Abacus
- July 5, 2021
- Danjb
Get on SteamAbacus is a retro 2D platformer-shooter that pays homage to "the good old days" - where games were hard and no-one was there to hold your hand. Featuring cute pixel graphics, a catchy original soundtrack and swarms of explosive bees! Explore a mysterious world Run, blast and double-jump your way through 25+ whimsical levels in a quest to save your friend. Hunt down stars to spend on w…
Reviews
- Abacus offers a unique blend of challenging gameplay, inventive weapons, and a charming art style that appeals to both retro platformer fans and newcomers.
- The game features a rewarding campaign with distinct levels and mechanics, alongside a level editor and multiplayer mode that enhance replayability.
- Players appreciate the balance of challenge and satisfaction, with many finding the controls smooth and the overall experience enjoyable.
- The game suffers from poor controller support, making it difficult to play for those who prefer using gamepads, and the implementation feels half-hearted.
- Graphics and level design lack clarity, leading to confusion about gameplay elements, such as whether certain areas are safe or hazardous.
- There are concerns about the game's testing process, with claims of nepotism and a lack of genuine feedback during development, resulting in unresolved issues at launch.
- graphics5 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 60 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are described as charming and clean, contributing positively to the overall experience, despite some criticism regarding their clarity in representing objects. While retro graphics are common in indie platformers, the art style and smooth controls help mitigate frustrations during gameplay. Overall, the visuals are appealing and enhance the game's atmosphere.
“The soundtrack will get stuck in your head and the art style will charm you into forgetting any frustrations you may have after missing that jump for the 5th time haha!”
“A really good game, clean crisp graphics, good theme tune and some challenging levels.”
“Indie platformers with retro graphics are meme material because they're everywhere.”
“The soundtrack will get stuck in your head and the art style will charm you into forgetting any frustrations you may have after missing that jump for the 5th time!”
“The art style is charming and the controls are smooth, even for someone (like me) who usually finds platformers hard to grasp.”
- gameplay4 mentions
- 75 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The gameplay is praised for its unique challenges and mechanics across campaign levels, offering a rewarding mix of story and fun in a well-executed 2D platforming experience. The seamless mechanics and diverse weapon set enhance the overall engagement, keeping the gameplay fresh and interesting.
“The campaign levels each have their own unique challenges and mechanics, making completing them very rewarding.”
“A perfect mix of story, heart, fun, and tricky gameplay at its best.”
“The mechanics of the game work seamlessly, while the addition of an exciting and varied weapon set makes for a compelling experience.”
- music3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music in the game is highly praised for its catchy and memorable soundtrack, which enhances the overall experience and complements the charming art style. Players appreciate how the music evolves with the changing environments, keeping the gameplay fresh and engaging throughout. Additionally, the original soundtrack is noted for being both genre-appropriate and distinctive, adding to the game's appeal.
“The soundtrack will get stuck in your head, and the art style will charm you into forgetting any frustrations you may have after missing that jump for the fifth time, haha!”
“As you progress, the change in environments keeps the look of the game fresh, and I enjoyed the music all the way through - quite catchy (still got it in my head)!”
“The multiplayer and level editor are an excellent addition, while the original soundtrack was both true to the genre and distinctive at the same time.”
- story1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The story is praised for its perfect blend of emotional depth, engaging fun, and challenging gameplay, making it a standout element in the 2D platforming experience.
“A perfect mix of story, heart, fun, and tricky gameplay, showcasing 2D platforming at its best.”
- replayability1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The inclusion of a multiplayer mode and a level editor significantly enhances the game's replayability, offering players ample opportunities for varied experiences and justifying its affordable price.
“A promising multiplayer and level editor adds to the overall replayability, making the small asking price more than reasonable.”
