🎧Narration/Audio

3.5

I don’t really like the soundtrack.

😮Variety

2

Playing a game without any real mechanics isn’t fun.

🎰Re-playability

3.5

You could play it once in a while, but to be honest, I wouldn’t.

💲Price

1

The price tag is ridiculous.

🔶 The store page of the game clearly indicates that it's more of a cash grab than a genuine experience. However, it stands out in comparison to other similar ventures of its kind. Functioning as a top-down hidden object game, the primary goal is to locate various objects well-placed throughout the city. Regrettably, there's not much more to say about the gameplay, as there are no notable mechanics to speak of. Even the assets used in the game seem to be readily available paid assets sourced from the internet, suggesting a minimal effort in its development. Despite this, the game can be considered a complete product, which is a rarity among cash grabs. Nonetheless, the game suffers from a significant lack of content. If only it had incorporated a few more mechanics and was reasonably priced, this review could have been more positive.

🔷 As previously mentioned, the game appears to have been created using readily available Unity assets that are accessible online. It's highly probable that the developers didn't have to exert much effort in crafting the game's map. Nevertheless, the game maintains a decent appearance, particularly for a hidden objects game. Considering that the assets are acquired through paid sources, there is no noteworthy criticism regarding their usage. However, one can only hope that the developers didn't obtain these assets from external sources without proper authorization.

🔶 The only audio component in this game is the soundtrack, and unfortunately, it doesn't quite meet expectations. Intended to be a relaxing and calming accompaniment to the game's theme, the actual soundtrack differs significantly from this intent.

🔷 It appears to be the kind of game that one might create for a college project. Even if we disregard the exorbitant price tag, it seems that the entire game can be completed in approximately 20 minutes, at most. The only circumstance in which I would consider recommending this game is if it were made available as a free-to-play option.

🎮Gameplay

2.5

The whole gameplay is just centered around walking.

📷Graphics

1

Poor optimization and many visual bugs.

🎧Narration/Audio

2

Unpleasant soundtrack.

😮Variety

2

There’s no variety in this game.

🎰Re-playability

1

I couldn’t even finish it once.

💲Price

-

Pre-release review.

🔶 When the game menu looks like something created in MS Paint, it's a clear indication that you're in for a disappointing experience. The developers attempted to compensate for the lack of actual gameplay mechanics by labeling this game as a "walking simulator." However, games within this genre typically rely on compelling storylines to maintain engagement. In this particular game, you simply spawn into a random snowy location with no clear objective. Your task is to explore the snowy environment in search of specific items that will earn you an achievement, and this is essentially the whole gameplay.

🔷 Even in their attempt to create a game with minimal content, the developers failed to design a proper game environment. Many of these so-called hidden items are placed in areas that are poorly rendered, with floating mountains and gaps in the terrain. Even though the game is a disappointment, I was curious about the game's ending. However, just as I was about to finish, the game glitched, causing my character to fall through the game floor into oblivion. Quite the unfortunate turn of events!

🔶 Naturally, when the game level is incomplete, the overall optimization is bound to be poor. Even on a decent rig, my FPS remained around 30-40 throughout my entire playthrough. This serves as yet another reason to steer clear of this game.

🔷 The game bears a striking resemblance to an incomplete version of We Were Here. If the level had been properly designed, I don't believe I would have any issues with the game's visual aspect. However, as it stands, the presence of visual bugs significantly detracts from the overall visual appeal.

The entirety of the audio in this game consists of a single, rather unpleasant soundtrack.

🔶 In its current state, the game is essentially unplayable. Given that this is a pre-release review, I am uncertain about the price of the game upon release. However, even if it were free to play, it wouldn't be worth your time.

🎮Gameplay

10

The game has a unique concept which is integrated into the game in the perfect manner.

📷Graphics

10

A visual-feast.

🎧Narration/Audio

10

Perfect audio segment.

😮Variety

9

Brilliant level-design.

🎰Re-playability

5

There’s not really a lot of re-playability, however, you could revisit the game once.

💲Price

6

Wait for a sale.

🔶At a point when the puzzle genre seemed to be losing its appeal, Monument Valley managed to rekindle my appreciation for it. In a genre that often delivers frustration, this game emerges with a distinct aim to offer a satisfying experience. While not excessively challenging, it demands continuous thoughtful engagement throughout the entire journey.

