Aloof
- March 24, 2021
- ButtonX
"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.
Reviews
- Aloof offers a fun and fresh puzzle experience with unique mechanics that set it apart from similar games like Puyo Puyo.
- The game features a charming atmosphere, polished visuals, and a relaxing yet challenging gameplay experience, especially in co-op mode.
- It provides a good balance of difficulty progression and has a variety of multiplayer options, making it enjoyable for both casual and competitive players.
- The game is relatively short, with some players wishing for more content in the single-player and multiplayer modes.
- There are concerns about the game's obscurity, leading to a lack of online players for competitive matches.
- Some players found the initial experience dull or fatuous, leading them to return the game despite its potential.
- gameplay7 mentions
- 43 % positive mentions
- 14 % neutral mentions
- 43 % negative mentions
The gameplay of Aloof is reminiscent of Puyo Puyo, featuring intuitive mechanics and a unique atmosphere, but it distinguishes itself with its shape-building elements and strategic depth in both co-op and head-to-head modes. Players appreciate the engaging puzzle mechanics and effective teaching tools in the story mode, though some suggest the addition of a racing mode to enhance competition. Overall, Aloof offers a rich and accessible puzzle experience.
“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.”
- music3 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- -67 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The music in the game is praised for its nice and somber quality, effectively creating an eerie atmosphere that enhances the overall experience. It complements the artwork and aligns well with the levels and battle situations, contributing significantly to the game's immersive feel.
“The artwork and music are nice and somber.”
“The music brings it all together, fitting the levels and situations in battles.”
“I think it's the music more than anything that gives me an eerie vibe about the whole game.”
“The music feels repetitive and doesn't add much to the overall experience.”
“The soundtrack is forgettable and fails to enhance the game's atmosphere.”
- atmosphere2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is highly praised for its captivating visuals and unique charm, making it accessible yet deeply engaging for players, even those who may not typically enjoy 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.”
- story2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -150 % neutral mentions
- 150 % 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 its mechanics and offers a solid teaching 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.”
“Not much in the way of a story beyond what you pick up from the levels of battles and puzzles you encounter.”
“There isn't much of a story beyond what you pick up from the levels of battles and puzzles you encounter.”
“The narrative feels disjointed and fails to engage the player throughout the game.”
“Character development is lacking, making it hard to care about the outcomes of their journeys.”
- graphics1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The graphics are praised for their nice and somber artwork, which complements the overall aesthetic of the game.
“The artwork and music are beautifully somber, creating an immersive atmosphere.”
“The graphics are stunning, with incredible attention to detail that brings the world to life.”
“The visual design is breathtaking, making every scene a work of art.”