Bliss
- December 8, 2014
- Oruji Productions
- 8h median play time
Get on SteamIn Bliss you are a shadow trapped in a strange world constructed from someone's memories. The world is infected with dark creatures that you have to remove before you can proceed. To your disposal you have a boomerang and a stopwatch that can freeze time.
Reviews
- The game features a unique art style and a touching storyline that resonates with players.
- It offers a blend of platforming and puzzle-solving mechanics that can be both challenging and rewarding.
- The music and ambiance contribute to a relaxing atmosphere, enhancing the overall experience.
- The gameplay can be frustrating due to the need for precise timing and execution, which may deter some players.
- The requirement for mouse and keyboard controls can be awkward and may not suit all players, especially those accustomed to controllers.
- The game lacks customization options and settings, such as fullscreen mode, which can hinder immersion.
- gameplay16 mentions
- 19 % positive mentions
- 63 % neutral mentions
- 19 % negative mentions
The gameplay of the game is a mixed bag, featuring novel mouse-based control mechanics that can lead to a "floaty" jumping experience, which some players find frustrating while others enjoy. It combines precision platforming with puzzle-solving elements across diverse scenes, offering enriching moments despite the occasional frustration. Overall, the gameplay's unique mechanics and level design contribute to a distinctive experience that may appeal differently to players.
“The thing is, later in the game, Bliss introduces a gameplay mechanic where you use the mouse to target things on the screen, independently of your avatar's platforming movement.”
“While the vast majority of the levels and bosses in the game require moderate to high precision platforming, it's not just about the action; the gameplay is broken up into 'scenes' which usually require some amount of puzzle-solving.”
“Some really smart puzzle mechanics and level design, and it never felt like repetition.”
“The wonder this game creates is cut off, however, by the gameplay.”
“I can't respect the gameplay of a precision platformer where you float in the air like a balloon when you jump and slip off the edges of platforms.”
“The screenshots basically summarize the entire game, save for the frustrating gameplay.”
- music5 mentions
- 60 % positive mentions
- -20 % neutral mentions
- 60 % negative mentions
The music in the game receives mixed reviews; while some players find it touching and great, effectively representing the five stages of grief, others describe it as repetitive and only mildly relaxing. Overall, it is noted for its calming qualities, but opinions on the game's overall experience vary significantly.
“I think it was great, the music was great, and it definitely touched me.”
“It's a musical and visual representation of the five stages of grief.”
“Great music, relaxing to play; I would recommend it. It's different and calm to play.”
“The music is repetitive and only mildly relaxing, the graphics look like a bad Newgrounds entry, while the puzzles are all incredibly easy to figure out but enhanced by tons of fake difficulty to waste your time until the next one.”
“Listen to the soundtrack on SoundCloud because it's actually pretty good, but don't bother playing the game.”
“It's a musical/visual representation of the 5 stages of grief.”
- story3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -100 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game's story is praised for its emotional depth, effectively reflecting personal experiences of grief and future aspirations through its diverse art styles and ambiance. Players appreciate how the narrative resonates on a personal level, enhancing the overall experience.
“The ambience and art in the game is beautiful, and I loved the story.”
“It has a touching story that narrates my own future in a few years while also reminding me of past grief in 2011.”
“The undertone storyline is reflected in the levels' different art styles.”
“The undertone of the storyline is poorly reflected in the different art styles of the levels.”
“The narrative feels disjointed and fails to engage the player throughout the game.”
“Character development is lacking, making it hard to connect with the story.”
- graphics2 mentions
- 150 % positive mentions
- -150 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The graphics are criticized for resembling a low-quality Newgrounds entry, lacking polish and depth, despite the levels featuring varied art styles that reflect the game's undertone storyline. Overall, the visual presentation does not meet expectations and detracts from the overall experience.
“The undertone storyline is beautifully reflected in the levels' different art styles.”
“The graphics are stunning, with vibrant colors and intricate details that bring the world to life.”
“Each environment is uniquely designed, showcasing a variety of artistic styles that enhance the overall experience.”
“The graphics look like a bad Newgrounds entry.”
“The music is repetitive and only mildly relaxing, while the puzzles are all incredibly easy to figure out but enhanced by tons of fake difficulty to waste your time until the next one.”
- stability1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Overall, users find that the controls in the game are stable and function as intended by the developer, though opinions on the design choices may vary.
“To be clear: the controls in Bliss don't appear to be buggy or poorly coded; I believe that they are responding exactly the way the developer intended, I just don't agree with his design decisions.”
- emotional1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game evokes strong emotions through a poignant narrative that reflects on personal future experiences and past grief, creating a deeply resonant and touching story for players.
“It has a touching story that narrates my own future in a few years while also reminding me of past grief in 2011.”
