A Virus Named TOM
- May 9, 2013
- Misfits Attic
Get on Steam"A Virus Named TOM" is a unique puzzle game where you play as a mischievous virus. Your goal is to infect computer systems by solving increasingly complex puzzles. With its quirky humor and challenging gameplay, TOM offers a fresh and entertaining take on the puzzle genre.
Mac OS
PC
Steam Deck
Windows
Linux
PlayStation
Playstation Vita
Reviews
- A Virus Named Tom offers a unique twist on classic puzzle gameplay, combining elements of strategy and quick reflexes that can be both challenging and rewarding.
- The game features a catchy soundtrack and a quirky art style that enhances the overall experience, making it enjoyable to play both solo and in local co-op mode.
- Many players appreciate the variety of puzzles and the gradual increase in difficulty, which keeps the gameplay engaging and encourages problem-solving skills.
- The controls can feel unresponsive and loose, leading to frustration during fast-paced sections where precision is crucial.
- Some players find the difficulty spikes and certain mechanics, like hidden tiles and time limits, to be more annoying than challenging, detracting from the fun.
- The lack of online multiplayer options and technical issues, such as cutscenes not playing or the game getting stuck, have been reported as significant drawbacks.
- gameplay28 mentions
- 29 % positive mentions
- 57 % neutral mentions
- 14 % negative mentions
The gameplay of the game is a mixed bag, featuring a pipe puzzle mechanic that some find fun and engaging, especially in local co-op mode, while others criticize the controls and difficulty as feeling artificial and clashing. Players appreciate the complexity that increases with progression, but some mechanics, such as limited visibility of the gameboard, can detract from the experience. Overall, opinions vary widely, with some enjoying the original gameplay and others feeling it lacks polish.
“If you dismiss indie games as being either fast, tough-as-nails platformers or artsy atmospheric environments, I highly encourage you to give this game a shot - this is a fine example of original gameplay that requires split-second precision and risk/reward decision making.”
“The gameplay is a lot of fun and gets more complex as you progress.”
“The local co-op in this game is clever; I like the mechanics, it really makes you want to work as a team.”
“The difficulty feels entirely artificial and the mechanics clash with each other.”
“Something just doesn't feel right about the core mechanic of how you rotate the blocks.”
“A virus named Tom is not a bad game, but the game mechanics and controls don't make this all that fun to play.”
- music18 mentions
- 44 % positive mentions
- 39 % neutral mentions
- 17 % negative mentions
The music in the game is widely praised for its catchiness and variety, with an electronic soundtrack that complements the gameplay and enhances the overall experience. Many players enjoyed the soundtrack so much that they saved it for personal listening, highlighting its quality and appeal. However, some found certain sound effects distracting, which could detract from the immersive experience.
“Very catchy music, there is a surprising amount of variation for a game with only really 2 buttons of controls plus the D-pad or arrow keys.”
“The levels are well paced, and the music is awesome.”
“It also features a fantastic electronic soundtrack, and some rather charming and humorous cutscenes which somehow manage to make mass hysteria and deconstruction feel lighthearted and amusing.”
“The music and sound effects, while technically nice, serve only to distract and break concentration. The worst offender is the 'time limit almost up *bwoop bwoop bwoop*' sound effect.”
“The soundtrack format is DLC, MP3, which feels limiting for a game that could benefit from a more expansive musical experience.”
“While the music is catchy, it often feels repetitive and lacks the depth needed to enhance the overall gameplay experience.”
- story8 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 38 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
The game's story is described as quirky and engaging, providing a rewarding and satisfying progression throughout its surprisingly lengthy single-player campaign. Players appreciate the increasing difficulty and challenge posed by advanced enemies, which enhances the overall experience, especially in co-op mode.
“It's constantly rewarding and satisfying to progress, even with the surprisingly long single-player story (which doesn't take into account the entire separate co-op campaign which I've yet to even dip into).”
“This really delivers an amazing co-op experience... easy to pick up while it gets more and more challenging throughout the story, and unbelievably hard towards the end.”
“Story: -/10”
“It's constantly rewarding and satisfying to progress, even with the surprisingly long single player story (which doesn't take into account the entire separate co-op campaign which I've yet to even dip into).”
“Gets more difficult later on, with more advanced enemies, and has a quirky story.”
- graphics4 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The graphics feature a pleasing art style that effectively conveys a futuristic and comical aesthetic. However, the overall visual quality has received mixed reviews, with some users rating it as average.
“The art style is very nice, and they definitely captured a futuristic/comical game look.”
- humor2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game is praised for its charming and humorous cutscenes that effectively balance themes of mass hysteria and deconstruction with a lighthearted tone, contributing to an overall enjoyable experience.
“It features a fantastic electronic soundtrack, and some rather charming and humorous cutscenes that somehow manage to make mass hysteria and deconstruction feel lighthearted and amusing.”
- grinding2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious and unengaging, with puzzles that quickly become boring rather than enjoyable.
“The game seemed interesting at first, but the puzzles in this game were just really tedious, boring, and not very fun.”
- atmosphere2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is highlighted as a unique blend of original gameplay that emphasizes split-second precision and risk/reward decision-making, challenging the stereotype of indie games being solely focused on either platforming or artistic environments. Players are encouraged to experience this distinctive atmosphere that sets it apart from typical indie offerings.
