Clockwork
- October 10, 2016
- Gamesoft
A puzzle-platform adventure story about a young boy called Atto who can manipulate time and solve puzzles in this steampunk inspired game.
Get on Steam"Clockwork is a puzzle-platformer game set in the steampunk city of Watchtower. Players control Atto, a boy in a mechanical body, and Milli, his sentient pocket watch, as they explore the city, manipulate time, and confront bosses to uncover Watchtower's mysterious past. With 60+ levels, hand-drawn graphics, and a rich story, Clockwork offers a compelling and challenging experience."
Mac OS
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The game features an interesting time manipulation puzzle mechanic that allows for creative problem-solving.
- Visually stunning with great art and music that enhances the overall atmosphere.
- Puzzles are enjoyable and provide a good challenge without being overly complex.
- The game suffers from numerous bugs and glitches, which can disrupt gameplay and lead to frustration.
- Controls are unresponsive and janky, making platforming and navigation difficult.
- The ending is abrupt and unsatisfying, leaving many questions unanswered and feeling incomplete.
- gameplay26 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 12 % negative mentions
The gameplay is centered around an interesting time manipulation puzzle mechanic that allows players to create copies of themselves, reminiscent of mechanics seen in games like Portal 2. However, the execution suffers from bugs, less-than-solid movement mechanics, and repetitive puzzles that can lead to frustration. While the core idea is promising and the art is praised, many players find the gameplay experience hindered by these issues, making it more enjoyable for puzzle enthusiasts than for those seeking a polished platforming experience.
“The puzzle mechanic is interesting and kind of unique; it is fun to create copies of yourself to solve the puzzles, but there are a few bugs in the game which are mildly annoying.”
“The art is amazing, the gameplay mechanics are very cool, and the puzzles are a good challenge, but nothing that will get you stuck.”
“There's a decent core gameplay idea here.”
“As a puzzle-platformer, the movement mechanics are not as solid as they should be, which can lead to frustrating missed jumps and having to restart levels or segments again.”
“The puzzles, while the core mechanic, are often repetitive and sometimes more trial and error than actually intuitive.”
“Play this game for the gameplay, but not for the story; the ending makes you angry and feeling incomplete.”
- story23 mentions
- 52 % positive mentions
- 35 % neutral mentions
- 13 % negative mentions
The game's story receives mixed reviews, with some players appreciating its intriguing concepts and atmosphere, while others criticize its execution, feeling it has significant holes and an unsatisfying ending. Despite the visually stunning presentation, many suggest that the gameplay is more compelling than the narrative itself, which often leaves players feeling incomplete or frustrated. Overall, while there are elements of a good story, its delivery and coherence seem to detract from the overall experience.
“Visually great and the story has some substance to it.”
“Anyway, so ya, amazing atmosphere, great story, puzzles and characters, and I just highly recommend this game.”
“A puzzle-platform adventure story about a young boy called Atto who can manipulate time and solve puzzles in this steampunk inspired game.”
“Play this game for the gameplay, but not for the story; the ending makes you angry and feeling incomplete.”
“The controls are janky and uncomfortable, the puzzles are short, the story has some holes in it already (I've only played this game for, like, half an hour) and the art style doesn't help either.”
“Supposedly some sort of storyline - whatever - it sucks.”
- music12 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 17 % negative mentions
The music in the game is highly praised for its ability to enhance the atmosphere, with a calming soundtrack that complements the steampunk art style. During boss battles, the music shifts to a more intense tone, effectively conveying the urgency of the fast-paced gameplay. Overall, the soundtrack is considered a strong element that contributes to the game's innovative concept and character development.
“The artwork is especially amazing and the soundtrack is pretty calming (except during boss battles, of course).”
“The music really suits the game's atmosphere.”
“But in a boss level (which are fast-paced running away levels in comparison to the other levels), the music will help you understand that you'd better run fast.”
- graphics12 mentions
- 83 % positive mentions
- -8 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game receive mixed feedback, with some players praising the art style and steampunk visuals as amazing and innovative, while others find it lacking compared to similar titles. Overall, the artwork is highlighted positively, but there are concerns about its effectiveness in enhancing the overall experience.
“I loved the art style and the premise of the game.”
“The artwork is especially amazing and the soundtrack is pretty calming (except during boss battles, of course).”
“The story is cool and so are the steampunk style visuals.”
“The art style doesn't help either.”
“The graphics are subpar and fail to create an immersive experience.”
“The visuals look outdated and lack detail, making the game feel less engaging.”
- stability10 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game is reported to have numerous bugs and glitches, which significantly impact the overall experience. While some users acknowledge that these issues are being addressed, the instability remains a notable concern, leaving players feeling that the story is incomplete.
“Cons: super buggy; the ending has a bunch of unanswered questions (so it feels like the story is not complete)”
“- extremely buggy”
“My only issues are that there are still quite a few glitches in the game, but I realize that those are being worked out”
- atmosphere4 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is highly praised, with users noting that the music complements it perfectly, enhancing the overall experience. Reviewers highlight the combination of an engaging story, intriguing puzzles, and well-developed characters as contributing factors to the immersive atmosphere. Overall, the atmosphere is described as amazing and a key reason to recommend the game.
“The music really suits the game's atmosphere.”
“Amazing atmosphere, great story, puzzles, and characters. I highly recommend this game.”
- humor2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game has been criticized for being lacking, with some reviewers comparing it unfavorably to "The Misadventures of P.B. Winterbottom," noting that it fails to deliver both the comedic elements and the impressive visuals of that title.
