ASCIILL

82%
Game Brain Score Based on 42 reviews
  • gameplay
  • graphics
  • music
ASCIILL Game Cover
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"ASCIILL is a single-player action game where Special Agent ASCIILL navigates an alien temple filled with traps and creatures, all displayed in ASCII art due to electromagnetic interference. Game mechanics include route planning based on trap numbers and procedural generation of traps and treasures. The story unfolds as ASCIILL completes missions for B.O.S.S., revealing deeper interstellar conspiracies."

  • PC
  • Windows
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

82%
Audience ScoreBased on 42 reviews
gameplay13 positive mentions
  • Clever game with a beautiful ASCII art style and engaging soundtrack.
  • Offers a fresh twist on the classic Minesweeper formula with innovative mechanics and strategic gameplay.
  • Great for short bursts of play, with replayability through random daily challenges.
  • Gameplay can feel clunky and non-responsive, detracting from the overall experience.
  • The added mechanics do not significantly enhance the Minesweeper experience, leading to a lack of depth.
  • Some players may find the game less challenging due to guaranteed safeties and real-time threats from enemies.
  • gameplay25 mentions

    The gameplay of "asciill" is a unique and innovative expansion of the classic minesweeper mechanics, incorporating elements from other genres like Pac-Man and Bomberman, along with special abilities and power-ups. While some players appreciate the added complexity and engaging sci-fi storyline, others feel that the new mechanics do not significantly enhance the experience, expressing a desire for more interesting level design. Overall, the game offers a mix of challenging gameplay and appealing visuals, though opinions on its execution vary.

    • “Sure, the basic mechanics are like minesweeper, but this is at such another level of complexity, interesting gameplay, and cool enemies.”
    • “In addition to the classic minesweeper gameplay, asciill adds new elements such as special abilities and power-ups, as well as an engaging storyline that immerses players in a sci-fi world of alien temples and ancient mysteries.”
    • “Overall, asciill is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a fresh take on the classic minesweeper formula, with challenging gameplay, innovative mechanics, and a rich sci-fi world to explore.”
    • “The added mechanics do not make Minesweeper that much more interesting.”
    • “I'm honestly not sure what would make it better. I personally was hoping that the crypt mechanic would be used to create really interesting level layouts, and it would be neat if there were keys and doors or something, but those additions would need to be backed up with interesting level design.”
    • “Sure, the basic mechanics are like Minesweeper, but this is at such another level of complexity, interesting gameplay, and cool enemies and stuff.”
  • graphics11 mentions

    The game's retro ASCII graphics are praised for their nostalgic charm and immersive presentation, effectively paying homage to classic DOS-style games. While some players appreciate the art style and visual effects, others criticize the clunky controls and gameplay mechanics that detract from the overall experience. Overall, the graphics contribute positively to the atmosphere, making it a visually appealing dungeon crawler despite its limitations.

    • “The game's retro-style graphics and atmospheric soundtrack also help to create a nostalgic and immersive experience that pays homage to classic minesweeper while offering something new and exciting for players.”
    • “Still, this is a fun dungeon crawler with outstanding graphics and music good enough for my kids to ask to buy its soundtrack.”
    • “Not recommended, though I dig the art style.”
    • “Even though the graphics are ASCII-based (thus limited), the presentation is gorgeous - coherent and with loads of visual effects.”
    • “Ascill asks 'what if Minesweeper had a retro graphics design, a throwback to DOS text-mode games, and was also more of an action game with time limits and moving enemies you have to deal with, too?' The answer is that the former would be cool, but that the latter mostly just makes it worse, especially given the strangely clunky and non-responsive controls.”
  • music9 mentions

    The music in the game is widely praised for its nostalgic and atmospheric qualities, enhancing the overall experience with a relaxing and fitting soundtrack that complements the retro-style graphics. Players appreciate the blend of classic influences and modern gameplay, noting that the music is enjoyable enough to appeal to all ages. Overall, it contributes significantly to the game's immersive and colorful environment.

    • “The game's retro-style graphics and atmospheric soundtrack also help to create a nostalgic and immersive experience that pays homage to classic minesweeper while offering something new and exciting for players.”
    • “The music is perfect - it's nice, relaxing and perfectly fits the game world, without being distracting.”
    • “Still, this is a fun dungeon crawler with outstanding graphics and music good enough for my kids to ask to buy its soundtrack.”
  • story3 mentions

    The story in asciill enhances the classic minesweeper gameplay by introducing an engaging sci-fi narrative filled with alien temples and ancient mysteries, complemented by special abilities and power-ups. Players find the storyline immersive, though enjoyment may vary among individuals.

    • “In addition to the classic minesweeper gameplay, asciill adds new elements such as special abilities and power-ups, as well as an engaging storyline that immerses players in a sci-fi world of alien temples and ancient mysteries.”
  • atmosphere3 mentions

    The game's retro-style graphics and atmospheric soundtrack effectively create a nostalgic and immersive experience, paying homage to classic minesweeper while introducing fresh elements. Although some players find the enemies annoying, they contribute to the overall atmosphere.

    • “The game's retro-style graphics and atmospheric soundtrack help to create a nostalgic and immersive experience that pays homage to classic Minesweeper while offering something new and exciting for players.”
    • “The enemies are often annoying, but they do add to the atmosphere.”
  • humor2 mentions

    The humor in the game is consistently described as funny and original, often delivering unexpected depth that enhances the overall experience.

    • “Funny, original, and a little bit deeper than you are expecting.”
  • replayability2 mentions

    The game offers strong replayability through random daily challenges, making it a compelling purchase, particularly at its low price point of $5.

    • “The replayability of random daily challenges makes this a must-buy, especially for just 5 bucks!”
    • “The variety of challenges keeps the game fresh and engaging, encouraging me to come back every day.”
    • “With so many different paths and outcomes, I find myself replaying the game just to see what I missed!”
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