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Bulb Boy

While relatively short in length, Bulb Boy helps fill out the Switch’s line-up with something refreshingly different… and weird
Bulb Boy Game Cover
82%Game Brain Score
graphics, story
stability, replayability
85% User Score Based on 905 reviews
Critic Score 76%Based on 6 reviews

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Bulb Boy Game Cover

About

Bulb Boy is a single player puzzle game with a horror theme. It was developed by Bulbware and was released on October 29, 2015. It received mostly positive reviews from critics and positive reviews from players.

"Bulb Boy" is a horror-adventure puzzle game where you play as a boy with a light bulb for a head. Explore your home to uncover the mystery of a monstrous invasion, using your abilities to solve puzzles and evade enemies. The game features hand-drawn art and a unique, creepy atmosphere.

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Bulb Boy screenshot
Bulb Boy screenshot
Bulb Boy screenshot
Bulb Boy screenshot
Bulb Boy screenshot
Bulb Boy screenshot
Bulb Boy screenshot
Bulb Boy screenshot
Bulb Boy screenshot
Bulb Boy screenshot
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85%
Audience ScoreBased on 905 reviews
graphics123 positive mentions
stability14 negative mentions
  • Unique and charming art style that blends cute and grotesque elements.
  • Engaging puzzles that are straightforward yet enjoyable, with a good mix of humor and horror.
  • Short playtime of around 1.5 to 2 hours, making it a quick and fun experience.
  • Very short game length, which may not justify the full price for some players.
  • Some gameplay mechanics can be frustrating, particularly during action sequences.
  • Encountered bugs that can disrupt progress, such as disappearing items or freezing during key moments.
  • graphics
    267 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics of "Bulb Boy" are widely praised for their unique and charming art style, which blends cute and grotesque elements reminiscent of classic cartoons. Reviewers highlight the game's stunning visuals, immersive atmosphere, and creative character designs, often noting the effective use of color and detail that enhances the overall experience. While some mention minor technical issues, the overall consensus is that the artwork significantly contributes to the game's appeal, making it a visually engaging adventure.

    • “The game has this gorgeous art style that is both cute and creepy, disturbing and adorable.”
    • “A bizarre, charming mix of cute horror, surreal visuals, and imaginative storytelling — it’s an experience that glows with personality.”
    • “The grotesque-yet-cute art style creates a distinctive identity, full of weird creatures, slimy scenarios, and glowing green tones.”
    • “This point-and-click adventure does not have a whole lot to it other than gross-out visuals for the sake of having gross-out visuals.”
    • “While the aesthetics and feel of the game are charming, there are some game-breaking bugs.”
    • “It's a point and click that lives entirely on its aesthetic and doesn't have that much of a narrative to remain interesting or much puzzle solving to speak of.”
  • story
    168 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The story of "Bulb Boy" is a quirky and surreal narrative that unfolds through visual storytelling and minimal dialogue, focusing on a boy with a lightbulb head navigating a dark, grotesque world to save his family. While the game features charming art and a blend of cute and creepy elements, many players find the plot to be short, confusing, and lacking depth, making it difficult to fully connect with the characters or the storyline. Despite its brevity, the game is praised for its unique atmosphere and emotional undertones, appealing to those who appreciate dark humor and imaginative storytelling.

    • “Bulb Boy is a point-and-click horror game with surreal visuals, fun puzzles, and a story mixed with some elements of dark humor.”
    • “A bizarre, charming mix of cute horror, surreal visuals, and imaginative storytelling — it’s an experience that glows with personality.”
    • “The story unfolds in a fun and engaging way, keeping you curious about what strange event will happen next.”
    • “The downside to the game is that it is very short (barely 1-1.5 hours of gameplay if you are not chasing achievements), which makes it hard to connect with the characters or the story.”
    • “The plot isn't really explained at all and all the memory/dream sequences seem pointless.”
    • “Sometimes this is fine, but the game seems like it's trying to set up a story, but it fails miserably.”
  • gameplay
    131 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay of "Bulb Boy" is primarily a point-and-click adventure that combines simple mechanics with unique twists, such as light-based puzzles and varied interactions. While many players appreciate the charming art style and engaging atmosphere, the gameplay is often described as easy and linear, with some finding it repetitive and lacking depth. Overall, it offers a short but enjoyable experience, typically lasting around 1.5 to 3 hours, appealing to those who value creativity and visual storytelling over complex mechanics.

