BasketBelle
- September 12, 2014
- Studio Bean
"BasketBelle" is a single-player Fantasy Platformer game that uses basketball as its core mechanic in unique ways throughout its 8 chapters. The game features a stunning story of a sister who must be saved, accompanied by masterful cardboard visuals and a dynamic soundtrack that is directly tied to the gameplay. With its wholesome story and innovative approach to the platformer genre, BasketBelle promises a memorable and enjoyable experience.
Reviews
- Unique gameplay mechanics that blend basketball with platforming elements, providing a refreshing experience.
- Stunning art style and dynamic soundtrack that enhance the whimsical atmosphere of the game.
- Heartwarming story centered around family, making it an emotionally engaging experience despite its short length.
- Very short playtime, typically under an hour, which may not justify the price for some players.
- Controls can feel clunky and unresponsive at times, leading to frustration during gameplay.
- Some levels may be overly simplistic or confusing, detracting from the overall experience.
- story36 mentions
- 39 % positive mentions
- 53 % neutral mentions
- 8 % negative mentions
The game's story revolves around a heartfelt quest of a boy trying to rescue his sister from a purple alien goo, emphasizing themes of family, love, and basketball. While the narrative is simple and charming, it is complemented by unique visuals and a pleasant atmosphere, making it a memorable experience despite some gameplay flaws. Overall, players appreciate the uplifting and wholesome nature of the story, even if some find it less impactful or coherent.
“The story is interesting and overall it's a good game for an evening.”
“This is a very beautiful game, both in sound, visuals, and the story it provides.”
“The plot is simple; you play as a boy in search of his sister, who was kidnapped by a purple alien goo.”
“As for the story, it was.. fine?”
“The story doesn't make a lot of sense, although it's still enjoyable.”
- gameplay30 mentions
- 20 % positive mentions
- 70 % neutral mentions
- 10 % negative mentions
The gameplay of *Basketbelle* is characterized by its unique blend of puzzle-platforming and basketball mechanics, offering a visually captivating and fluid experience. While the game features innovative mechanics and stylish visuals, some players noted issues with clunky controls and a lack of direction, leading to moments of frustration. Overall, the gameplay is praised for its creativity and charm, though it may feel short and occasionally repetitive.
“Each chapter dishes out surprises quicker than a rocket-propelled basketball, flipping familiar mechanics into bewildering feats.”
“With its captivating visuals, ingenious audioscape, and gameplay as unpredictable as a mystic 8-ball, Basketbelle unquestionably earns its place as a low-price gem in every gamer's collection.”
“The central theme of basketball-related gameplay is pretty interesting and makes for some neat game design ideas.”
“However, the gameplay falls apart because of the unresponsive, clunky controls.”
“To sum up my opinion, great visuals and music but the gameplay really ruined my experience.”
“Basketbelle tries to be different by switching these game modes over levels to make the gameplay look like it's nothing we've never seen before, but the issue here is that the way the game is built makes this extremely confusing.”
- graphics23 mentions
- 48 % positive mentions
- 39 % neutral mentions
- 13 % negative mentions
The graphics of "basketbelle" are widely praised for their unique and captivating art style, reminiscent of comic book visuals, which significantly enhances the overall gaming experience. The audio complements the visuals effectively, creating a harmonious atmosphere that elevates gameplay, despite the game's short length. Overall, players appreciate the striking presentation, though some feel that the gameplay may not fully match the quality of the graphics and sound.
“With its captivating visuals, ingenious audioscape, and gameplay as unpredictable as a mystic 8-ball, Basketbelle unquestionably earns its place as a low-price gem in every gamer's collection.”
“The graphics and audio of this game are incredibly well-made and showcase a unique and great-looking style that seems ripped from a comic book.”
“The best aspect of this game is its presentation: the cardboard visuals are very striking and the music is great as well.”
“It also doesn’t feature any graphical settings apart from the fullscreen/windowed mode selector.”
