boxlife
- January 14, 2016
- tequibo
Get on Steam"BoxLife" is a first-person metroidvania game where you play as a small character trapped in a giant box. Gain new abilities to explore and find secrets, while trying to escape from the confining box. With clever puzzle-solving and thrilling action, BoxLife offers a unique and immersive experience in a compact world.
Reviews
- The game offers a unique and engaging gameplay experience, encouraging exploration and discovery of abilities.
- It's a short and inexpensive game, making it a decent option for casual gamers looking for a quick puzzle challenge.
- The minimalist graphics and simple mechanics create a charming atmosphere that some players find enjoyable.
- The game is very short, often completed in under an hour, which may leave players wanting more content.
- There are numerous technical issues, including glitches and clunky controls, which detract from the overall experience.
- The lack of a cohesive narrative and repetitive gameplay elements can lead to boredom for some players.
- gameplay15 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 40 % neutral mentions
- 20 % negative mentions
The gameplay is a mixed bag, with some players finding it engaging and fun due to its puzzle-oriented mechanics, while others criticize it for being janky, unsatisfying, and lacking polish. Although the physics and mechanics generally work well, the overall experience can feel short and repetitive, with poorly introduced mechanics detracting from the enjoyment. Despite its flaws, some players appreciate the simple and enjoyable aspects of the gameplay.
“The graphics are barebones, nothing to write home about, but the gameplay is what makes it stand out.”
“Gameplay is puzzle-oriented and doesn't put strong demands on your reflexes.”
“Simple and fun mechanics.”
“It's janky and unsatisfying to play... and any experienced gamer will tell you, the handling, responsiveness, and general gameplay feel of the control scheme must be well polished for this kind of game to succeed.”
“Unfortunately, this is something the developer seems to have phoned in, with little to no apparent gameplay testing.”
“Also, some mechanics that aren't abilities are disastrously introduced.”
- graphics9 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are generally described as simplistic and reminiscent of early 1990s low-polygon designs, often criticized for being untextured and minimalist. While some players appreciate the retro aesthetic and find it charming, others view it as a sign of laziness from the developers. Overall, the visuals may not be cutting-edge, but they contribute to a unique experience that some players find engaging despite their shortcomings.
“Short game with cool sound effects and graphics, great for 100% achievements.”
“It's tiny and its aesthetics are right up my alley.”
“The aesthetic is a little bit disturbing, but really pleasant - almost cute.”
“The graphics are barebones, nothing to write home about, but the gameplay is what makes it stand out.”
“The lack of textures is a method that lazy developers often use to disguise their lack of talent or interest in doing the graphics properly, trying to pass it off as 'art' or 'we made it look bad on purpose', which really isn't something gamers should have to put up with.”
“No, the graphics aren't cutting edge, and the power-ups are kind of wonky, but I didn't encounter any game-breaking bugs, and for a 50 cent Unity game, that's surprising.”
- story3 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game lacks a traditional narrative, featuring simple graphics and minimal sound effects, yet it captivates players through engaging gameplay mechanics that encourage exploration and ability unlocking. While some comparisons to classic titles like Super Mario 64 highlight its nostalgic appeal, the overall consensus is that the story is virtually non-existent.
“I don't believe there is a story to this game; it's pretty much just find a few abilities, locate a cube, place four somewhere, and go through a teleporter that ends the game just like that.”
“The graphics are simple, there's no story, and not many sound effects, but somehow it engages you and you can't stop until you unlock every ability and find every secret.”
“It has old-school graphics and no storyline, but it reminded me of a Super Mario 64 level, and I mean that in the best possible way.”
- stability1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game's stability is criticized due to a buggy and unreliable mechanism that affects the completion of a key achievement, leading to frustration among players. While the core concept is appreciated, the technical issues detract significantly from the overall experience.
“I enjoyed the concept of stripping down a metroidvania to only its most essential parts, but the only achievement in the game (collecting all the secrets) is locked behind a buggy and temperamental set of switches that doesn't work half the time.”
- atmosphere1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -300 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game's minimalistic design contributes to a unique atmosphere, though it may not be groundbreaking in the gaming landscape. Overall, it is well-crafted and offers a distinct ambiance.
“The minimalistic game design gives a unique touch of atmosphere to it.”
“The atmosphere is immersive and draws you into the game's world.”
“The sound design and visuals create a hauntingly beautiful atmosphere.”
“Well, this won't make it into gaming history, but it's well made, and the minimalistic game design gives a certain touch of atmosphere to it.”
