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"Antenna" is a sound-based puzzle game where players use a machine to scan the radio spectrum and respond to its existential questions. The game requires a US keyboard layout and a mouse with a wheel for optimal play. Players should ensure they have sound on, as the puzzles are audio-based.

Antenna screenshot
Antenna screenshot
Antenna screenshot
Antenna screenshot
Antenna screenshot

76%
Audience ScoreBased on 3,386 reviews
graphics292 positive mentions
story86 negative mentions

  • Beautiful visuals and atmosphere.
  • Unique sound-based puzzles that require careful listening.
  • Short and free, making it an easy experience to try.
  • Very short gameplay, completed in under 30 minutes.
  • Lack of clear instructions or guidance for puzzles.
  • Some puzzles can be frustrating and confusing, especially for those with hearing difficulties.
  • graphics
    528 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics of "Antenna" are widely praised for their striking, minimalist art style reminiscent of games like "Limbo," creating an atmospheric and immersive experience. Players appreciate the unique black-and-white visuals and hand-drawn aesthetics, which evoke feelings of solitude and mystery, although some note that the simplistic graphics may not appeal to everyone. Overall, the visuals are considered a highlight of the game, contributing significantly to its artistic charm despite some criticisms regarding gameplay execution.

    • “Visually, Antenna excels with its distinctive art style and atmospheric presentation.”
    • “The minimalist graphics and surreal landscapes create a sense of otherworldly beauty, drawing players into its enigmatic world.”
    • “The art style beautifully captures the dystopian setting, evoking a sense of melancholy and mystery.”
    • “A slow walking character, confusing puzzles, and a graphics style where you can barely see anything makes this a waste of time.”
    • “I'm sad to say, though, that the aesthetic is similar to many indie games I see these days (obvious comparison is Limbo) and the puzzles are scarce and unchallenging.”
    • “The graphics aren't worth it.”
  • story
    486 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's story is largely criticized for its minimalism and lack of clarity, with many players expressing confusion over the narrative and its purpose. While some appreciate the atmospheric elements and the potential for personal interpretation, the overwhelming sentiment is that the game feels incomplete without a substantial storyline, leaving players wanting more depth and context. Overall, the story is often described as vague or nonexistent, leading to a sense of dissatisfaction among those seeking a more engaging narrative experience.

    • “Antenna is a remarkable point-and-click adventure game that captivates players with its unique art style, immersive storytelling, and thought-provoking themes.”
    • “What sets Antenna apart is its masterful storytelling. The game's ability to weave these complex themes into its storytelling is truly commendable.”
    • “Each puzzle and decision carries weight, contributing to the unfolding narrative and shaping the outcome of the story.”
    • “However, the story's fragmented nature and lack of cohesive narrative thread leave much to be desired, leaving players craving more depth and resolution by the journey's end.”
    • “There is absolutely no story at all, and though the art would seem to imply some story is happening, it is totally unclear what that might be.”
    • “What disappointed me was the fact that there seemed to be a lack of a story and no sense of direction given to the player.”
  • atmosphere
    442 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The atmosphere of "Antenna" is widely praised for its haunting soundscapes, striking visuals, and a sense of eerie tranquility that immerses players in a unique, minimalist world reminiscent of titles like "Limbo." While many players appreciate the game's ability to evoke feelings of solitude and intrigue, some note that the lack of a substantial narrative and gameplay depth detracts from the overall experience. Overall, the game is recommended for those who enjoy atmospheric, audio-driven experiences, despite its brevity and simplicity.

    • “The sound design further enhances the atmosphere, with ambient soundscapes and haunting melodies immersing players in the eerie tranquility of the radio waves.”
    • “The atmosphere is exquisite.”
    • “This game creates a wonderful atmosphere and a sense of loneliness.”
    • “Was expecting something along the lines of Limbo, with machines and radio signals, but it lacked the atmosphere and depth.”
    • “There was atmosphere, but it was minimal (in feeling, not just design), and the fact that every action the player takes must be directed with on-screen cues reflects the fact that without them, this game wouldn't make sense - it's just not intuitive.”
    • “This kind of bad usability is all over the place, taking away all the atmosphere and finally made me rage quit the game.”
  • gameplay
    338 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay of "Antenna" is characterized by its simplicity and reliance on audio-based puzzles, which some players found intriguing while others deemed it lackluster and confusing. Many reviews highlight the game's atmospheric visuals and art style, which compensate for its short duration and minimalistic mechanics, but the overall execution leaves much to be desired, with players often struggling to understand the objectives and controls. While the game offers a unique premise, it ultimately feels more like an art showcase than a fully realized gaming experience, with gameplay lasting around 20-30 minutes.

