Chains

About

"Chains" is a single-player puzzle game known for its good gameplay, graphics, and splendid music. The game challenges players to link adjacent bubbles of the same color into chains, with physics-driven stages that increase in difficulty. Offering 20 levels, 3 difficulty modes, and unlimited replayability, the game boasts a unique art direction and soundtrack from the Belgian electro band Silence, as well as colorblind support and up to 15 player profiles.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo

71%

Audience ScoreBased on 438 reviews

music56 positive mentions

graphics14 negative mentions

Unique and creative core concept that offers satisfying chain reactions.
Variety of level designs that keep gameplay interesting and engaging.
Relaxing music and a simple premise make it a decent casual game.

Frustratingly difficult levels that often rely on luck rather than skill.
Outdated visuals and lack of polish detract from the overall experience.
Limited content with only 20 levels and no replay value or additional features.

music
86 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
65%
31%
3%
The music in the game has received mixed reviews, with many players praising its relaxing and ambient qualities, which complement the gameplay well. Some users highlighted the fantastic soundtrack, noting it as a standout feature, while others found it repetitive and generic. Overall, while the music enhances the gaming experience for some, others recommend turning it off in favor of personal playlists.
- “The only reason for which I can recommend this game at its regular price, and in fact I do, is that you get the fantastic soundtrack by Silence bundled with it (look inside the installation folder).”
- “Amazing music while you zone out or into your puzzle game.”
- “In my opinion, the best thing about this game is the music which really suits the art style.”
- “Music is pretty much generic.”
- “The soundtrack is well done, but is repeated constantly if you have been on a level for some time.”
- “There are many things that aren't exactly wrong but could have been done much better, e.g. balls/background color combinations or sounds - the music might be cool but it lacks any relation to what is happening in the game (for example, it could change when the number of missed balls gets near the limit).”
gameplay
40 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
20%
73%
8%
The gameplay is centered around a unique physics-based mechanic where players combine colorful orbs to complete various puzzles, offering a mix of challenges that can range from simple to quite difficult. While the game introduces different mechanics at each level, some repetition occurs, leading to a somewhat disjointed experience. Overall, it provides a fun and addictive puzzle experience, though it is relatively short, lasting around 2-4 hours with limited replay value.
- “Nice little physics puzzle game with a very unique mechanic.”
- “It has a fun core mechanic (linking chains of circles to make them disappear) that they mix up and use in innovative ways with each level.”
- “Fun addictive game, great music and fast-paced gameplay.”
- “Although the game tries for each level to be unique, some mechanics and missions are repeated, which feels a bit weird since the game is rather short as it is.”
- “As a result, the gameplay is left feeling haphazard, as the rules the game teaches the player initially aren't necessarily the rules for the next level.”
- “The puzzles don't build off of each other at all, leaving no coherent tie between the stages; the game feels more like a tour of the applications of a game mechanic, rather than a cohesive experience.”
graphics
38 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
32%
32%
37%
The graphics of the game are widely criticized for being outdated, simplistic, and lacking inspiration, with many reviewers noting that they feel more suited to a much earlier era in gaming. While some appreciate the quirky art style and bright visuals, the overall presentation is marred by bugs and a lack of polish, leading to a generally lackluster visual experience. Despite the decent music, the graphics detract from the gameplay, leaving players frustrated rather than engaged.
- “The art style is great and doesn't hurt my eyes.”
- “Great music and bright visuals send your mind soaring through difficult but interesting and fun puzzles!”
- “Pros: cool art style...that is all.”
- “The pixelated graphics and simplistic design feel outdated and uninspired.”
- “While the game was released in 2008, even by the standards of that time, the visuals are lackluster.”
- “Awful graphics and only 20 levels to play.”
replayability
6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
67%
33%
The game has been criticized for its limited content and replayability, offering only 2-3 hours of gameplay without significant incentive to replay. While the puzzles can be challenging and engaging, the overall experience lacks depth, leading to disappointment among players.
- “The lack of content and replay value further compounds the disappointment.”
- “It's only about 2-3 hours of gameplay with no real replay value; however, many of the puzzles will have you wracking your brain to solve, so it'll be a few hours of cleaning cobwebs out of your skull.”
story
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
25%
25%
The game's story attempts to provide unique experiences across levels, but the repetition of certain mechanics and missions detracts from its overall impact, especially given its short length. This leads to a narrative that feels more like a series of action sequences than a cohesive or engaging storyline.
- “It engenders the feel of a Mission Impossible sequence more than it does shiny neon balls rolling around.”
stability
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
150%
The game's stability has been widely criticized, with users reporting numerous bugs that significantly impact gameplay. Overall, players express frustration over the game's lack of polish and reliability.
- “This game is a buggy mess!”
- “This game is a buggy mess!”
- “This game is a buggy mess!”
optimization
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The game is well-optimized, offering a smooth experience across various level styles while effectively tracking player performance for competitive replayability.
- “Solid little puzzle game, with a couple different styles of levels, that keeps track of your performance so you can try to beat your previous bests.”
emotional
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The emotional aspect of the game evokes a serene and uplifting atmosphere, reminiscent of a peaceful day outdoors, where players can feel a sense of warmth and tranquility. This immersive experience enhances the overall emotional connection to the game.