Barbotine
- February 21, 2024
- Alex Rassloff
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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.
Reviews
- The game features a fantastic PS1 aesthetic, with great themes, art, and music that enhance the overall atmosphere.
- Combat mechanics are surprisingly fun and satisfying, adding an engaging layer to the gameplay.
- It effectively conveys feelings of isolation and anxiety, making for a thought-provoking and immersive experience.
- The game is very short, lasting only about 15-20 minutes, which may leave players wanting more content.
- Some players found the combat system frustrating, particularly due to its timing mechanics and lack of depth.
- The narrative is somewhat ambiguous and lacks substantial lore, leading some to feel it resembles more of a proof of concept than a fully developed game.
- graphics16 mentions
- 56 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 19 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are widely praised for their nostalgic PS1 aesthetic, featuring low poly designs that evoke a sense of retro horror reminiscent of classic titles. Reviewers appreciate the art style and atmosphere, noting that it effectively contributes to the game's creepy vibe, despite some criticism regarding the overall depth and substance. Overall, the visuals are considered a strong point, enhancing the game's appeal to fans of the genre.
“The game nails the aesthetic.”
“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.”
“I am a huge fan of low poly horror and grew up with the style of PSone era graphics on display here.”
“The PS1 aesthetic is nostalgic.”
- 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, enhancing the overall experience with catchy and immersive tracks. While some players noted that certain pieces, particularly the ending music, felt out of place, the majority found the soundtrack to be a standout feature that complements the game's aesthetic and combat. Overall, the music is described as fun, satisfying, and integral to the game's appeal.
“Great themes, art, and music with surprisingly fun and satisfying combat.”
“The soundtrack was surprisingly good.”
“Loved the premise, the execution, the music, and the overall feel of the game.”
“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.”
- 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 fun despite the game's short length. While the basic gameplay aligns with its PS1 style, there is a desire for more developed elements, suggesting potential for expansion into a longer experience. Overall, it offers a satisfying experience for its price, appealing to fans of psychological horror.
“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.”
“It was very short, but for $2.99, it's a great help to the developer; 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 minimal and abstract, with some players finding it creepy yet engaging, while others criticize its lack of clarity and narrative depth. Although the plot is implied rather than explicitly told, it leaves many feeling confused and unsatisfied, despite the game's low price point. Overall, the storytelling approach seems to evoke mixed reactions, with some appreciating the ambiguity and others desiring a more coherent narrative.
“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.”
- atmosphere7 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its engaging and spooky qualities, drawing inspiration from classic horror titles like Silent Hill. Reviewers highlight its effective body horror elements, appealing art style, and a balance of fun and challenge, creating a rich and immersive experience despite some noting it isn't particularly scary. Overall, the game's atmosphere is described as captivating and well-executed, contributing significantly to its appeal.
“The environment is atmospheric, drawing influence from the classic Silent Hill series.”
“A short-but-sweet light-horror experience, with a rich atmosphere and a simple but challenging combat system that doesn't overstay its welcome.”
“Good atmosphere, good pace, nice art style/graphics.”