    • “Antenna's gameplay revolves around deciphering cryptic messages and manipulating radio signals to progress through its mysterious world.”
    • “The fusion of striking visuals, engaging gameplay, and immersive storytelling make Antenna an indie gem that deserves recognition.”
    • “The gameplay mechanics of Antenna are intuitive and well-crafted.”
    • “While its atmospheric world and cryptic puzzles may intrigue players initially, its lackluster gameplay and shallow narrative ultimately leave much to be desired.”
    • “Overall, I loved the premise of the game and its unique take on audio puzzles, although I could not recommend it as the gameplay was absolutely lacking and instead of enjoying the game and trying to tackle the puzzles, I was more concerned on figuring out the keybinds and what I am supposed to do next.”
    • “The gameplay is sluggish and the puzzles are incredibly tedious; it took me a good ten minutes on one of the puzzles.”
  • music
    88 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The music in the game is generally praised for its ambient quality and ability to create an immersive atmosphere, with many players appreciating the minimalist and atmospheric soundscapes. While some find the soundtrack to be a bit underwhelming or not particularly memorable, it effectively supports the gameplay and enhances the overall experience, especially for those with a musical inclination. The integration of music-related puzzles adds a unique layer to the gameplay, appealing to music lovers and puzzle enthusiasts alike.

    • “Beautiful picture and soundtrack.”
    • “Really awesome small free game, I like the idea of music and frequency and the radio tunings. As a musician, I really appreciate the work; there should be more music and hearing games around to help children and adults to get more audible in this visual video-game generation.”
    • “The music is good; it creates an excellent ambience.”
    • “The soundtrack does a passable job supporting the gameplay and story but is nothing to write home about.”
    • “You can remap your keys and you have to do certain required actions; the soundtrack isn't that good but for a reason - sound is a fundamental part of the game (it's called antenna for a reason!).”
    • “Sound and music is nothing special but it gets the job done.”
  • replayability
    28 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game has been widely criticized for its lack of replayability, with many reviewers noting that it offers little to no incentive for players to return after completing it. While some acknowledge that it provides a worthwhile experience for a single playthrough, the absence of additional content or replay value significantly limits its longevity. Overall, it is considered a one-time experience for most players.

    • “That aside, if you enjoy puzzle games, I would recommend giving this game a try. A lot of the puzzles you can have some fun with tuning into various frequencies before solving the puzzle, and although it doesn't have much replay value once finished, it's definitely worth playing through at least once.”
    • “It's short and not replayable, but I think it did what it set out to do, so I'm okay with it.”
    • “The absence of additional content or replay value further diminishes its longevity, relegating the game to a one-time experience for most players.”
    • “For that reason, replayability is also non-existent.”
    • “This game lacks any replayability whatsoever.”
  • stability
    26 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game is frequently criticized for its instability, with numerous users reporting technical glitches, performance issues, and bugs that hinder gameplay. Many players noted that these problems detract from the overall experience, making it frustrating at times, despite some appreciation for the game's design. Overall, the consensus is that the game's stability issues significantly impact immersion and enjoyment.

    • “However, occasional technical glitches and performance issues detract from the overall immersion.”
    • “My only honest problem with it has nothing to do with style or graphics, just the fact that it's buggy as hell.”
    • “I did two of the suspected 3 puzzles and got no achievements for it whatsoever, the walk motion glitches and for some reason the sounds are intensely painful after a while.”
  • grinding
    22 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Players overwhelmingly describe the grinding aspect of the game as tedious and time-consuming, often requiring excessive effort to achieve progress. Many express that the gameplay feels sluggish, with puzzles that are not only bland but also frustratingly difficult, leading to a reliance on guides. Additionally, the presence of hidden achievements adds to the annoyance of the grinding experience.

    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “Quite possibly the most tedious game I ever played.”
    • “The gameplay is sluggish and the puzzles are incredibly tedious; it took me a good ten minutes on one of the puzzles.”
  • emotional
    20 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The emotional aspect of the game received mixed reviews, with some players expressing a lack of connection and feeling that it fell short compared to other titles in conveying deep emotions. However, others found it to be a touching experience, praising its minimalist design and soundscape, which contributed to a relaxed atmosphere and emotional resonance. Overall, while some players were moved to tears and found the game relatable, others felt it lacked the depth needed for a more profound emotional impact.

    • “I can't tell you how many videos and games can make me feel emotional in 10 minutes or less, with a story that makes me have a new look on life.”
    • “So relatable... I cried every time I played through this masterpiece.”
    • “The trailers make this game seem like you'll be going on a little adventure where you'll experience an interesting, possibly even emotional story.”
  • humor
    10 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The humor in the game is described as hit-or-miss, with some players finding it amusing to watch inexperienced players struggle with its complexities. While there are moments of humor, particularly in the interactions and achievements, others feel the game lacks depth and can be uninteresting at times. Overall, it offers some funny moments but may not appeal to everyone.

    • “It's funny to see the kiddies who know nothing about life trying to figure this game out as if it had some deeper or complex meaning.”
    • “Quite funny game, the 4th achievement however seems to be a waste of time.”
    • “Funny game overall.”
  • optimization
    4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's optimization is hindered by frequent technical glitches and performance issues, which negatively impact the overall immersion and gameplay experience. Many players feel that it resembles a piece of performance art rather than a fully polished game.

    • “However, occasional technical glitches and performance issues detract from the overall immersion.”
    • “This strikes me as more of a piece of performance art than a game.”
  • monetization
    4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game features a straightforward monetization model, as it does not include in-game purchases, microtransactions, or any additional monetization elements such as trading cards or collectibles.

    • “It doesn't have in-game purchases.”
    • “- doesn't have trading cards, cross-platform multiplayer, real-time weapon change, collectibles, microtransactions, or explosions.”

Buy Antenna

8h Median play time
8h Average play time
8-8h Spent by most gamers
*Based on 2 analyzed playthroughs

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