Abacus

About

Abacus 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…

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

91%

Audience ScoreBased on 22 reviews

graphics4 positive mentions

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, a level editor, and engaging multiplayer modes 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.
Graphics and level design have been criticized for lacking clarity, leading to confusion about gameplay mechanics and objectives.
There are concerns about the game's testing process, with claims of nepotism and inadequate feedback during development affecting the final product.

graphics
10 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
40%
50%
10%
The graphics of the game are described as charming and clean, contributing positively to the overall experience, despite some criticism regarding their effectiveness in conveying object representations. While retro graphics are prevalent in indie platformers, the art style and smooth controls help mitigate frustrations during gameplay. Overall, the visuals are appreciated, but they may not always meet the expectations of clarity and communication.
- “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.”
- “A really good game, with clean, crisp graphics, a good theme tune, and some challenging levels.”
- “Indie platformers with retro graphics are meme material because they're everywhere.”
gameplay
8 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
75%
25%
The gameplay is praised for its unique and rewarding campaign levels, each featuring distinct challenges and mechanics that enhance the experience. The blend of engaging story elements, fun 2D platforming, and a diverse weapon set contributes to a seamless and compelling gameplay experience, keeping players interested with varied styles and mechanics throughout.
- “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, and 2D platforming 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.”
music
6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
67%
33%
The music in the game is highly praised for its catchy and memorable soundtrack, which complements the charming art style and keeps players engaged throughout their experience. Reviewers noted that the soundtrack is both genre-appropriate and distinctive, enhancing the overall enjoyment of the game, even during challenging moments.
- “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!”
- “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.”
story
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The story is praised for its perfect blend of heart and fun, complementing the tricky gameplay and 2D platforming elements, creating an engaging and enjoyable experience.
- “A perfect mix of story, heart, fun, and tricky gameplay in 2D platforming at its best.”
replayability
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
50%
The inclusion of a multiplayer mode and a level editor significantly enhances the game's replayability, making it a worthwhile investment for players at its modest price point.
- “A promising multiplayer and level editor adds to the overall replayability, making the small asking price more than reasonable.”