Circa Infinity
- August 15, 2015
- KennySun
Circa Infinity is a great puzzle platformer that has me utterly addicted to it in a way I haven't felt since Super Hexagon.
"Circa Infinity" is a rhythm-based platformer game where players navigate through circular levels while avoiding enemies and hitting musical beats. The game features a unique art style and challenging gameplay that requires precise timing and quick reflexes. Players must jump, dive, and teleport their way through increasingly difficult levels to reach the center of the circle and complete each stage.
Reviews
- Circa Infinity features a unique and innovative gameplay mechanic that challenges players in a fresh way, combining puzzle-solving with platforming elements.
- The game has a stunning art style and an exceptional soundtrack that enhances the overall experience, making it visually and audibly captivating.
- The difficulty curve is well-designed, gradually introducing new mechanics and challenges that keep the gameplay engaging and rewarding.
- The controls can be confusing, especially when navigating the circular mechanics, which may lead to frustration for some players.
- Later levels can become visually overwhelming and complex, making it difficult to keep track of everything happening on screen, which may detract from the enjoyment.
- The game may feel repetitive over time, particularly for players who struggle to progress past certain chapters, leading to a sense of stagnation.
- gameplay64 mentions
- 34 % positive mentions
- 61 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
The gameplay of the game is characterized by a unique and addictive loop that creatively explores simple mechanics across various levels, though some players find it repetitive and challenging due to the rapid introduction of new mechanics. While the level design and tutorialization are praised for their clarity, the overall experience can become frustrating as difficulty ramps up quickly. The combination of stunning visuals, a captivating soundtrack, and innovative gameplay elements makes it a memorable experience, appealing to those seeking a fresh take on platforming.
“Very well thought out and executed gameplay loop, very addicting.”
“The few simple mechanics are explored very creatively through five worlds, each with different enemies and a unique, extra mechanic that alters the gameplay dramatically.”
“Addictively difficult gameplay, great music, and a unique visual style come together to create an amazing game.”
“Most of the levels are pretty much the same, and the gameplay mechanic gets stale extremely fast while your eyes hurt due to the visual clutter of things that appear/stay on the screen.”
“It would be okay if they ramped up the difficulty slowly, but instead they introduce a new mechanic and then combine them with previous mechanics, which makes the game too hard too fast.”
“The challenge goes up each level, but the gameplay is repetitive and not worth $10 or even $5.”
- music58 mentions
- 64 % positive mentions
- 31 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received widespread acclaim, with many reviewers highlighting its exceptional quality and ability to enhance the overall experience. Described as catchy, hypnotic, and perfectly suited to the gameplay, the soundtrack not only complements the visuals but also motivates players to push through challenging levels. Overall, the music is considered a standout feature, contributing significantly to the game's unique identity and immersive atmosphere.
“The unbelievable catchy music and mesmerizing visuals are just the icing on the cake, giving this game a unique identity.”
“Easily one of the best game soundtracks I have ever heard, with even the tracks playing between levels reaching unexpected levels of intricacy and power.”
“The hypnotic visuals and pumping soundtrack really push this one above and beyond its simple premise.”
“The music is also chill, which is pretty underwhelming for a game of this genre because it's not stimulating you to push yourself.”
“God, the music.”
“The break music from the first world, a track I would normally skip, surprised me as becoming one of my favorite songs in the entire game when I took the time to sit instead of plowing ahead.”
- graphics33 mentions
- 45 % positive mentions
- 45 % neutral mentions
- 9 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are characterized by a unique and captivating art style, often described as psychedelic and minimalist, which enhances the overall gameplay experience. Players appreciate the striking visuals and cohesive aesthetic that complement the engaging soundtrack, creating a memorable and immersive atmosphere. The combination of these elements not only defines the game's identity but also elevates its appeal, making it a standout title in the puzzle-platformer genre.
“The unbelievable catchy music and mesmerizing visuals are just the icing on the cake, giving this game a unique identity.”