    • “The mix of puzzles, exploration, and surreal moments makes the gameplay both entertaining and memorable.”
    • “The gameplay sticks to a classic point-and-click foundation, but with a smooth and modern touch.”
    • “The art style, the animations, the overall theme and story, as well as the gameplay and soundtrack all tie together to create this unique little game.”
    • “Gameplay is nothing to write home about and music is also just adequate, so play it only if you jive with the visuals and want to see more.”
    • “The gameplay feels awful, the cutscenes are longer than they should be and I got a headache from the soundtrack.”
    • “The gameplay is absolutely repetitive, you basically do the same things level after level.”
  • humor
    101 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The humor in the game is a unique blend of dark, grotesque, and often childish elements, combining horror with absurdity and toilet humor. Players appreciate the clever and bizarre puzzles that are laced with comedic moments, often leading to ridiculous and funny deaths. Overall, the game's quirky charm and offbeat humor create a distinct atmosphere that resonates well with those who enjoy a mix of creepy and comedic experiences.

    • “It has a wonderful mix of dark and adult humor, good puzzles, great audio design, and whatever the developers were on while creating this, I would love some.”
    • “The use of dark imagery is used both to invoke fear and humor, and I think it is done well in both cases.”
    • “Bulb boy is a delightful mix of quirky humor, creepy-cute visuals, and clever puzzles.”
  • music
    98 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The music in the game is widely praised for its ability to enhance the overall atmosphere, with many reviewers noting its eerie, whimsical, and immersive qualities. The soundtrack is described as both playful and sinister, effectively complementing the game's unique art style and storytelling. While some found the music to be a standout feature, others felt it occasionally detracted from the experience, but overall, it is considered a significant strength of the game.

    • “The music and sound design elevate everything — tense, atmospheric, and perfectly synced with the game's unsettling world.”
    • “The soundtrack is both playful and sinister, keeping you on your toes (or, in Bulb Boy’s case, your filament).”
    • “The music moves fluidly between ambient dread and gentle lullabies, with synth tones that hum like forgotten machines in an abandoned attic.”
    • “The gameplay feels awful, the cutscenes are longer than they should be, and I got a headache from the soundtrack.”
    • “Other times, music from one scene would overlap with music from a previous scene and kind of ruined the immersion somewhat.”
    • “However, I did not find them as interesting as the rest of the game, and with the relaxed music accompanying them, they took me out of the atmosphere.”
  • atmosphere
    69 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its unique blend of eerie and whimsical elements, characterized by a striking art style and immersive sound design that enhances the overall experience. Players appreciate the game's ability to evoke a sense of unease while maintaining a charming, cartoonish aesthetic, making it both memorable and engaging. Despite its short playtime, the atmospheric storytelling and creative visuals leave a lasting impression, appealing to fans of dark, surreal adventures.

    • “The atmosphere, art, and puzzles are top tier.”
    • “The music and sound design elevate everything — tense, atmospheric, and perfectly synced with the game's unsettling world.”
    • “The sounds of the language are delightful, the puzzles require not only a few random clicks but also a little brainpower, and the atmosphere is truly disgusting.”
    • “The meticulously designed visuals walk a fine line between repulsion and fascination, creating an atmosphere that's both unsettling and strangely alluring.”
    • “The animations are often slow, the art style is not particularly good (even if it works with the whole gross-out atmosphere of the game), and the plot is pretty meaningless and boring.”
  • emotional
    29 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The emotional aspect of the game is characterized by a unique blend of heartwarming moments and grotesque elements, creating a touching narrative about family and connection amidst a dark, imaginative backdrop. Players report feeling deeply invested in the characters and their stories, with many highlighting the game's ability to evoke a range of emotions, from sadness to joy, making it a memorable and impactful experience. Overall, the game successfully combines horror and wholesomeness, leaving players with a lasting emotional impression.

