Bombe
- June 4, 2023
- Charlie Brej
- 42h median play time
Get on Steam"Bombe" is a single-player puzzle game that offers a grind of about 16 hours to completion. The game generates regions from clues on the board, using rules to mark bombs, clear squares, or create new regions, with a checker to verify rule correctness. With thousands of levels, players can solve each situation once, backed by a hint system to mark determinable squares and remove unnecessary regions, making for a challenging and engaging experience.
Mac OS
PC
Windows
Linux
Reviews
- Bombe offers a unique and intellectually stimulating twist on the classic Minesweeper formula, allowing players to create rules that automate the solving process, which can be incredibly satisfying.
- The game encourages deep logical thinking and problem-solving, rewarding players for developing general rules that can apply to multiple scenarios, making each puzzle feel fresh and engaging.
- Despite a steep learning curve and a confusing UI, many players find the experience addictive and rewarding, with a vast amount of content and complexity that keeps them engaged for hours.
- The user interface is often described as unintuitive and clunky, making it difficult for new players to navigate and understand the mechanics of the game.
- Many players feel that the tutorial and help system are inadequate, leading to frustration as they struggle to grasp the game's concepts and rules.
- As players progress, the game can become grindy and repetitive, with some expressing a desire for more streamlined mechanics and clearer feedback on rule efficiency.
- gameplay16 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 44 % neutral mentions
- 19 % negative mentions
The gameplay of bombe is characterized by a complex but rewarding loop that challenges players to think creatively and strategically, particularly through its innovative puzzle mechanics and the recently added "negative bombs" mode. While the user interface can be intimidating and the mechanics initially unintuitive, players find that mastering them leads to a satisfying and engaging experience, especially for puzzle enthusiasts. Overall, the game offers a unique blend of challenge and accomplishment, making it a compelling choice despite some reservations about its learning curve.
“With its addictive gameplay and smart approach to problem-solving, Bombe offers a refreshing take on the traditional minesweeper formula, pushing players to think creatively and strategically.”
“With its innovative gameplay and smart design, Bombe is a must-play for puzzle lovers seeking a unique and satisfying challenge.”
“The graphics aren't up to Zachtronics' level, but the gameplay is stellar and the inherent 'progression' between levels gives a great feeling of accomplishment when the rules you've built can fly through hundreds of levels in a second or two.”
“This makes for a rather frustrating gameplay loop, where you're constantly wondering whether a situation stems from a general rule you already know, but can't articulate yet in a way the game can understand and use.”
“Recommended with reservations about the UI and gameplay loop.”
“Some of it is a bit unintuitive at first, especially with making regions and new mechanics like loaded regions, but you get used to it and there is just so much content!”
- grinding6 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Reviews indicate that the grinding aspect of the game is often seen as excessive and tedious, particularly in the later stages where gameplay becomes less streamlined. While some players appreciate the originality and logical challenges presented, others find the repetitive nature of scanning and solving scenarios to be monotonous, suggesting a desire for more automation or variety to alleviate the grind.
“There's too much grinding.”
“As you get seriously far into the game, it becomes more grindy and less streamlined.”
“It's also tedious to scan the grid, go 'okay, that's a 2, that has 1 bomb next to it, and 1 free square, so it's a bomb' a bunch of times.”
- graphics3 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 67 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are considered subpar compared to other titles from Zachtronics, but players find that the stellar gameplay and rewarding progression system compensate for the visual shortcomings. Overall, while the graphics may not impress, the engaging mechanics keep players invested.
“The graphics aren't up to Zachtronics' level, but the gameplay is stellar and the inherent 'progression' between levels gives a great feeling of accomplishment when the rules you've built can fly through hundreds of levels in a second or two.”
- stability2 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The game demonstrates excellent stability, particularly on Linux, with no reported glitches and a well-balanced difficulty progression. Users appreciate the flexible tools for rule creation and management, contributing to a smooth gameplay experience.
“Runs great on Linux.”
- optimization2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Reviews highlight that while some players may find the concept of micro-optimization overwhelming, automation games thrive on presenting unique logistics and optimization challenges that effectively engage and test problem-solving skills.
“If the idea of information overload and micro-optimization sounds terrible, maybe this game isn't for you.”
“Automation games excel when you are given unique logistics and optimization puzzles that test your problem-solving skills.”
- music1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music in the game is widely appreciated for its relaxing qualities, enhancing the overall experience for players.
“I find the soundtrack very relaxing as well.”
“The music perfectly complements the gameplay, enhancing the overall experience.”
“Each track is beautifully composed, making every moment in the game feel immersive.”
