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 has a fantastic atmosphere, effectively capturing feelings of alienation and social anxiety.
- It features a unique PS1 aesthetic with solid combat mechanics that enhance the overall experience.
- Despite its short length, the game provides an engaging and thought-provoking experience that resonates with players.
- The game feels more like a proof of concept or demo rather than a fully developed title, leading to a lack of depth and narrative.
- There is a fair amount of backtracking and time-wasting elements that detract from the overall experience.
- Some players found the combat mechanics frustrating and the game too short for its price, leaving them wanting more content.
- graphics16 mentions
- 56 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 19 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are widely praised for their effective use of the PS1 aesthetic, evoking nostalgia with low poly designs and a strong art style that enhances the horror atmosphere. Reviewers appreciate the combination of visuals and sound design, noting that while the graphics may not be deeply complex, they successfully create a creepy and engaging experience reminiscent of classic horror games. Overall, the retro aesthetic is seen as a highlight, contributing to the game's charm and appeal.
“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.”
- music10 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 30 % neutral mentions
- 30 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received overwhelmingly positive feedback, with many users praising its engaging and catchy quality. While some noted that the ending track felt out of place, the overall soundtrack is described as immersive and enjoyable, enhancing the game's aesthetic and experience.
“Aesthetic look sick and the music really bops.”
“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.”
- gameplay9 mentions
- 56 % positive mentions
- 11 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The gameplay of this short psychological horror game is characterized by basic yet solid mechanics, reminiscent of PS1 style, which many players find enjoyable and fun. While the combat is praised for its simplicity and potential for expansion, some reviewers express a desire for more developed gameplay elements. Overall, it offers a satisfying experience for its price, with no frustrating mechanics detracting from the enjoyment.
“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.”
- 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, it offers a captivating and atmospheric journey that enhances the gameplay.
“A short yet very atmospheric body horror PSX-style game.”
“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.”
- story7 mentions
- 29 % positive mentions
- 29 % neutral mentions
- 43 % negative mentions
The game's story is largely criticized for its lack of clarity and depth, with many players finding it either non-existent or too abstract to grasp. While some appreciate the ambiguity and minimalistic approach, others feel it leaves them confused and unsatisfied, ultimately detracting from the overall experience.
“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.”
“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.”
“I can't explain the story since I didn't understand it, but I can't recommend it enough.”
