Construct: Escape the System
- December 2, 2016
- Oliver Boyce
- 4h median play time
Get on Steam"Construct: Escape the System" is a sci-fi first-person platformer, where you must escape a computer system by exploring levels, solving puzzles with ability orbs, and extracting system core power orbs. With 4-6 hours of gameplay, players can expect a mix of exploration, platforming, and puzzle-solving, while also upgrading their abilities and unlocking new areas. The game features 8 unique ability orbs, 5 player upgrades, and 16 system core power orbs to find.
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Reviews
- The game features beautiful minimalist graphics and a captivating atmosphere that immerses players in a unique sci-fi world.
- The puzzle mechanics and ability upgrades provide a satisfying sense of progression and challenge, making gameplay engaging.
- Despite its flaws, the game has a relaxing quality and can be addictive, drawing players back for more exploration and puzzle-solving.
- The vastness of the levels and lack of a map or clear direction can lead to confusion and frustration, making navigation tedious.
- The gameplay can feel slow-paced and repetitive, with long distances to cover and minimal action, which may bore some players.
- The sound design is criticized for being harsh and annoying, detracting from the overall experience.
- graphics22 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 36 % neutral mentions
- 14 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are characterized by a simple yet effective art style, often described as gorgeous and visually appealing, with a neon-like, Tron-esque aesthetic. While many players appreciate the unique visuals and level design, some note issues with transparency and minimal textures that can hinder gameplay. Overall, the graphics are well-received, particularly for an indie title, but there are mixed feelings about their impact on gameplay experience.
“This game is gorgeous in art style, brilliant in level design, and just the 'right' amount of difficulty.”
“The visuals, the sound, and the environment are amazing.”
“I would definitely recommend this game for its ~ 6-8 hours of fun and exploring, plus the really astounding graphics that are worth every screenshot.”
“Decent idea, pretty visuals but ultimately spoiled by fidgety controls, lack of a map of any sort, and vast distances/slow running.”
“I think if the puzzle/platformer content was a lot better here it would make up for the low poly graphics and really repetitive soundtrack... but it isn't enough.”
“The graphics are simple, mostly no textures.”
- gameplay21 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 48 % neutral mentions
- 14 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized by a metroidvania-style progression with constant ability acquisition, but it suffers from slow pacing and tedious navigation, reminiscent of a walking simulator. While the first-person platforming mechanics and exploration can be enjoyable, players often find the experience marred by a lack of waypoints and difficulty spikes. Overall, the game offers a visually appealing environment and a sense of progression through upgrades, but the core gameplay can feel repetitive and empty at times.
“The game becomes more complex and enjoyable as you get upgrades with new mechanics and explore new areas.”
“Construct has indeed a clearly defined gameplay design but the clever use of shapes and effects in motion provides for an intriguing first-person platforming experience that still manages to stand out.”
“You acquire new abilities constantly, unlocking areas, much like a metroidvania, but gameplay is incredibly slow-paced, much like a walking simulator, with great distances that have to be covered before you can use any of your newly discovered abilities.”
“Perhaps the most annoying aspect of the problem areas of the gameplay is the lack of waypoints.”
“Sure there's jumping and sorta puzzling going on, but it's tedious, and I assume even with more mechanics it's just going to continuously feel empty.”
- music15 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 40 % neutral mentions
- 20 % negative mentions
The music in the game receives mixed reviews, with some players praising its fitting and atmospheric qualities that enhance the overall experience, while others find it repetitive and lacking depth. Many appreciate the catchy tracks that complement the gameplay, particularly during power-ups, but note that the soundtrack can become stale over time. Overall, while the music contributes positively to the game's ambiance, it could benefit from more variety and content.
“A very fun and well-made first-person platformer, with pretty and sparkly abstract graphics, and a fitting soundtrack.”
“The accompanying sounds really enhance the overall quality of the game, with a soothing soundtrack to really set the relaxing mood for the game itself; the combination of sounds and visual art really comes together quite well.”
“Such a relaxing and visually pleasing gameplay had to be complemented by an equally soothing soundtrack, and Construct most certainly delivers.”
“This is a minimalist/low poly 3D first person puzzle platformer where you're trapped in a low poly techno landscape while repetitive electronic music bombards your ears.”
“I think if the puzzle/platformer content was a lot better here it would make up for the low poly graphics and really repetitive soundtrack... but it isn't enough.”
“And to be honest, even by 2016 standards the eye candy and art direction isn't that great, nor is the music.”
- story7 mentions
- 14 % positive mentions
- 29 % neutral mentions
- 57 % negative mentions
The reviews indicate a significant lack of story in the game, with many users expressing disappointment over the absence of a narrative or engaging plot elements. While some suggest that the gameplay can still be enjoyable despite this shortcoming, the consensus is that the game feels incomplete without a compelling story to enhance the experience.
“There's no story or fun, just collect orbs and win or whatever.”
“So the plot of Construct... well there really isn't one.”
“So the plot or story is seriously lacking, but that seems to me to be the only thing missing from an overall enjoyable experience.”
- grinding7 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Reviews indicate that the grinding aspect of the game is overwhelmingly viewed as tedious and unengaging, with players expressing frustration over the repetitive nature of gameplay. Many feel that the game could benefit from a significant reduction in size to alleviate the monotony, and some hope for future updates to improve the experience. Overall, the grinding is seen as a major drawback that detracts from the enjoyment of the game.
“The first level alone was more tedious than engaging.”
“It quickly becomes super tedious and I'd like to play, not wait.”
“Suddenly, though, everything turns into a tedious mess.”
- atmosphere4 mentions
- 75 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its beautiful, immersive qualities, enhanced by a captivating spacey soundtrack. Players appreciate the open-world feel and find the challenges well-balanced, contributing to an enjoyable overall experience. Many express a desire for more content to further explore this engaging environment.
“The atmosphere of this light build universe and the very good, spacey soundtrack made a lot of fun.”
“The atmosphere is amazing and the challenges are fair; the open world feel is very good.”
“I loved the atmosphere and soundtrack.”
- replayability1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -500 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Users note that "Construct" enhances its replayability by incorporating various visual filters, including monochrome and negative, encouraging players to revisit the game for a fresh experience.
“Construct has integrated multiple visual filters, such as monochrome and negative, which significantly enhance replay value.”
“The game offers a variety of paths and choices, making each playthrough feel unique and encouraging players to return for different experiences.”
“With its dynamic events and random elements, every session feels fresh, ensuring that players will want to dive back in time and time again.”
“The game lacks meaningful choices, making replayability feel pointless.”
“Once you've completed the main story, there's little incentive to play again.”
“The limited variety in gameplay mechanics means that replaying the game feels repetitive.”
