Akin Vol 2
- July 27, 2017
- ThinkOfGames
"Akin Vol. 2" is quite similar to its predecessor, focusing on a continuous line drawing mechanic to solve puzzles. The goal is to make all tiles 'akin' or similar, by changing their color from orange to blue or vice versa. With 96 puzzles each in 'Normal' and 'Time' mode, difficulty levels and various special tiles such as 'Teleport' and 'Double Use' add an extra layer to the problem-solving experience.
Reviews
- Akin Vol 2 offers a satisfying dose of new puzzles and fresh challenges, with 192 new puzzles that keep players entertained.
- The minimalist visuals and calming soundtrack create a peaceful atmosphere, making it a great way to unwind.
- The game is affordable and provides a high-quality puzzle experience, making it a good value for players.
- Several levels, including G5 and O5, are reported as unsolvable, leading to frustration and the need for hacks to progress.
- The game lacks significant innovation compared to its predecessor, feeling more like a copy than a sequel.
- There are issues with broken achievements and a lack of content, which detracts from the overall experience.
- graphics7 mentions
- 29 % positive mentions
- 29 % neutral mentions
- 43 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are characterized by minimalist 2D art that, while creating a tranquil and calming atmosphere, are considered lackluster and simplistic by many users. Despite options to adjust resolution, the visuals remain basic and do not meet the expectations for quality typically associated with PC games. Overall, the graphics serve their purpose for relaxation but fall short of delivering a visually impressive experience.
“The minimalist visuals, soothing soundtrack, and gentle sound effects create a calming atmosphere that allows you to focus, relax, and let your mind wander.”
“Still a tranquil escape: the minimalist visuals and calming soundtrack create a peaceful atmosphere that's perfect for unwinding after a long day.”
“Gives you some puzzles with the most basic graphics and controls.”
“While there are options to change the resolution for the game, all this does is scale up the simplistic 2D art assets used to make the game, which makes little or no difference to the graphics quality.”
“Considering this is being evaluated as a PC game, having the graphics phoned in like this isn't going to result in a high quality, visually impressive game that PC gamers are used to seeing.”
- gameplay2 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- -100 % neutral mentions
- 150 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized as familiar yet fresh, with new tile types introducing strategic depth, although some players find it ultimately boring and only suitable for casual play.
“The core gameplay remains delightfully familiar, but the addition of new tile types keeps things interesting and adds a layer of strategic depth.”
“The gameplay is quite boring, but it's good for killing time.”
“The mechanics feel outdated and lack any real excitement.”
“The game lacks depth, making it repetitive and unengaging.”
- atmosphere2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is characterized by minimalist visuals and a soothing soundtrack, fostering a tranquil environment ideal for relaxation and unwinding. This calming ambiance encourages players to focus and let their minds wander, making it a perfect escape from daily stress.
“The minimalist visuals and calming soundtrack create a peaceful atmosphere that's perfect for unwinding after a long day.”
“The minimalist visuals, soothing soundtrack, and gentle sound effects create a calming atmosphere that allows you to focus, relax, and let your mind wander.”
- music2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music in the game is characterized by a calming soundtrack and gentle sound effects that enhance the tranquil atmosphere, making it an ideal escape for relaxation and unwinding. The minimalist approach to both visuals and audio fosters a peaceful environment that encourages focus and mental wandering.
“The minimalist visuals, soothing soundtrack, and gentle sound effects create a calming atmosphere that allows you to focus, relax, and let your mind wander.”
“Still a tranquil escape: the minimalist visuals and calming soundtrack create a peaceful atmosphere that's perfect for unwinding after a long day.”
- monetization2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The monetization strategy of the game has been criticized as exploitative, with reviewers labeling it as a cash grab that relies on copying existing game templates and assets rather than original content. This approach is seen as a form of shovelware, raising concerns about the integrity and value of the product.
“These guys do nothing but copy premade game templates and game tutorials, fill out a few things, stamp out basic levels using the construction kit templates, slap on an asset-flipped set of sprites/assets, and dump them on Steam and into daily indie game bundles as cash grabs.”
“Trying to get paid for someone else's game templates and assets... at best, this is shovelware; at worst, it's a scam or cash grab.”
- story2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 150 % negative mentions
The story aspect of the game is hindered by frustrating design choices, such as the inability to cross your own path, which complicates navigation. Additionally, players have reported two missions that are impossible to complete and broken achievement icons, detracting from the overall experience.
“What is worse, there are two missions that are impossible to complete, and the icons for all achievements are broken.”
“The story feels disjointed and lacks coherence, making it hard to stay engaged.”
“Character development is shallow, leaving players feeling disconnected from the narrative.”