“The graphics and audio of this game are incredibly well-made and sort of a unique and great-looking style that seems ripped from a comic book, the game is unfortunately quite short and even if some segments can be pretty tough it won't keep you entertained for that much time...”
“The length is not enough to cavil about, but the controls might be enough to put off those not charmed by basketbelle’s winsome visuals and character.”
- music19 mentions
- 42 % positive mentions
- 42 % neutral mentions
- 16 % negative mentions
The music in the game is widely praised for its dynamic and atmospheric qualities, perfectly syncing with gameplay actions and enhancing the overall experience. Many players appreciate the charming and enjoyable soundtrack, with some tracks being memorable enough to warrant future listening. However, there are some criticisms regarding certain sound effects being overly loud, which detracts from the otherwise strong audio presentation.
“And let's not forget the dynamic soundtrack – it's not just an add-on; it's the conductor of this mesmerizing audiovisual circus.”
“With each dribble and shot, the music pirouettes in tune with your every step, pulling you further into this whirlwind of whimsy.”
“The soundtrack is on par with the visuals; the music always matches up with the action on screen perfectly.”
“To sum up my opinion, great visuals and music but the gameplay really ruined my experience.”
“Sound department has some issues; certain sound effects made my ears hurt because they were too loud and played too often. Other than that, I have to admit the idea of mixing the ball's hits with the music is clever and adds emotion to it.”
“If you like chiptune music, a couple of this game’s tracks might make it into your playlist.”
- emotional8 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted by its wholesome and touching story, which resonates with players through heartwarming moments and a familial narrative. Despite its simplicity and shorter length, it effectively evokes feelings and offers a comforting experience, akin to "chicken soup for the soul." Overall, it is praised for its ability to make players feel something meaningful amidst more intense gaming experiences.
“While simple, the story is still interesting and has lots of heartwarming moments.”
“Really nice game, quite short but it made me feel something and that means a lot to me.”
“At its heart, the familial narrative is touching and pleasant.”
- replayability3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -67 % neutral mentions
- 67 % negative mentions
The reviews present a mixed perspective on replayability, with some players finding the game lacking in replay value due to frustration and a trial-and-error final segment, while others believe it offers significant replay value. Overall, the consensus leans towards limited replayability, as many players express a desire not to revisit the game after completion.
“This game has so much replay value to it.”
“Every playthrough feels fresh and exciting, making me want to dive back in.”
“The variety of choices and outcomes keeps me coming back for more.”
“Very cute little game, I recommend everyone to play through it just once, as there is no replayability at all.”
“This game also has no replay value; by the end of the game, you'll be so frustrated with it you won't want to touch it again. The final segment isn't really fun; it's just trial and error that will keep you frustrated for at least 15 minutes, and the rest of the game doesn't encourage you to try it again either.”
- optimization2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The game's optimization is widely criticized, with users reporting poor performance and frustrating controls.
“Terrible optimization and the controls are even worse.”
- atmosphere2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is highly praised for its captivating art style and atmospheric soundtrack, which complement a light yet soulful narrative. Reviewers appreciate how these elements enhance the overall experience, making it a recommended title for players seeking an engaging ambiance.
“The art style, atmosphere, and story create an immersive experience that I would highly recommend.”
“Overall, the game features great art, an atmospheric soundtrack, a light yet soulful narrative, and simple but rewarding puzzles and basketball mechanics.”
- grinding2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be a comforting experience, likening it to "chicken soup for the soul," which helps them reconnect with their humanity after more demanding titles. However, some note that replaying the last chapter multiple times can become tedious.
“Only gripe is that replaying the last chapter three times is a bit tedious.”
- humor1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game transcends basketball, focusing on embracing the absurd and finding joy in illogical situations, encouraging players to laugh and let go of their worries.
“It's not merely about basketball; it's about embracing the unexpected, chuckling at logic's expense, and slam-dunking your worries into oblivion.”