Aloof
- March 24, 2021
- ButtonX
Get on Steam"Aloof" is a simulation game that offers various multiplayer modes, including local and online play for up to 2 players. As a puzzle-fighter, players build combos and defend islands in modes like co-op campaign, PvP, and offline adventure versus AI. The 1.0 "Invite a Friend" update introduces online multiplayer, allowing you and a friend to freely move between game modes, including 1v1 or 2v2 online adventures, either couch vs couch or remote play together against random players.
Mac OS
Nintendo Switch
PC
Windows
Linux
Reviews
- Aloof offers a unique and polished puzzle experience with deep strategy and engaging mechanics, making it enjoyable for both co-op and competitive play.
- The game features a charming atmosphere, beautiful artwork, and relaxing sound design, which enhances the overall gameplay experience.
- It provides a good balance of challenge and accessibility, with a well-structured campaign and the ability to adjust enemy speed for a more tailored experience.
- The game is relatively short, with some players wishing for more content in both the single-player and multiplayer modes.
- There are concerns about the game's obscurity, leading to difficulties in finding online matches without pre-arranging with friends.
- Some players found the initial gameplay dull or unengaging, leading them to return the game despite its potential.
- gameplay14 mentions
- 29 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 21 % negative mentions
The gameplay of Aloof is reminiscent of Puyo Puyo, yet it distinguishes itself with unique shape-building mechanics and a focus on strategic co-op and head-to-head modes. Players appreciate the intuitive controls and depth of strategy, enhanced by effective teaching tools in the story mode. Overall, Aloof offers a captivating puzzle experience that encourages coordination and creativity.
“Feels great to coordinate builds and combos in co-op, and the head-to-head mode offers a lot of deep strategy thanks to the unique (yet intuitive) building and health mechanics.”
“Aloof has a lovely unique atmosphere and simple to pick up gameplay but with insane depth.”
“Great puzzle game with good use of the swapping between boards mechanics and effective teaching tools in the story mode without walls of text.”
“The gameplay is similar to, but not quite like, Puyo Puyo/Dr. Mario.”
“It is something like Puyo Puyo, but the shape building mechanics make it stand out quite a lot from that.”
“Maybe a puzzle race mode, where the health mechanics are ignored but you race to claim something like 7 shapes first with 2 or 3 available at a time.”
- music6 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 17 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The music in the game is praised for its somber and eerie qualities, effectively enhancing the overall atmosphere and complementing the artwork. Reviewers note that it plays a crucial role in setting the mood during battles and throughout various levels.
“And the music brings it all together, fitting the levels and situations in battles.”
“The artwork and music are nice and somber.”
“I think it's the music more than anything that gives me an eerie vibe about the whole game.”
“The music feels out of place and doesn't match the game's atmosphere.”
“The soundtrack is repetitive and lacks variety, making it less enjoyable.”
- atmosphere4 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of Aloof is widely praised for its captivating visuals and unique charm, creating an engaging experience that draws players in. The game combines simple gameplay mechanics with a deep, immersive environment, making it appealing even to those who don't typically play puzzle games.
“I don't play many puzzle games, but this one captivated me with its looks and atmosphere.”
“Aloof has a lovely, unique atmosphere and simple-to-pick-up gameplay, but with insane depth.”
- story4 mentions
- 75 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The story in the game is minimal, primarily conveyed through the levels and puzzles rather than extensive narrative exposition. While the game effectively utilizes mechanics and teaching tools in its story mode, it lacks a deep or engaging storyline.
“Great puzzle game with a good use of the swapping between boards mechanics and effective teaching tools in the story mode without walls of text.”
“The story is engaging and unfolds naturally through the levels, enhancing the overall experience.”
“The narrative elements are cleverly integrated into the gameplay, making each puzzle feel meaningful.”
“Not much in the way of a story beyond what you pick up from the levels of battles and puzzles you encounter.”
- graphics2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The graphics are characterized by a nice and somber artistic style, complemented by an atmospheric musical score that enhances the overall aesthetic experience.
