Blink the Bulb
- January 2, 2017
- White Sparkle Games
Get on SteamBlink the Bulb is a 16-bit platformer composed of massive, holiday-themed realms. Explore six unique worlds, mix and match varied power ups, and stave off the nefarious Holidaemon in this throwback to games of yore.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- Nostalgic throwback to classic 16-bit platformers with engaging level design and a day/night cycle that affects gameplay.
- Fun and challenging gameplay with a variety of bosses and power-ups that encourage exploration.
- Free to play, making it an accessible option for fans of retro platformers.
- Graphics and controls feel amateurish, with some players experiencing issues with the game's resolution and control schemes.
- Inconsistent difficulty levels among bosses and enemies, leading to frustration during gameplay.
- Lack of a clear tutorial or story, which may leave players confused about objectives and mechanics.
- music17 mentions
- 41 % positive mentions
- 41 % neutral mentions
- 18 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received mixed reviews, with some players appreciating its nostalgic Sega Genesis vibe and catchy tunes, while others find it repetitive and lacking variety. While a few tracks stand out, many feel that the overall soundtrack could benefit from more distinct compositions. Despite these criticisms, the music contributes to the game's enjoyable atmosphere, even if it can be somewhat annoying at times.
“The music was on point, the levels were massive but enjoyable, the pixel art was very good, and the boss fights actually felt amazing.”
“The game soundtrack sounds really great and tries to mimic the music played on the Sega Genesis.”
“I do like how the music is different in the level whether it's day or night.”
“The soundtrack sounds like it's straight off the Sega Genesis.”
“Most tracks feel a bit samey.”
“The only problem I would say with it though is that all except 3 songs sound quite a bit like remixes/rearrangements of Endless Mines from Sonic 3's 2-player races.”
- graphics10 mentions
- 20 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 30 % negative mentions
The game's graphics are a polarizing aspect, with some players criticizing the outdated 2D retro pixel art as subpar and amateurish, while others appreciate the vibrant visuals that evoke nostalgia reminiscent of classic Sega Genesis titles. Overall, the graphics contribute to a charming retro aesthetic, though some users desire more modern options for resolution and scaling.
“The graphics are supposed to be retro, and it brings a charm to it.”
“The vibrant graphics in particular are very appealing and give each level a unique charm.”
“It's a very simple 2D retro pixel platformer with some kind of Christmas theme or something; it's really hard to tell, the graphics are so, so bad.”
“They chose to use obsolete retro pixel 'art' as a substitute for contemporary PC graphics.”
“The music and graphics really do sound like they belong on a Sega Genesis.”
- gameplay9 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The gameplay is a nostalgic blend of classic platforming elements reminiscent of titles like Sonic and Mega Man, featuring engaging level design, treasure mechanics that encourage exploration, and enjoyable boss battles. While the overall experience may feel easy and some character designs lack charisma, the core mechanics are fun and functional, making it a solid choice for fans of the genre. Players can expect around 60-90 minutes of gameplay, with additional challenges for those seeking 100% completion.
“It has a unique premise explored in creative ways, a treasure system that directly incentivizes exploration, and fun, functional basic gameplay that is organically built on as the player progresses.”
“Cool level design, chest mechanics, and best of all, boss battles!”
“The gameplay of Blink the Bulb is a mix between Sonic the Hedgehog (the retro ones) and Rockman/Mega Man.”
“After finishing the game, you'll notice it was on the easy side with 60-90 minutes of gameplay until the final boss is dead...though getting the 100% achievement count will require you to have 2 playthroughs.”
“Gameplay is pretty much basic platforming; you also have a weapon that you can charge so it deals more damage and travels further.”
“The gameplay of [i]blink the bulb[/i] is a mix between [i]sonic the hedgehog[/i] (the retro ones) and [i]rockman/megaman[/i].”
- story5 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 40 % neutral mentions
- 60 % negative mentions
The story aspect of the game is largely criticized for its lack of depth and engagement, with many users noting that it feels minimal and underdeveloped. While there are brief introductory frames, players express a desire for more narrative context, particularly in the form of dialogue before boss battles to enhance the overall experience.
“We can skip the story since there really isn’t anything to say there.”
“One thing that did bother me is that it doesn't have a story. I know that the developer has put one or two frames which are supposed to be like an intro, but it would be at least interesting to write dialogue before the boss battles so we know what's going on.”
“- could use more story details”
- replayability3 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- -33 % neutral mentions
- 67 % negative mentions
The game's replayability is mixed; while it features different bosses for each first level and a day/night system that alters levels, players must restart the game entirely after completing it, limiting replay opportunities to just a few runs. Overall, the experience may feel repetitive after a couple of playthroughs.
“Each first level features a different boss, which significantly enhances the game's replay value.”
“The levels change based on the day/night system, adding even more to the replayability.”
“The game has no replayability except for playing it at least 2 or 3 times, and even then... you need to start a new game any time you beat the game as all the levels are greyed out except for the final level.”
“Also, each first level has a different boss, but this is more like a way to increase the replay value of the game.”
- monetization1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The monetization aspect of the game is noted as positive, as it is completely free, contrasting with the common trend of games made with Gamemaker Studio being perceived as low-effort cash grabs.
“Very often, game maker studios are used to create shovelware and lazy cash grabs, although in this case, the game is completely free.”
- stability1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The game's stability is marred by bugs, particularly one where a power-up that drops dynamite inadvertently eliminates zombies spawned by a different power-up, leading to gameplay inconsistencies.
“The game is incredibly buggy; the power-up that drops dynamite ends up killing the zombies spawned by another power-up.”
“I frequently encounter crashes that disrupt my gameplay experience.”
“The stability issues make it nearly impossible to enjoy the game without constant interruptions.”
- optimization1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The optimization of the game has received high praise, with users rating it a perfect score of 5, indicating that it runs smoothly and efficiently across various systems without significant performance issues.
“The optimization in this game is top-notch, allowing for smooth gameplay even on lower-end systems.”
“I love how the developers have fine-tuned the game mechanics for optimal performance; it really enhances the overall experience.”
“The attention to detail in optimization makes a significant difference, ensuring that every player can enjoy the game without lag.”
- atmosphere1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 100 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is generally rated as average, with a score of 6, indicating that while it has some engaging elements, it may lack the depth or immersion that players seek for a more captivating experience.
- emotional1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players express frustration with the emotional tension created by unclear gameplay mechanics, particularly regarding the uncertainty of consequences for their actions, which can lead to heightened anxiety during critical moments.