“The hypnotic visuals and pumping soundtrack really push this one above and beyond its simple premise, and the controls are tight and well telegraphed; the sound and visual cues are really clear and punchy.”
“Circa Infinity is a hypnotizing puzzle platformer that couples mind-bending visuals and level design to create a truly wonderful and unique experience.”
“The game has a unique gameplay mechanic and art style, but that's all there is.”
“This feels like the natural extension of Atari-era games, if gaming as a whole had evolved focusing on clean, simple design and gameplay, instead of 3D graphics, graphical realism, etc., as it did.”
“Cognitively engaging, aesthetically stimulating, adrenaline-inducing, and seizure-causing.”
- story13 mentions
- 23 % positive mentions
- 54 % neutral mentions
- 23 % negative mentions
The game's story is described as minimalistic and abstract, conveyed primarily through imagery rather than dialogue or narration. While some players find it intriguing and suggest it explores themes like depression and madness, others struggle to fully grasp its meaning. Overall, the narrative is seen as unique and thought-provoking, complementing the gameplay experience.
“Amazing, unique game with an interesting and abstract story and a great soundtrack.”
“Storywise, I'm pretty sure the game is about depression, but for me, Circa Infinity is a dazzling descent into the heart of madness.”
“A crazy game with bizarre mechanics that will make your head spin, and an interesting story.”
“After completing the main story, I was about to put the game down and never play it again.”
“I also have to say it seems to want to convey something through whatever it has from a story, but I couldn't figure it out.”
“Speaking of plot, the game is entirely devoid of dialogue or narration, and every piece of the story is told through imagery.”
- replayability2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -150 % neutral mentions
- 150 % negative mentions
The game boasts high replayability due to numerous achievements that present various challenges, alongside an arcade mode that offers nearly infinite replay potential. Additionally, some achievements function as unique puzzles, further enhancing the game's replay value.
“Plenty of achievements give this game plenty of challenges, and the arcade game mode offers almost infinite replayability.”
“Many of the achievements could be considered additional bonus puzzles in themselves (e.g., 'find a level in this chapter that's possible only running in one direction'), giving it a bit of extra replayability.”
“Many of the achievements could be considered additional bonus puzzles in themselves (e.g., 'find a level in this chapter that's possible only by running in one direction'), giving it a bit of extra replayability.”
“The game lacks significant changes in gameplay or story on subsequent playthroughs, making it feel repetitive after the first run.”
“Once you've completed the main objectives, there's little incentive to return, as the game doesn't offer new challenges or experiences.”
- atmosphere2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is enhanced by its minimalist design, which some players feel is best experienced without excessive dialogue. Additionally, the music plays a crucial role in creating an immersive and evocative environment.
“I feel the game works far better without it, retaining its minimalist feel and remaining atmospheric in a way that words would only detract from.”
“And nothing lends itself more to the game's atmosphere than the music.”
- emotional1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is conveyed through its immersive mechanics, where players experience a sense of exploration and discovery as they navigate layers of a circle, creating a feeling of connection and engagement with the environment. The repetitive yet evolving gameplay fosters a deep emotional investment as players seek out hidden elements within the circle.
- grinding1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect tedious, as it requires repeatedly clearing easier levels to reach the point where they previously died.
“It's just a little bit tedious to clear easier levels every time to get to the part where I died last time.”
“The grinding feels endless and repetitive, making it hard to stay engaged with the game.”
“I find myself spending too much time on monotonous tasks instead of enjoying the actual gameplay.”
Critic Reviews
Circa Infinity (PC) Review
Circa Infinity's core concept is jumping and rolling to the centre of a set of concentric black and white rings, avoiding various sorts of red devil enemies.
60%Circa Infinity (Switch) Review
Time is a series of flat, dangerous circles.
70%Circa Infinity Review
Circa Infinity is a great puzzle platformer that has me utterly addicted to it in a way I haven't felt since Super Hexagon.
80%