Bacteria
- March 23, 2016
- Sometimes You
Get on Steam"Bacteria" is a puzzle game based on Conway's "Game of Life" cellular automaton. The goal is to add cells to a stable game field, aiming for a halted or cleared state after a few steps. You can add single points or use "Gliders" and "Lightweight Spaceships" patterns, with the difficulty level determining the allowed area for new cells. The game offers both colored and black and white modes.
Mac OS
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Reviews
- The game offers a unique and interesting concept based on Conway's Game of Life, providing over 30 levels that challenge players' skills in a relaxing setting.
- The ambient music enhances the overall experience, creating a calming atmosphere while playing.
- Some players found the game to be a source of joy and hope during difficult times, helping them to relax and find motivation.
- The game lacks a tutorial or clear instructions, leaving many players confused about how to play and achieve the objectives.
- Gameplay is often described as boring and frustrating, with a reliance on trial and error rather than strategic thinking.
- The sound design and menu navigation are criticized for being annoying and unappealing, detracting from the overall experience.
- music12 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 42 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The music in the game is widely praised for its calming and soothing qualities, enhancing the overall experience with its ambient and hypnotic tones. Many players find it relaxing enough to help them unwind, although some note that the gameplay itself may not be as tranquil as the soundtrack suggests. Overall, the music is considered a standout feature that significantly contributes to the game's atmosphere.
“The ambient music adds to the overall experience, creating a calming atmosphere while you play.”
“The music is fantastic and I should have bought the bundle to begin with.”
“The music is kind of hypnotic and soothing, but the game itself, even though called relaxing, isn't really.”
“The music is kinda hypnotic and soothing, but the game itself, even though called relaxing, isn't really.”
“I relaxed for 5 minutes listening to this music, long enough to realize that I would be okay.”
“It has some relaxing music.”
- graphics6 mentions
- 17 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are described as a muddy blend reminiscent of a microscope and CRT screen, which many find unappealing and unnecessary. While they align with the game's premise, the 4:3 aspect ratio and lack of windowed mode detract from the overall experience, making it feel outdated and uncomfortable for modern players. The horror-style visuals add an ironic twist, as prolonged play may induce frustration rather than immersion.
“Knowing the premise of the game, the graphics suit it just fine.”
“On top of that, the whole game runs in 4:3 with black bars on the sides (who has a 4:3 monitor in this day and age), windowed mode didn't work, and the graphics are this muddy mix of a microscope and a CRT screen that is just unappealing and unnecessary.”
“It actually has graphics styled more like a horror game, which is ironic considering you'd probably go mad if you played this for longer than an hour.”
- gameplay6 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 67 % negative mentions
Gameplay has received mixed reviews, with many players finding it boring and lacking clear direction due to the absence of a tutorial. The navigation of menus is also criticized as cumbersome, and the "try things and see what happens" approach does not resonate well with those who prefer structured puzzle-solving. However, players appreciate the developer's openness to feedback.
“The game was okay initially, but the menus are hard to navigate and the gameplay is boring, and it doesn't help that there is no tutorial.”
“I still don't like how the gameplay works. The developer says this is a 'try things and see what happens' kind of game, and I don't like this approach; it bores me.”
“When I play a puzzle game, I need to know what I'm doing, or at least what I should achieve; that's the heart of puzzle gameplay!”
- story2 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The story conveys a powerful message about resilience and the unpredictability of life, emphasizing that perseverance in the face of adversity can lead to unexpected and rewarding outcomes.
“The moral of the story is that you never know what life has in store for you. If I had given up when all odds were against me, I wouldn't be where I am today.”
- atmosphere2 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is enhanced by its ambient music, which contributes to a calming and immersive experience for players.
“The ambient music adds to the overall experience, creating a calming atmosphere while you play.”
- grinding2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players generally view grinding positively, particularly for game farming, as it allows for resource accumulation and character progression. This aspect is often seen as a rewarding experience for those who enjoy repetitive tasks to enhance their gameplay.
