Active Neurons
- October 14, 2019
- Nikolai Usachev
Get on SteamActive Neurons is a challenging puzzle game that simulates the layout of neurons and synapses in the human brain. Players must guide electricity through a series of levels by activating and connecting neurons, avoiding obstacles and managing energy levels. With its unique premise and progressive difficulty, Active Neurons offers a fresh and engaging take on the puzzle genre.
Mac OS
Nintendo Switch
PC
Playstation 4
Playstation 5
Steam Deck
Windows
Xbox One
Xbox Series X|S
Linux
PlayStation
Playstation Vita
Xbox
Reviews
- The game features simple controls and mechanics, making it accessible for players of all skill levels, including those with disabilities.
- It offers a relaxing experience with a soothing soundtrack and visually pleasing minimalist design, making it enjoyable for casual play.
- The puzzles gradually increase in difficulty, providing a satisfying challenge without becoming overly frustrating.
- Some players find the game too easy, with many levels feeling like a tutorial rather than a true challenge.
- The game has been criticized for its mobile app origins, leading to perceptions of it being a lazy cash grab rather than a polished PC title.
- There are concerns about the lack of depth in gameplay mechanics, with some players feeling that the puzzles do not offer enough variety or complexity.
- gameplay15 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 40 % neutral mentions
- 20 % negative mentions
The gameplay is praised for its variety and engaging mechanics, providing a satisfying challenge for puzzle enthusiasts as new elements are introduced at a steady pace. While the simplicity of the mechanics and gradual difficulty increase keep it interesting, some users criticize the minimalist art and interface, particularly on PC. Overall, the game offers a relaxing yet stimulating experience with a solid number of levels and achievements to unlock.
“Its variety of levels and stimulating gameplay make it enjoyable for puzzle enthusiasts.”
“Not too difficult and keeps things interesting with regular new mechanics.”
“A truly relaxing gameplay for a solid clever puzzle.”
“The simple web/mobile app gameplay is coupled with equally lazy minimalist art, locked resolution and controls, and a basic mobile phone tier interface, all far below standards for a PC game.”
“2 and Wonders of the World offer some different mechanics, but seem to jump to the hard levels pretty quickly, and their UIs (as well as the UI for the bonus levels in this game) seem half-assed at best.”
“Very simple mechanics with a slight increase in difficulty with each level.”
- music9 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The music in this indie puzzle game is widely praised for its relaxing lofi and ambient soundtracks, which enhance the overall experience without being intrusive. Players appreciate the minimalist approach to both visuals and sound, noting that the calming piano tracks and gentle sound effects complement the gameplay effectively. Overall, the music contributes positively to the game's atmosphere, making it a soothing experience.
“This is a fun little indie puzzle game with a relaxing lo-fi soundtrack.”
“Loved it! The puzzles were nice, not too tough, and the music and sounds were perfect :)”
“This is a good looking puzzle game which looks better than the screenshots suggest and has a chilled ambient soundtrack.”
“The ambient piano music is so-so; it reminds me of those beautiful 432 Hz binaural tracks, which adds little to the overall experience.”
“This is a good looking puzzle game which looks better than the screenshots suggest, but the chilled ambient soundtrack is underwhelming.”
“Essentially you are moving a cube through a maze and obstacles; the relaxing music and quiet sound effects are very low key, but they lack impact.”
- graphics5 mentions
- 20 % positive mentions
- 20 % neutral mentions
- 60 % negative mentions
The graphics are characterized by a minimalist design that is both smooth and visually appealing, enhancing the overall relaxing experience of the game. Users appreciate the effort put into the visuals, which complement the calming music and well-balanced difficulty of the levels.
“I liked the minimalist UI and graphics, the relaxing music, and the well-selected difficulty of levels.”
“Essentially, you are moving a cube through a maze and obstacles; moving, sliding, gently exploding, transporting, etc. The visuals are very low key.”
“Graphics are very smooth and pretty.”
“Yes, it fits in the minimalist category, but unlike other minimalist games, effort still went into the visuals.”
- replayability1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game offers fairly good replay value, suggesting that players may find enough content or variation to return for additional playthroughs.
“The game offers a surprisingly high replay value, keeping me engaged for hours.”
“Each playthrough feels fresh due to the variety of choices and outcomes.”
“I love how the different character paths and endings encourage multiple runs.”
- monetization1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The monetization of Active Neurons has been criticized as a cheap and lazy cash grab, particularly due to its release on Steam as a mobile app without significant enhancements or value.
“Active Neurons is a mobile app that's been dumped on Steam as a cheap, lazy cash grab.”
“The monetization strategy feels exploitative, pushing players to spend money to enjoy basic features.”
“It's frustrating to see so many paywalls in a game that should be accessible to everyone.”
- humor1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game is praised for its simplicity and humor, making it highly recommended for players seeking a lighthearted experience.
“A simple and funny game, highly recommended.”
“The humor in this game is spot on and keeps you laughing throughout.”
“I love how the game incorporates witty jokes and hilarious situations!”
