Barbotine
- February 21, 2024
- Alex Rassloff
Get on Steam
Get on itch.io Store"Barbotine" is a short, horror action game that can be played for free or donated to on itch.io. The single-player game features 7 levels of progressively distorting environments and a tense melee combat system against a unique enemy. The game also includes the feature to dig a big hole and features music sampled from freesound.org. The game is designed to be completed in one sitting, with minimal replay value and no save system.
PC
Windows
PlayStation
Reviews
- The game features a unique and atmospheric PSX-style aesthetic that effectively conveys a sense of isolation and eeriness.
- Combat mechanics are surprisingly fun and satisfying, adding an engaging layer to the short experience.
- Despite its brevity, the game successfully captures themes of social anxiety and body horror, making it a thought-provoking experience.
- The game is very short, taking only about 15-20 minutes to complete, which may leave players wanting more content.
- The ending feels unresolved and anti-climactic, leaving some players dissatisfied with the narrative closure.
- Combat mechanics can be frustrating due to poor timing windows, which may detract from the overall enjoyment of the game.
- graphics18 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 17 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are widely praised for their effective use of the PS1 aesthetic, creating a nostalgic and atmospheric experience that enhances the horror elements. Reviewers appreciate the low-poly art style and the overall visual design, noting that it successfully evokes a sense of creepiness and nostalgia, despite the game's short length. While some mention a lack of depth in gameplay, the visuals and sound design contribute positively to the overall experience.
“Game nails the aesthetic.”
“I love the PSX-style graphics.”
“The retro aesthetic was really nice, one of the more enjoyable choices of textures that I have seen recently, even the darkness distance was used nicely which I don't see very often, with a few good psychological effects like making the previous location different.”
“The visuals are base level horror: body, blood, your character slowly going mad.”
“The aesthetic and atmosphere was done really well, but due to the whole thing being completable in under 20 minutes, I would recommend getting this one on sale.”
“I am a huge fan of low poly horror and grew up with the style of PSone era graphics on display here.”
- music11 mentions
- 45 % positive mentions
- 27 % neutral mentions
- 27 % negative mentions
The music in the game is widely praised for its engaging themes and high-quality production, with many reviewers noting that it enhances the overall experience. While some found the ending track to be somewhat out of place, the majority agree that the soundtrack is enjoyable and memorable, contributing significantly to the game's aesthetic and atmosphere. Overall, the music is described as catchy and immersive, effectively complementing the gameplay.
“Great themes, art, and music with surprisingly fun and satisfying combat.”
“Aesthetic look sick and the music really bops.”
“The soundtrack was surprisingly good.”
“Ending music was kind of out of place, but it was nice.”
“[spoiler] until that soundtrack hits, seriously, why?”
“The music sucks you in and doesn't let go.”
- atmosphere10 mentions
- 80 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 20 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its rich, eerie aesthetic, drawing strong influences from classic horror titles like Silent Hill. Reviewers highlight its ability to create chills through art style and environmental design, making it a compelling experience despite its short length. Overall, the combination of spooky elements and engaging gameplay contributes to a memorable atmospheric experience.
“Great atmosphere, fun, spooky, pretty, and just challenging enough.”
“The environment is atmospheric, drawing influence from the classic Silent Hill series.”
“The atmosphere is super eerie, added to by the retro style (Silent Hill anyone?), but then it hits you with a dope combat system too.”
“The aesthetic and atmosphere were done really well, but due to the whole thing being completable in under 20 minutes, I would recommend getting this one on sale.”
“The atmosphere had chills running down my spine very frequently due to the art style and sequence of events, and the combat was simple and fun, a perfect choice for the length of the game.”
- gameplay10 mentions
- 60 % positive mentions
- 10 % neutral mentions
- 30 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized by simple yet enjoyable mechanics, particularly in combat, which many players found solid and promising despite the game's short length. While some users appreciated the straightforward design and lack of frustrating elements, there is a desire for more developed gameplay features to enhance the overall experience. Overall, it offers a fun psychological horror experience at an affordable price.
“Honestly, I think the combat mechanics are so solid that they could easily be expanded into a longer game.”
“Simple but fun gameplay.”
“The combat mechanics are so solid that they could easily be expanded into a longer game.”
“The fighting mechanics, although the game is short, are pretty solid and fun.”
“There weren't any annoying mechanics or in-your-face storytelling.”
- story8 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 38 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
The game's story is described as a brief and somewhat abstract experience, with some players finding it creepy yet lacking in clear narrative or message. While some appreciate the ambiguity and implied storytelling, others feel it leaves them confused and without a solid understanding of the plot. Overall, the story is seen as minimal and open to interpretation, which may appeal to some but frustrate others.
“While the goals set before you are fairly straightforward, the story itself is a bit more abstract and implied.”
“The ending and the plot felt completely ambiguous, which can be a good thing sometimes. However, in this case, I thought there would be something to at least speculate on. As it stands, I have no clue what the game was about, even though I was interested in the events.”
“Eventually there is some combat (right click to stun enemies, left click to kill them once stunned), but there's little to no story, let alone even a shred of some kind of narrative or message.”
“I can't explain the story since I didn't understand it, but I can't recommend it enough.”
“The ending and the plot felt completely ambiguous which is a good thing sometimes, but in this case, I thought you would give me something to at least speculate; as it stands, I have no clue what the game was about, even though I was interested in the events.”
- emotional1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players find the game effectively evokes feelings of unease, contributing positively to the emotional experience, though some express a desire for a longer duration to deepen that emotional impact.
“The game made me feel uneasy, which is good, but it would be cool if it were a bit longer.”
