Just A Wonderful Game,
Great Music Fun Visuals,
Tough Levels On Hard Especially The Last Level.

Worth The 10$ :)

I was given the opportunity to review Monowave, a colorful and semi-psychedelic platformer. After seeing some screenshots I was glad I could dive in as it looked really unique and interesting. However, I’m sorry to have to say that this was a total disappointment. Let me explain in more detail:

The game starts with a small introduction cutscene that I unfortunately couldn’t watch in its entirety, because it was literally cut off on all sides - or zoomed in, I’m not sure. It’s probably because I play on an ultrawide monitor, so it’s a technical issue for sure. There was also a section where two pop-up windows overlapped, making the text unreadable. These are probably issues that can easily be fixed. Still, for now it’s worth a mention.

As for the game; you play as a guardian spirit who can use the power of emotions to convert characters to different kinds of moods. This is necessary to solve the puzzles found in the levels. And while that sounds really, really interesting, the game unfortunately just can’t live up to its ambitions. This has a few reasons:

After a small tutorial that introduces you to its world, characters and emotions you are suddenly left on your own, which isn’t an issue by itself, but it *is* when you’re introduced to mechanics a few minutes later that haven’t been explained (properly). While standing on a health power-up nothing happened. Is this because it isn’t registered, because I’m already full health or because I have to press a button. This applies to singing as well. The animation that shows what to do is there, but not the actual button prompt to execute it. Why can the foggy sections *only* be cleared with the yellow emotion and not with the others? These are little frustrations that keep adding up.

Then there are the enemies. Some shoot, some slap, among other things and that’s fine. But *when* do you get hit? I can walk through most enemies and not get hit, and then with another I do get hit (or it might be crappy timing on my part). It’s really unclear when an enemy can or will hurt you.

As for the puzzles. Most of them are just okay, but there are also a couple of puzzles (during my playtime, at least) that made no sense whatsoever. The problem is that there are emotion power-ups scattered all through the levels. This makes for messy level design and also gives the impression that puzzles aren’t really thought through. Just find the right power-up and you’re good to go; usually the power-up to proceed is found really close by. There was also a section where I had to jump down and on the way down would be a power-up that you needed to proceed. Miss this power-up and you’re just stuck in the level with nowhere to go as all directions are closed off. Restarting the section gave me another try and it really only cost me a few seconds total (since it saved before the fall/jump), but this is just terrible level design.
Each level also has a few collectibles that can be obtained and obtaining them can unlock little accessories like hats and make-up (the wording might not be totally appropriate, but that’s what I had unlocked). It’s a good way to give a little more challenge, and it’s completely optional as far as I’m aware.
The levels themselves are – so far – a little on the short side so sometimes it feels a little cramped. There are even hidden levels, conveniently shown with a ‘Go’ sign...
The first ‘boss’ level was certainly unique, though. It used a mechanic that I have seen in other games, but I appreciated the way it was implemented. It certainly stood out to me.

I *am* enthusiastic about the game’s graphics. It’s colorful and the levels are slightly animated as well and it gives the game its unique looks. The characters are also well animated. The first ‘boss’ was also well designed and cute. I can’t say I really focused on the music, so it didn’t stand out to me in the first place. But for me that’s fine. I’m not one who listens to game soundtracks anyway. The sounds effects (like singing) were good, but seemed a little limited as well.

Now, is this a game I would recommend? Well... no. I’ve played for about one hour, but all of the frustrations really soured my experience. I’m sure there’s a fun game for some people somewhere here, but if you want a decent puzzle platformer then there quite a few other games out there that will actually satisfy you and let you have fun. This seems like a cheap, casual knock-off. A ‘NO’ from me.

Anger brings energy to the platforming. Wall-jumping through vertical areas feels responsive and satisfying, especially during sections that require careful timing and quick movement.