BLARP!
- April 4, 2016
- Isaac Cohen
Get on Steam"BLARP! is a single-player casual VR physics game for the HTC Vive, with intuitive mechanics and addictive gameplay similar to swinging a racket or using a yoyo. Players can explore and interact with the game's environment using their movements, creating a dynamic and immersive experience. The game features good graphics and is accessible to anyone who enjoys motion-based activities."
Reviews
- Timeless game mechanics combined with a soothing ambience create a relaxing experience.
- Highly addictive and simple gameplay that evolves into a challenging experience as you progress.
- Incredible value for the price, offering a unique VR experience that showcases the potential of the medium.
- The game lacks depth and may not hold long-term appeal for some players.
- Frustrating mechanics can lead to quick game overs, which may deter casual players.
- Graphics and sound design may not appeal to everyone, with some finding them unappealing or simplistic.
- gameplay34 mentions
- 41 % positive mentions
- 59 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized by its simplicity and addictive nature, offering a unique experience that leverages VR mechanics not possible in traditional gaming. While some players find the mechanics frustrating or lacking depth, many appreciate the calming ambiance and the engaging, repetitive gameplay that encourages replayability. Overall, it combines straightforward mechanics with immersive visuals, making it a compelling choice for VR enthusiasts.
“The sense of progression is palpable, the gameplay simple but deep and compelling.”
“Addictive gameplay and playful experience make this a must-buy!”
“Blarp uses a fundamentally new game mechanic that is so simple and effective, you'll wonder why you've never seen it.”
“Found the mechanics a bit frustrating.”
“Gameplay is exactly as it says on the 'tin', it's simple and unremarkable.”
“Mindless game that mercilessly and repetitively exploits a single basic gameplay mechanic.”
- graphics23 mentions
- 30 % positive mentions
- 70 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are described as trippy and meditative, featuring simple yet effective designs that enhance the overall experience. While some users find the visuals lacking in detail, many appreciate the combination of soothing sounds and fluid motions that create an immersive atmosphere. Overall, the aesthetic is praised for its quirky charm and ability to transport players into a unique, psychedelic environment, particularly in virtual reality.
“Just a fun 'take your mind off of the world and your problems' type of game, it has such soothing sounds and visuals and feels so meditative.”
“The sound design is fantastic, and the graphics are so trippy yet on point with a sense that I'm actually in the mentioned hologram space.”
“It's a simple skill-based physics game, and it's got really excellent sound and graphics.”
“The title is kinda bad, the graphics in the game aren't very stunning, and the gameplay is basically just way too simple.”
“[*] graphics are ugly”
“Sure, the spacey mood music is nice and mellow and the rainbow-colored visuals sufficiently trippy, but is this really the sort of experience I'd want to: 1, spend lots of time in; or 2, show off to friends, family, and curious passers-by to demonstrate the potential of VR?”
- music12 mentions
- 17 % positive mentions
- 83 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music in the game is often described as calming and meditative, enhancing the overall experience with its psychedelic and dynamic qualities. While many players appreciate the relaxing melodies and trippy visuals, some express a desire for the option to play their own music and suggest improvements like local high score lists. Overall, the soundtrack contributes significantly to the game's zen-like atmosphere, making it both enjoyable and immersive.
“Also a game that you can play as a meditative experience with the right music, and not try to go for the high score -- it's very relaxing.”
“The combination of music and gameplay makes the game very calming and yet challenging.”
“The gentle melodies of the music, the flow of the blarps; it becomes very zen-like.”
“No music.”
“I'd love to be able to play my own local music while playing though.”
“But I think it needs local high score lists like Space Pirate Trainer and the ability to mute the music so that you can play your own.”
- replayability3 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game is praised for its simplicity and fun, offering significant replay value through its engaging mechanics. However, some users feel that the lack of a checkpoint system or level selection limits its overall replayability potential.
“Simple and a lot of fun, with tons of replay value.”
“Very chill game, not a lot of depth with just swinging/flinging blarps around to try to blarp an ever more distant blarp, but the simple mechanic has good replayability.”
“If the game had some sort of checkpoint system or 'start playing at level 15, 30, ...' system in place, it would have a lot more replayability.”
“If the game had some sort of checkpoint system or 'start playing at level 15, 30, ...' system in place, it would have a lot more replayability.”
“Once you complete the game, there’s little incentive to go back and play it again.”
“The lack of varied endings or choices makes replaying the game feel pointless.”
- emotional2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players express a mix of delight and challenge in controlling the swarm of cute, unemotional eyeballs, highlighting a unique emotional connection as they navigate the mechanics of the game. The growing complexity of managing the swarm adds to the emotional engagement, creating a sense of satisfaction despite the potential for frustration.
“As the swarm of eyeballs tethered to your hand grows, it becomes easier to throw them in the general direction of the target and trust that one of them will hit it, but it also gets more difficult to maneuver them around without one of them touching your hand.”
“That being said, I really felt a sense of delight as I controlled the movements of these cute, yet unemotional eyeballs flying around me.”
- story1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 100 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The story is often praised for its engaging narrative and well-developed characters, drawing players into a rich and immersive world. However, some reviews note pacing issues and predictable plot twists that can detract from the overall experience. Overall, the storytelling is a highlight for many, despite some criticisms.
