Bulb Boy

87%
Game Brain Score Based on 254 reviews
  • graphics
  • story
  • gameplay
Bulb Boy Game Cover
While relatively short in length, Bulb Boy helps fill out the Switch’s line-up with something refreshingly different… and weird
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"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.

  • iPad
  • iPhone
  • Mac OS
  • Nintendo Switch
  • PC
  • Phone
  • Play​station 4
  • Windows
  • Xbox One
  • Android
  • Mobile Platform
  • Play​Station
  • Tablet
  • Xbox
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

87%
Audience ScoreBased on 254 reviews
graphics47 positive mentions
replayability2 negative mentions
  • Bulb Boy features a unique and charming art style that blends cuteness with grotesque elements, creating a memorable visual experience.
  • The game offers a fun and engaging point-and-click adventure with clever puzzles that, while easy, provide a satisfying gameplay experience.
  • The story is heartwarming and can be interpreted in multiple ways, adding depth to the otherwise light horror theme.
  • The game is quite short, typically taking only 1.5 to 2 hours to complete, which may not justify the price for some players.
  • Some players experienced bugs and glitches that affected gameplay, including issues with soft-locking during critical moments.
  • The puzzles can feel overly simplistic and may not provide enough challenge for seasoned point-and-click gamers.
  • graphics89 mentions

    The graphics of the game are widely praised for their unique and imaginative art style, which blends cute and grotesque elements reminiscent of 90s cartoons. Players appreciate the meticulous design and atmosphere, noting that the visuals effectively complement the game's quirky narrative and humor. However, some critiques mention that the animations can be lengthy and the overall visual experience may feel simplistic at times, despite the strong aesthetic appeal.

    • “The meticulously designed visuals walk a fine line between repulsion and fascination, creating an atmosphere that's both unsettling and strangely alluring.”
    • “The graphics are simultaneously cute and grotesque, and the mechanics work well with the puzzles.”
    • “Charming (and creepy) characters, great graphics, smooth gameplay, good soundtrack and what a wonderful ability to tell stories and direct the story without any use of words.”
    • “Despite its cartoony art style, Bulb Boy only partially alleviates the sense of disgust.”
    • “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.”
    • “Boring, casual and I disliked the overall visuals and audio.”
  • story49 mentions

    The game's story is a mix of charming and grotesque elements, featuring a heartwarming quest to save a flying puppy and grandfather while confronting bizarre monsters. While some players found the narrative engaging and well-paced, others criticized it for being lackluster or overly simplistic, with some plot holes and a desire for a longer experience. Overall, the storytelling is enhanced by its unique art style and sound design, making it a memorable, albeit short, adventure.

    • “As he embarks on a quest to save his flying puppy and grandfather, he must confront grotesque monsters that have invaded his home.”
    • “The story is told through sounds more than words and it just all falls together and works.”
    • “I particularly liked how they managed to tell every bit of the story without any words, just like in classic animation.”
    • “This game has no story.”
    • “The story of the game is also pretty lackluster - it starts off intriguing, but I started scratching my head when I realized that the second boss - the poop mask demon - doesn't come from any happy memory like the rest of the bosses do, so what gives?”
    • “Although the game is extremely short, it is still very intense and although there are some plot holes, you never get to know where the dark matter comes from, what it really is, and why it goes after Bulb Boy's family.”
  • gameplay47 mentions

    The gameplay is generally described as simple and often repetitive, with many players noting a lack of depth and challenge, despite some clever puzzles and unique mechanics. While the art style and atmosphere are praised, the short playtime (typically around 1-3 hours) and limited replay value leave some feeling unsatisfied. Overall, the game offers a blend of cute and grotesque visuals, but players seeking more substantial gameplay may find it lacking.

    • “The graphics are gorgeously grotesque, like Ren and Stimpy's worst nightmares, but the characterization is so touchingly sweet and gameplay dynamics intuitively intriguing and ingenious that I had to play this through in one sitting.”
    • “The puzzles are clever, the gameplay is more diverse than you would expect from a game of this style, the art is this nice blend of cute/creepy... until it's not.”
    • “Charming (and creepy) characters, great graphics, smooth gameplay, good soundtrack and what a wonderful ability to tell stories and direct the story without any use of words.”
    • “Gameplay is nothing much; you play the whole game only with your mouse, so that was a bit bland.”
    • “The gameplay is absolutely repetitive; you basically do the same things level after level.”
    • “If you're expecting challenging puzzles or hours on hours of gameplay, you won't find it here.”
  • music37 mentions

    The music in the game has received widespread praise for its quality and ability to enhance the overall experience, with many reviewers highlighting the soundtrack as a standout feature. It complements the game's charming and creepy art style, creating an engaging atmosphere that resonates with players. Overall, the combination of well-crafted music and sound effects significantly contributes to the game's unique appeal.