🔷 To my surprise, the game had an actual storyline. The central narrative revolves around a princess named Ida, embarking on a quest for forgiveness in a mysterious world. While this is the primary storyline element, there are also brief level descriptions provided before you begin them. Personally, I found that having some form of backstory significantly enhanced the overall gameplay experience.

🔶Two central elements contribute to the overall gameplay experience: Illusions and Geometry. The levels in this game are the only thing I’d like to talk about. The developers have ingeniously crafted levels that offer a glimpse into the beauty of geometry, presenting impossible shapes that seem to defy the constraints of three dimensions. Beyond the purely visual, these levels are enriched by interactive buttons and objects that can transform the environment in a single interaction. The remarkable part is that these intricate mechanics align seamlessly, showcasing a complex concept executed with remarkable fluidity. As you progress through the game, the levels present a gradual increase in difficulty and length. Nevertheless, the core gameplay experience remains consistently captivating, carrying its charm throughout the entirety of the journey.

🔷 I have not talked about any other gameplay elements as this is pretty much all the game has to offer. The movement mechanics are elegantly straightforward, with your character moving to the designated point upon your click. Despite its limited mechanics, the game still manages to deliver an immersive experience.

🔶 I find it quite challenging to describe the sheer beauty of the artwork in this game. Each level boasts a captivating theme, accompanied by soothing music and effects in the background. When coupled with an aesthetically pleasing UI, it results in an impeccable puzzle game tailored for casual gamers.

While every screen seems like a work of art in itself, I'll provide a few screenshots that offer a glimpse into the game's serene artistic style.

Forgotten Shores and Ida’s Dream DLC – Both of these DLCs are generously provided for free within the game. While I am confident that anyone who completes the main storyline will undoubtedly crave more, it's worth emphasizing: Do not overlook the DLCs. They constitute a significant portion of the game's overall content.

🔷 I highly recommend giving this artistic gem a try, especially if you love the puzzle genre. Just bear in mind that it offers a more casual experience rather than a challenging one. So, settle in and savor the game. While the base price might seem a bit high for the content offered, I would suggest waiting for a sale to make the most of it!

🎮Gameplay

10

Same as its predecessor.

📷Graphics

10

Each level is screenshot worthy.

🎧Narration/Audio

10

Just amazing.

😮Variety

9

Great level-design.

🎰Re-playability

4

Not a lot of re-playability.

💲Price

6

Wait for a sale.

🔶 Having played the first installment, I had set high expectations for this game, and I was pleased to see that it met them. The game retains that gratifying puzzle-solving experience we observed in the prequel. To be completely candid, if you were to incorporate the levels of this game into the first part, hardly anyone would notice a difference. Consequently, this game essentially feels like a DLC of the prequel.

🔷 The narrative of Monument Valley 2 doesn't seem to be directly tied to the first installment. While there might be some references in the game that I overlooked, the fundamental storyline of this game revolves around a mother named Ro, endeavoring to instruct her daughter in the art of constructing sacred monuments as they journey through various worlds. Puzzle games, after a certain point, can indeed lose their appeal. For me, it's the captivating storylines that make them truly engaging!

🔶 I could seriously copy and paste the gameplay mechanics from my review of the first game and it’d perfectly describe the gameplay of the sequel. Similar to the first part, illusions and geometry play a significant role in shaping the gameplay experience. It's truly mesmerizing to witness impossible shapes that you might have only seen in internet animations. The level design in this game has certainly improved compared to its predecessor. Despite having identical mechanics, it manages to provide a fresh experience owing to its captivating levels. The difficulty level remains consistent throughout the game, striking a perfect balance between being challenging and manageable.

🔷 Since the visuals in Monument Valley were already a 10/10 for me, the sequel was obviously a cherry on the cake. The minimalistic, sleek, and abstract art style truly establishes an environment that is visually stunning. Each level is picturesque and worthy of being captured in a screenshot.

🔶 Once again, the sound design in this game is impeccable, just like its predecessor. All the distinct sounds complement the game's theme and art style seamlessly.

Here are some of the beautiful scenes that I witnessed in the game-

The Lost Forest addition – This DLC comes as a complimentary addition with the panoramic edition of the game and attempts to convey a beautiful message. I was delighted to see that the developers included these levels to raise awareness about forest conservation. I had high expectations regarding the design of the levels for this DLC, considering the developers' track record of creating visually stunning content.