    • “Underneath the gross monsters is a genuinely touching story about saving your family.”
    • “Bulb Boy is a short, shocking, and strangely heartwarming adventure that’s perfect for fans of the bizarre.”
    • “The story unfolds in a series of interconnected areas within the protagonist’s home, with occasional flashbacks that reveal happier times and flesh out the emotional stakes.”
  • stability
    16 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's stability is frequently criticized, with users reporting numerous bugs and glitches that can lead to softlocks, disappearing items, and gameplay interruptions. While some players found that restarting the game could resolve issues, the overall experience is marred by persistent technical problems that detract from enjoyment. Despite its unique charm, many reviewers noted that the game's stability issues significantly impact progression and gameplay.

    • “The game was bug-free and felt good to play.”
    • “The game is not buggy at all, nor is it flawed in terms of craftsmanship.”
    • “What I will give it a black mark for is the fact that it has a few bugs that seemingly haven't been fixed even after 10 years since release, which includes disappearing inventory items and sequence-breaking glitches that prevent you from progressing.”
    • “The puzzles in the game are mostly fine and the hint system is good... if you aren't barricaded from solving those by the game's multiple glitches.”
    • “There were some glitches here and there, so I had to restart the game a couple of times.”
  • replayability
    13 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Overall, the game's replayability is limited, with many players noting its short duration and lack of branching paths or hidden secrets. While some achievements and exploration elements provide a slight incentive for replay, the consensus is that it lacks substantial replay value, making it more of a one-time experience.

    • “Replayability is built in for achievement hunters or those who enjoy exploring the hidden details.”
    • “The game has replayability value, and it's fun to go back to previous stages.”
    • “However, there are also some 'secret' achievements that might give it a bit of replay value.”
    • “Incredibly short with no replay value.”
    • “Seasoned adventure fans may find the puzzles too straightforward, and the lack of branching paths or hidden secrets reduces replay value.”
    • “It is short and does not have that much replay value in my opinion.”
  • grinding
    10 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Reviews indicate that grinding in the game is often tedious and time-consuming, with slow animations and unskippable cutscenes exacerbating the experience. While some players find moments of enjoyment, many feel that the repetitive nature of tasks, particularly during boss fights, detracts significantly from overall gameplay. Overall, the grinding aspect is seen as a major hurdle that can diminish the game's flow and enjoyment.

    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “The animations are usually incredibly slow (including unskippable cutscenes) - and thus it's rather tedious to redo stuff after dying.”
    • “If you want the definition of tedious, take the final boss: you mash a button as fast as you can, then you stop when you see an animation and repeat this over a 5+ minute interval.”
  • character development
    5 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The character development in this point-and-click puzzle game is highlighted by its unique and intriguing art style, featuring grotesque yet charming designs that enhance the overall atmosphere. The voice acting and sound effects complement the characters effectively, contributing to the game's eerie charm. Overall, the distinctive character designs stand out as a key strength of the game.

    • “What I liked about this point-and-click puzzle game was that it got unique with the color palette and character designs (oh man, what a world), but reminded me of other puzzle games like Limbo, except shorter and a bit more charming but still as grotesque as you can make something such as this game.”
    • “Their character design was that intriguing and eerie.”
    • “The character designs are strange and wonderful.”
  • monetization
    3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The monetization of Bulb Boy has been criticized as a cash grab, with users feeling that it is a poorly ported mobile app masquerading as a legitimate PC game. This perception stems from the developers' focus on profit rather than delivering a quality gaming experience.

    • “Bulb Boy is a mobile app that's been dumped on Steam as if it were a real PC game. It's a cash grab from greedy mobile developers.”
    • “The monetization strategy feels exploitative, with constant prompts to spend money on in-game items that should be earnable through gameplay.”
    • “It's frustrating to see a game that could have been great reduced to a series of paywalls and microtransactions.”
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76%Critics’ scoreBased on 6 critic reviews
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3h Median play time
3h Average play time
2-5h Spent by most gamers
*Based on 12 analyzed playthroughs
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Frequently Asked Questions

Bulb Boy is a puzzle game with horror theme.

Bulb Boy is available on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, iPhone, Windows and others.

On average players spend around 3 hours playing Bulb Boy.

Bulb Boy was released on October 29, 2015.

Bulb Boy was developed by Bulbware.

Bulb Boy has received mostly positive reviews from players and mostly positive reviews from critics. Most players liked this game for its graphics but disliked it for its stability.

Bulb Boy is a single player game.

Similar games include Creepy Tale, Darq, Happy Game, Botanicula, LIMBO and others.