Bars and Balance
- November 10, 2017
- Mykhail Konokh
Get on Steam"Bars and Balance" is a physics-based puzzle game where players control a bar to collect colored shapes while maintaining balance. Each level introduces new mechanics, such as teleportation and gravity shifts, adding complexity and challenge. The game features a minimalist art style and a soothing soundtrack, creating a calming and engaging atmosphere.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- Bars and Balance offers a relaxing atmosphere with soothing music and visually appealing pastel graphics.
- The game features 50 physics-based puzzles that encourage experimentation and problem-solving, making it enjoyable for casual puzzle fans.
- Each completed puzzle rewards players with achievements, adding a sense of accomplishment despite the game's simplicity.
- The game is very short, typically taking less than an hour to complete, which may leave players wanting more content.
- Many puzzles are considered too easy, with a lack of difficulty progression, leading to a feeling of boredom for some players.
- Technical issues and poor UI design, such as the inability to replay levels easily and inconsistent physics behavior, detract from the overall experience.
- music9 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The music in the game is generally described as soothing and calming, effectively complementing the gameplay with a consistent, relaxing track played throughout all levels. However, some players find the repetition of the same song across 50 levels to be monotonous, and the sound effects are criticized for being harsh and jarring, detracting from the overall experience. While the pastel colors and ambiance are appreciated, the overall "feel" of the game does not resonate with all players.
“The gameplay is complemented by soothing music and various colorful pieces that change color each time you start a stage.”
“The pastel colors were soothing and the music was pretty chill.”
“For each of the 50 levels, they play the same calming song alternating through a variety of pastel colors.”
“That same song, which I actually find quite relaxing, is played through all 50 levels.”
“For each of the 50 levels, as I've mentioned, they play the same calming song alternating through a variety of pastel colors.”
“I also found, next to the sort of dreamscape music, the sound made when you fail a level is harsh and jarring.”
- gameplay9 mentions
- 22 % positive mentions
- 44 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized by simple mechanics focused on removing blocks while maintaining structural stability, enhanced by soothing music and colorful visuals. While it offers an engaging and relaxing experience, some players found it too short and occasionally frustrating due to unclear solutions. Overall, it is a basic puzzle simulator that may appeal to those looking for a casual gaming experience, especially if purchased on sale.
“The gameplay is complemented by soothing music and various colorful pieces that change color each time you start a stage.”
“Simple gameplay, engaging, keeps the attention, very good for relaxing.”
“A pretty basic mechanics simulator, get it on sale.”
“No bells and whistles, just a simple mechanic of removing the required amount of pieces while keeping the structure stable.”
“The main and really only mechanic is to rotate the camera and remove a pre-defined number of blocks by clicking on them.”
- graphics6 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 17 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are characterized by a minimalistic and visually simple aesthetic that some players find appealing, though others note issues with low contrast that can make distinguishing elements difficult. Overall, the visuals contribute to a relaxing atmosphere, but their simplicity may not resonate with everyone.
“The music creates a soothing ambience and the graphics/UI are quite nice.”
“Visually simple but with an appealing aesthetic.”
“The visuals suffer from very low contrast, which makes blocks hard to distinguish, as outlines are only sometimes shown.”
“Bars and balance is a relaxing puzzle game with minimalistic graphics.”
“Neat physics-based puzzle, simple graphics, and very short (~1 hour to complete).”
- replayability3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -100 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Overall, the game has limited replayability, primarily due to its short duration of about half an hour. While some players may find value in exploring alternative solutions to puzzles, many reviewers express a lack of motivation to revisit the game.
“This game has significant replay value as it allows players to discover additional 'uncommon solutions' to the puzzles.”
“The variety of choices and outcomes makes each playthrough feel fresh and engaging.”
“With multiple paths and endings, I find myself coming back to explore different strategies and experiences.”
“The game has no replayability and is only half an hour long, so keep that in mind while purchasing.”
“I don't think I will ever go back to it, but even if I wanted to, the replayability is poor.”
“This does have some replay value to find, potentially, additional 'uncommon solutions' to the puzzles.”
- atmosphere3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is praised for its pleasant and relaxing qualities, reminiscent of beloved puzzle games like Polarium. Players appreciate the overall ambiance, which enhances their enjoyment of the gameplay experience.
“The atmosphere is nice, and it reminds me of one of my favorite puzzle games, Polarium.”
“I enjoyed this game and the relaxing atmosphere.”
- optimization1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Players have reported significant lag and stuttering issues, particularly when using lower-end hardware like the Intel HD 4000, indicating that the game's optimization may not be sufficient for older systems.
“Indeed, playing on an Intel HD 4000 leads to pretty bad lag and stuttering.”
“The game is poorly optimized, resulting in frequent frame drops and long loading times.”
“I experienced constant performance issues, even on mid-range hardware.”