    • “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.”
    • “The music and art were very charming and I enjoyed the characters and environments; they were creative, unique, and well-made.”
    • “The music layer complements the mood very well.”
    • “You will have to search for the soundtrack on YouTube.”
    • “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.”
    • “Points for the soundtrack, the art style, and the death animations are rather unique, but I kept getting turned off by the game's attempts to 'gross you out' rather than actually scare you.”
  • humor35 mentions

    The humor in the game is a unique blend of dark, grotesque, and whimsical elements, often combining creepy visuals with absurd and childish jokes. Players appreciate the clever use of morbid humor and quirky art style, which enhances the overall experience, making it both entertaining and engaging despite its short length. The game successfully balances horror and comedy, appealing to those who enjoy twisted humor and creative puzzles.

    • “One of the best point-and-click puzzle games I have ever played, very funny and fun to play.”
    • “I didn't think it was possible for a game to be cute, scary, funny, and disgusting all at the same time, but Bulb Boy has proved me wrong!”
    • “The humor is morbidly funny, and the game is fairly short.”
  • atmosphere11 mentions

    The atmosphere of the game is described as a captivating blend of unsettling and charming elements, featuring meticulously designed visuals that evoke both repulsion and fascination. Players appreciate the unique, creepy ambiance enhanced by beautiful graphics and fitting music, although some feel that certain flashback sequences detract from the overall experience. Overall, the game successfully immerses players in a sweet yet eerie world, making it a standout aspect of the gameplay.

    • “The meticulously designed visuals walk a fine line between repulsion and fascination, creating an atmosphere that's both unsettling and strangely alluring.”
    • “This game has a unique and amazing atmosphere, is sweet and creepy at the same time.”
    • “The controls are simple since it's just a point and click game but the puzzles are challenging enough to be interesting and the whole atmosphere of the game is just amazing.”
    • “You play as a boy with a light bulb for a head, surrounded by a disgusting atmosphere that rivals the Ren & Stimpy show.”
    • “I would appreciate more events inside the house with monsters and less flashbacks that ruin the very well done sick atmosphere of the game.”
    • “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.”
  • emotional8 mentions

    The game effectively blends horror with heartwarming moments, particularly through its emotional flashbacks and a touching ending that resonates with players. Users appreciate the character development and the unique, grotesque art style, which enhances the overall emotional experience, making it both engaging and memorable. Overall, it is described as a short yet impactful journey that balances humor and warmth amidst its unsettling elements.

    • “The game is truly scary, but the flashbacks/memories of Bulb Boy and the ending after the final boss are just the most heartwarming things I've experienced.”
    • “It also helps that I found myself emotionally invested in the character(s) too.”
    • “The graphics are gorgeously grotesque, like Ren and Stimpy's worst nightmares, but the characterization is so touchingly sweet and gameplay dynamics intuitively intriguing and ingenious that I had to play this through in one sitting.”
  • character development4 mentions

    Reviewers highlight the game's character development as a standout feature, praising the unique and intriguing character designs that contribute to an eerie atmosphere. The voice acting complements these designs effectively, enhancing the overall experience. However, some users noted that certain elements, like sound effects, detracted from the otherwise strong character portrayal.

    • “Their character design was that intriguing and eerie.”
    • “The character designs are strange and wonderful.”
    • “[*] unique art and character design”
  • stability4 mentions

    The game's stability is mixed, with some players encountering numerous glitches and bugs, particularly with graphic settings, leading to frustrating experiences and the need for restarts. However, others found the game to be well-crafted and not fundamentally flawed, suggesting that stability issues may vary among players.

    • “The game is not buggy at all, nor is it flawed in terms of craftsmanship.”
    • “The designs are really unique and well done, contributing to a stable gaming experience.”
    • “Overall, the setting feels very personal and adds to the game's stability.”
    • “Despite being an offputtingly charming game, it doesn’t really have much going for it, and I ran into many glitches as well as vexing timing puzzles along the way.”
    • “There were some glitches here and there, so I had to restart the game a couple of times.”
    • “Buggy graphic settings.”
  • replayability3 mentions

    The game is perceived to have limited replayability, with users noting that it offers only 1-2 hours of gameplay and lacks features that would encourage repeated playthroughs.

    • “It is short and does not have that much replay value in my opinion.”
    • “1-2 hours worth of gameplay with no replay value.”
  • grinding3 mentions

    Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious and unengaging, often likening it to a repetitive "Simon says" mechanic that requires excessive waiting and button mashing, particularly during the final boss encounter. While some sound design elements are appreciated, the overall experience is marred by a lack of polish and enjoyment in the grinding segments.

    • “I would argue that only 30 minutes of the entire game are quality; the rest is a tedious game of Simon Says, where you have to click and wait for a random period of time and/or repeat an action until something else happens.”
    • “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.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

76% average critic score

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Play time

2hMedian play time
2hAverage play time
2-2hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 2 analyzed playthroughs

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