Ballpoint Universe: Infinite
- December 17, 2013
- Arachnid Games
Get on SteamBallpoint Universe: Infinite is a unique platformer adventure game where you build your own levels using a ballpoint pen. Explore a hand-drawn universe, solve puzzles, and unlock new abilities as you journey through an ever-changing world. With a variety of challenges and secrets to uncover, Ballpoint Universe: Infinite offers a creative and engaging experience.
iPad
iPhone
Mac OS
PC
Phone
Windows
Linux
Mobile Platform
Wii
Wii U
Reviews
- The game features a unique and beautiful art style, entirely drawn in ballpoint pen, which creates a charming and immersive atmosphere.
- Gameplay combines engaging shoot 'em up mechanics with interesting ship customization options, allowing for a variety of playstyles and strategies.
- Despite some minor bugs and control issues, the game offers enjoyable and addictive gameplay, making it a great value for its price.
- The platforming sections are often frustrating due to awkward controls and imprecise mechanics, detracting from the overall experience.
- The story is relatively short and lacks depth, which may leave players wanting more content and narrative engagement.
- Some players have reported bugs that can disrupt gameplay, such as getting stuck in objects or issues with achievements not unlocking.
- graphics49 mentions
- 47 % positive mentions
- 47 % neutral mentions
- 6 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are widely praised for their unique hand-drawn art style, reminiscent of ballpoint pen sketches, which creates a charming and immersive atmosphere. While some players noted minor issues with clarity and overlapping backgrounds, the overall aesthetic is considered breathtaking and adds significant value to the gameplay experience. Many reviewers highlight the artwork as a standout feature, making the game visually appealing and worth the price.
“The artwork is amazing and keeps awing me, giving the game a very unique atmosphere that I really enjoy.”
“This game offers a very unique graphic style (completely hand drawn in ballpoint pen) and mixes platforming with space combat for an entertaining package well worth the sub $5 asking price.”
“The graphics are so detailed, and you can really see how much love and passion has gone into making the game.”
“I don't know if this is also a bug or if it's part of the game's graphical design, but in rare cases, during the transitions from one background to another (when you're crossing bridges), there seems to be some sort of overlapping error between two transitioning backgrounds.”
“The game is graphically pleasing with the entire universe being drawn out of ballpoint pen; however, there is a sharpness lacking at 1366x768 resolution.”
“Clever visuals wasted on a boring game, waste of talent.”
- story48 mentions
- 19 % positive mentions
- 75 % neutral mentions
- 6 % negative mentions
The game's story is generally described as simple and concise, with some players finding it enjoyable and easy to follow, while others feel it lacks depth and complexity. Although the narrative may not be groundbreaking, it complements the engaging gameplay and charming art style, making it suitable for casual play. Overall, the story serves its purpose without overwhelming players, but those seeking a more intricate plot may find it lacking.
“The story is complex and will absorb you with little to no trouble despite how concise it is.”
“The world is gorgeous, the characters are likeable, the story is thoughtful, and the gameplay is way more fun than I thought it would be.”
“If I were to try and explain the story, I would probably say that it is basically about a doodle who is helping his fellow doodles in the fight against the evil doodles, which in the game are called logicians.”
“The story mode is short (it took me 3 hours to get gold on every level) and the plot itself is fairly simple.”
“As for the story, there is some, but for hardcore story fans, it might be too little of it. This isn't the kind of game that would need a really heavy story.”
“The story is so-so, and the platforming elements between worlds were frustrating and easy to get lost in -- but the core gameplay is solid, with a unique twist on the genre in the way melee and shields are included in your arsenal of weapons.”
- gameplay32 mentions
- 41 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 9 % negative mentions
The gameplay is generally described as simple yet enjoyable, combining elements of 2D platforming and shoot 'em up mechanics, making it accessible for casual players. While some reviewers noted frustrations with controls and the platforming sections, the core gameplay is praised for its charm, challenge, and engaging mechanics, appealing particularly to indie game enthusiasts. Overall, it offers a fun experience with beautiful visuals and a low price point, though it may not be groundbreaking.
“This game is awesome with amazing gameplay, beautiful art style, easy to follow story; overall it's a great shoot 'em up.”
“The gameplay is a mix of 2D adventure platforming and a shoot 'em up.”
“The fun gameplay, well-crafted story, and low price make this game a wise purchase for indie game enthusiasts.”
“The gameplay itself might not be very varied or complicated, and at times I've wondered whether it can really be all there is to the game.”
“I wish there was more to do between levels in the platforming environment; it feels a bit like a very complex menu system to drive the side-scrolling shooter gameplay.”
“The controls aren't very good; the character slips and slides across the ground, and you will quickly discover that the real challenge during these sections is mastering the floaty gameplay.”
- music15 mentions
- 73 % positive mentions
- 7 % neutral mentions
- 20 % negative mentions
The music in the game is widely praised for its lovely, cute, and relaxing qualities, perfectly complementing the art style and gameplay. While some reviewers noted a lack of variety in the tracks, the soundtrack's electronic elements and overall charm enhance the game's atmosphere, making it a standout feature. Overall, the music is considered one of the game's strongest aspects, contributing significantly to the player's experience.
“The music is lovely and cute, and yes, this game does have an interesting plot as well.”
“Characters have amazing personality and the music is fantastic.”
“The cool electronic soundtrack could even be sold separately.”
“Not very much variety in the enemies, NPCs, or music.”
“I however wish there was better sound options here; one slider for music and one for effects would be nice, both from a gaming perspective and for YouTube (content ID issues).”
“The music, while being the game's strongest aspect, drives home the relaxed pace of these levels.”
- replayability5 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 60 % negative mentions
The game offers significant replayability despite its relatively short length, primarily through achievements and an infinite mode that encourages repeated play. While some players note a degree of repetitiveness, the engaging art style and soundtrack enhance the overall experience, making it enjoyable to revisit.
“It is relatively short, but has great replay value.”
“Plenty of replayability if you want to get each and every achievement, as long as you don't mind some repetitiveness.”
“The game's infinite mode is where all the replay value lies.”
“I guess that makes for some replayability.”
- stability3 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game exhibits minor glitches and bugs, particularly with achievements and platforming mechanics, which can detract from the overall experience. While players see potential in the game, they express a desire for the developer to address these stability issues and consider future improvements or new content.
“There are some minor glitches, and I'd love to know if the developer is working on improvements and/or additional levels (or a whole new title!).”
“However, the only issue I have with this game is the needless platforming. Since you move with the mouse in and out of the ship, platforming precisely has become an immense pain. The achievements are a little buggy too; sometimes they don't even appear when you complete a mission perfectly.”
“Ballpoint Universe has a lot of potential, but the game is buggy.”
- atmosphere2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is praised for its incredible uniqueness, enhanced by stunning artwork that consistently captivates players. This distinctive ambiance significantly contributes to the overall enjoyment of the game.
“Incredibly unique atmosphere.”
“The artwork is amazing and keeps awing me; it gives the game a very unique atmosphere that I really enjoy.”