🔷 If you enjoyed the first installment, it's highly likely that you'll appreciate this piece of art as well. Even if you haven't played the previous part, you can still enjoy the experience as the two games are not directly connected. However, I would also suggest giving the first part a try. Considering that the base price might seem a bit high for the content offered in this game, I recommend waiting for a sale.

🎮Gameplay

2

There are literally no mechanics.

📷Visuals

3

A lot of visual bugs.

🎧Narration/Audio

5

Forgettable soundtrack.

💲Price

1

It’s a cash grab.

🔶 Given that I've previously played a game from the 3D PUZZLE series, I had a good idea of what to expect. All the games within this series appear to be cash grabs produced by the same developer. Each game is centered around a different theme, with this particular installment set at a construction site. The sole objective in this game is to collect objects and place them in their designated spots. That essentially sums up the entirety of the gameplay, as there are no substantial mechanics involved. It's baffling how the developers managed to mishandle a game that seemingly required minimal effort in its creation. As I mentioned in my previous review, the movement mechanics are particularly subpar. Given that all the games in the series are essentially the same, this game shares identical mechanics with the previous one I played.

🔷 It's highly probable that each of these games has been created using assets readily available on the internet. This might explain how the developers were able to produce numerous games within this series for the Steam store.

🔶 The visuals of this game are rather simple, but that doesn't necessarily imply that the game looks poor. It's just that there's nothing particularly distinctive about them. Since my playtime was only around 10 minutes, during which I managed to complete the game, I didn't have ample opportunity to thoroughly assess the visuals. However, even in that short span, I encountered several visual bugs.

🔷 Regarding optimization, I'm not entirely certain what the issue is with these games. The previous 3D Puzzle game I played was delivering low FPS, while this one was providing a very high FPS. However, despite the high frame rate, the game still experienced lag for some reason. Additionally, the absence of any video settings makes it difficult to troubleshoot performance issues. As a precaution, I would recommend refraining from running the game to prevent potential strain on your graphics card.

🔶 I think it’s pretty obvious by this point that I am not going to be recommending this game. It’s an awful cash-grab that doesn’t deserve a spot in your beloved steam library.

🎮Gameplay

8.5

Not a lot of gameplay mechanics, yet it’s an engaging experience.

📷Graphics

9.5

Minimalistic art style perfect for the game.

🎧Narration/Audio

9

Soundtrack makes the game more relaxing.

😮Variety

7.5

There’s enough variety in the game!

🎰Re-playability

2

Nothing to come back for.

💲Price

6.5

Wait for a sale.

🔷 I've consistently been a fan of soothing puzzle games, and Tonalities serves as an excellent illustration of this genre. Through its minimalistic art style and engaging gameplay, it establishes an ideal, soothing gaming atmosphere.

This game does not have a storyline of any sort, and in any case, if it had one, it’d be very weird!

🔶 Understanding the game's concept is quite easy. In each level, a ball continually follows a loop, and your task is to rearrange tiles to change the ball's path and illuminate each tile by hitting them with the ball. The developers have introduced diversity to the game by incorporating tiles or blocks with distinct properties that influence the ball's trajectory in various ways. Some tiles propel the ball forward, while others serve as portals, moving the ball to a different tile. What makes this game particularly enjoyable is that the puzzles aren't overly challenging, yet the gameplay remains engaging. As you progress through levels, new mechanics are regularly introduced, and the game effectively manages the difficulty curve. Although the game lacks a tutorial, it's still easy to discern the function of each new tile through experimentation.

🔷 The only problem I have with this game is that it’s very short. I managed to complete all 30 levels distributed across 6 Acts in under an hour. Considering the game is still in its early access phase, I'm sure that the developers will add more new levels. However, at present, it remains a rather brief gaming experience.

🔶 I truly appreciate it when indie games can craft a visually appealing experience through the use of minimalist art styles. The creators of Tonalities have successfully achieved this. The game boasts a clean and crisp appearance thanks to its minimalistic visuals, and it manages to maintain excellent puzzle clarity.

The game's soundtrack complements its theme perfectly. The audio elements within the game effectively establish a soothing atmosphere, enhancing the overall gameplay experience.

🔷 Obviously, I am going to recommend this game as I liked every aspect of its gameplay. However, I would suggest that players seeking a more challenging puzzle experience may want to reconsider purchasing it, as it's primarily geared toward casual gaming. Additionally, I recommend waiting for the developers to add more levels to the game, since it's currently quite short in terms of content.