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 a unique time manipulation mechanic that allows players to create clones of themselves to solve puzzles.
- The art style and visuals are praised for their beauty and creativity, enhancing the overall experience.
- The puzzles are generally enjoyable and provide a good challenge without being overly complex.
- The game is plagued by numerous bugs and glitches that can hinder gameplay and lead to frustrating experiences.
- Controls are often described as clunky and unresponsive, making platforming and puzzle-solving more difficult than necessary.
- The story is weak and leaves many questions unanswered, leading to a disappointing conclusion for players.
- gameplay28 mentions
- 46 % positive mentions
- 43 % neutral mentions
- 11 % negative mentions
The gameplay of the game features an interesting time manipulation mechanic that allows players to create copies of themselves to solve puzzles, reminiscent of titles like Portal 2. However, the execution is marred by clunky controls, repetitive challenges, and some bugs that can lead to frustration. While the art style and core puzzle ideas are praised, many players find the overall experience hindered by trial-and-error gameplay and a lack of intuitive mechanics.
“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.”
“Clockwork is a very well-crafted game which approaches its story, characters, and gameplay with a thoughtfulness and subtlety that many other games lack.”
“The art is amazing, the gameplay mechanics are very cool, and the puzzles are a good challenge, but nothing that will get you stuck.”
“The game is a confusing and frustrating puzzle game with unclear mechanics.”
“The controls are clunky, and the gameplay feels repetitive.”
“The puzzles, while the core mechanic, are often repetitive and sometimes more trial and error than actually intuitive.”
- story22 mentions
- 41 % positive mentions
- 45 % neutral mentions
- 14 % negative mentions
The story in the game has received mixed reviews, with some players finding it weak, incomplete, or lacking closure, while others appreciate its potential and engaging atmosphere. Many reviewers noted that although the world and characters are intriguing, the execution leaves much to be desired, leading to a sense of frustration. Overall, while the narrative has its merits, it often feels unfinished or overshadowed by gameplay issues.
“Clockwork is a very well-crafted game which approaches its story, characters, and gameplay with a thoughtfulness and subtlety that many other games lack.”
“Clockwork, set in the great mechanical city of Watchtower, is a story about unlikely friends coming together to try to fix an imperfect world.”
“The story is cool and so are the steampunk style visuals.”
“The game needs help; the story needs to be finished.”
“And worst: I don't think they finished the game, because the story stops right in the middle.”
“Supposedly some sort of storyline - whatever - it sucks.”
- graphics14 mentions
- 71 % positive mentions
- 7 % neutral mentions
- 21 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game have received largely positive feedback, with many players praising the beautiful art style and innovative visuals that enhance the overall experience. While some critiques mention janky controls and a lack of humor compared to similar titles, the artwork and soundtrack are consistently highlighted as standout features that contribute significantly to the game's appeal. Overall, the graphics are considered a strong point, elevating the gameplay and immersing players in its unique aesthetic.
“I loved the art style and the premise of the game.”
“Beautiful art style and interesting mechanics.”
“I very recently played some of this on Twitch and I've got to say, I was pleasantly pleased with the graphics and quality of this game!”
“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 about half an hour), and the art style doesn't help either.”
“The artwork really makes the game what it is; I cannot praise it enough!”
“I had thought the game had decent puzzles, artwork, and music.”
- music11 mentions
- 36 % positive mentions
- 36 % neutral mentions
- 27 % negative mentions
The music in the game is generally praised for its calming and atmospheric qualities, effectively complementing the gameplay and artwork. Players appreciate the steampunk-inspired soundtrack, noting that it enhances the experience, particularly during intense boss battles where it adds urgency. Overall, the revamped music has received positive feedback for its suitability and innovation.
“The music really suits the game's atmosphere.”
“The artwork is especially amazing and the soundtrack is pretty calming (except during boss battles, of course).”
“+ relaxing soundtrack that fits the game very well.”
“I had thought the game had decent puzzles, artwork, and music.”
“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.”
“Most of the music is decent and relaxing (I'm so glad they revamped the music for release!).”
- stability7 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game is widely criticized for its instability, with numerous reports of bugs and glitches that hinder gameplay, including issues with the environment and camera controls. While some players acknowledge that developers are addressing these problems, the overall consensus is that the game is currently plagued by significant stability issues.
“Buggy as all hell.”
“You will be spending most of your time in trial and error situations or restarting a level because you got stuck in the environment or the camera won't move...plagued with bugs and glitches.”
“My only issues are that there are still quite a few glitches in the game, but I realize that those are being worked out.”
- humor2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
While some users feel the game lacks the humor and stunning visuals of similar titles, they still find the personalities of the main characters to be genuinely hilarious, providing a redeeming quality to the overall comedic experience.
“In that being said, the personality of the two is hilarious.”
- atmosphere2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is highly praised, with users noting that the music complements the overall experience effectively. The combination of an engaging story, intriguing puzzles, and well-developed characters further enhances the immersive atmosphere, making it a highly recommended title.
“The music really suits the game's atmosphere.”
“Amazing atmosphere, great story, puzzles, and characters. I highly recommend this game.”
- grinding1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game initially engaging, but many feel it becomes tedious quickly, leading to a lack of motivation to continue playing.
“The first half-hour was intriguing, but it quickly became too tedious for me to want to continue.”
“Grinding feels like a never-ending chore rather than an enjoyable part of the game.”
“I spent hours grinding for resources, but it felt more like a punishment than a reward.”
