Beam
- April 12, 2019
- BinaryImpact
- 8h median play time
Get on Steam
Get on itch.io Store"Beam is a single-player Science Fiction Platformer game with stunning visuals and challenging precision platforming. As Captain Martin, you must escape a crashing spaceship using your intelligent escape pod, MARBLE, manipulating light beams and solving puzzles. With witty character interactions and a rich backstory, help this duo survive in a beautifully destroyed sci-fi environment."
PC
Windows
Reviews
- Beam offers a unique and challenging gameplay experience with clever mechanics involving light beams and physics, reminiscent of classic platformers.
- The game features beautiful visuals, engaging level design, and a humorous story that keeps players entertained throughout their journey.
- The developers are actively involved in improving the game based on player feedback, which enhances the overall experience and shows their commitment to quality.
- The controls can be frustrating, especially when using a keyboard and mouse, making precision difficult and leading to repeated failures.
- Some players have reported issues with the game's checkpoint system, which can lead to significant loss of progress after dying.
- The game can be overly challenging for some, with steep difficulty spikes that may deter less experienced players from progressing.
- graphics15 mentions
- 80 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 20 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are generally praised for their quality, with many reviewers noting that they can compete with modern AAA titles, especially considering the game is from a new indie developer. While some mention that the visuals are not the primary selling point, they still highlight the beautiful and lovingly designed levels, alongside impressive sound design. Overall, the graphics contribute positively to the game's appeal, enhancing the challenging puzzle and platforming elements.
“Great graphics and very clever story/tasks... highly recommended!”
“Very nice graphics, lovingly designed levels.”
“This next point is my own personal experience: due to the low CPU power of my computer, the game lags when I play and stream in low graphics.”
“The graphics can compete with many of today's AAA games, and when you consider that this is a new indie developer, it's really impressive.”
“Visuals can easily compete with modern AAA games.”
- gameplay11 mentions
- 45 % positive mentions
- 27 % neutral mentions
- 27 % negative mentions
The gameplay is generally well-received, featuring a mix of challenging obstacles and unique mechanics that enhance the experience. Players appreciate the gradual introduction of elements like colored beams, which aid in learning the game’s mechanics, while the physics and character responsiveness contribute to the overall enjoyment. However, some feel that the core platform puzzles could be more engaging, despite the game’s hardcore nature and immersive environment.
“I found the use of the yellow, red, green, and purple beams, gradually introduced as the levels progressed, helped with learning the mechanics.”
“What really makes or breaks a platformer is, of course, the gameplay, the physics, and the responsiveness of the character.”
“Backed up by the gloomy environment of the crashed spaceship which you try to escape, the game will undoubtedly provide you with hours of nail-biting, fun, and exciting gameplay.”
“What really makes or breaks a platformer is of course the gameplay, the physics, and the responsiveness of the character.”
“The game is pretty hardcore, and, alas, this is not achieved by the main gameplay mechanics - platform puzzles, they are just fine.”
“The gameplay is easily explained: you roll a ball, you spray fog towards light beams with different properties and you navigate through the levels.”
- humor11 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game's humor is widely praised, with players highlighting its genuinely funny characters and witty dialogue reminiscent of the Portal series. The combination of humorous backstory elements, engaging cutscenes, and clever gameplay mechanics contributes to an overall entertaining experience that enhances the challenge and visual appeal.
“The story is funny on its own and so are the characters (funny as in actually funny, not annoying!).”
“Very fun game, great soundtrack, challenging levels, and hilarious sense of humor!”
“The dialogue between the marble and the captain is very funny and reminds me of the Portal series.”
- story5 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game features a humorous and engaging story centered around the protagonist Martin and his AI companion, M.A.R.B.L.E., which adds depth to the gameplay experience. Players appreciate the clever narrative and entertaining characters, complemented by visually appealing graphics and enjoyable cutscenes. Overall, the story is well-received and enhances the game's challenge and fun.
“If you like games like Celeste, maybe also a bit like Clustertruck, just give it a try. This game is not only a challenge for players but also offers a great story around Martin and his escape pod AI 'M.A.R.B.L.E.' - and yeah, it's fun to walk/roll on light.”
“The story is funny on its own and so are the characters (funny as in actually funny, not annoying!).”
“Also offers funny backstory pieces and cutscenes.”
- music5 mentions
- 80 % positive mentions
- -40 % neutral mentions
- 60 % negative mentions
The music in the game is widely praised for its great fit with the levels, enhancing the overall experience with a stunning soundtrack. Reviewers highlight the professional dubbing and high-quality graphics, contributing to the game's fun and engaging atmosphere.
“The music is great and fits in the levels you play through.”
“Very fun game, great soundtrack, challenging levels, and hilarious sense of humor!”
“The music in the game is stunning and the visuals are really good.”
“The music is forgettable and lacks any real impact.”
“I almost forgot about the music; it just doesn't stand out.”
“The sound design is underwhelming and fails to enhance the experience.”
- grinding1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be thrilling and memorable, particularly highlighted by intense moments such as being pursued by a tunnel boring machine, which adds a sense of urgency and excitement to the gameplay.
