C.A.R.L.
- September 29, 2022
- Morningstar Game Studio
C.A.R.L. is a retro puzzle-platformer in which players take on the role of a lost robot in a mysterious factory to uncover the secrets within its walls and thwart the plans of its mastermind proprietor.
Reviews
- The game features solid controls, enjoyable gameplay, and a charming art style, making it a fun experience for fans of retro platformers.
- The level design is well-crafted with hidden treasures and upgrades, encouraging exploration and replayability.
- The soundtrack is excellent, and the game is filled with humor, quirky characters, and numerous Easter eggs that enhance the overall experience.
- Some players found the level design to be awkward and not particularly fun, with certain sections feeling frustrating or poorly executed.
- The game can be relatively short, with some players completing it in just a few hours, which may leave some wanting more content.
- Certain controls and mechanics can be inconsistent, leading to occasional frustrations during gameplay, especially with specific upgrades and boss encounters.
- story12 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The game's story is generally seen as decent but not particularly standout, with some players finding it "meh" while others appreciate its quirky characters and narrative delivery. It draws inspiration from titles like Cave Story and Undertale, offering a fun backdrop to the action platforming and combat gameplay, though it may not be the main focus for all players. Overall, the story serves its purpose but may not leave a lasting impression.
“Awesome game, cool story, fun gameplay, all around a great game, would recommend!”
“Plenty of quirky characters, a decent story that is told well throughout the game.”
“Inspired heavily by games such as Undertale and Cave Story, C.A.R.L.”
“The game is roughly similar to another platformer, Cave Story, though it doesn't set up the levels and story like Cave Story does.”
“The characters are fun, but the story feels kinda 'meh.' I won't blame the YouTuber or the developers as the story served its purpose.”
“I think this game is going to be more focused on story, which is not really what I was interested in with this game.”
- music7 mentions
- 57 % positive mentions
- 43 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music in the game is widely praised, with many reviewers highlighting its catchy and enjoyable soundtrack, often featuring chiptune elements. While some players noted minor issues with volume and synchronization during gameplay, the overall consensus is that the music significantly enhances the experience, complementing the charming art and likable characters. Collecting music tracks and other collectibles adds an extra layer of enjoyment for players.
“The soundtrack is killer, there are a ton of nods and easter eggs everywhere and the characters are all incredibly likeable.”
“The art is charming and the soundtrack is a certified banger.”
“A cute and quirky platformer with great art and music.”
- gameplay3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The gameplay is highly praised for its enjoyment and challenge, offering a mix of fun mechanics that evolve in complexity as players progress through the game. Reviewers appreciate the introduction of new ideas throughout, keeping the experience fresh and engaging. Overall, it contributes significantly to the game's appeal.
“The gameplay itself is really enjoyable and can be a serious challenge at times!”
“This repeats throughout the whole game, but constantly introduces new ideas and mechanics as you progress, getting harder and more complex as you advance through the worlds.”
“Awesome game, cool story, fun gameplay; all around a great game, would recommend!”
- humor2 mentions
- 150 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game is praised for its charming and humorous elements, featuring witty dialogues that enhance the overall experience. Players appreciate the lighthearted tone that complements the puzzle platforming gameplay.
“The game is a puzzle platformer filled to the brim with charm and humor!”
“The funny dialogues kept me laughing throughout the entire game.”
“The humor in this game is cleverly woven into the gameplay and story.”
- replayability1 mentions
- 200 % positive mentions
- -400 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Players find the game highly replayable due to the abundance of collectibles hidden throughout the levels, ensuring that many items will likely be missed on the initial playthrough. This encourages exploration and revisiting levels to discover everything.
“The game offers multiple paths and choices, encouraging players to replay levels to experience different outcomes and discover new secrets.”
“With various character builds and playstyles to explore, each playthrough feels fresh and unique, enhancing the overall replayability.”
“There are a lot of different collectibles scattered throughout the levels, which makes them replayable, as you will almost certainly miss a few on your first run through the level.”
“The game lacks meaningful choices, making subsequent playthroughs feel repetitive and unengaging.”
“Once you've completed the main story, there's little incentive to replay, as the side quests don't offer much variety or depth.”