Element4l
- May 23, 2013
- I-Illusions
- 4h median play time
Element4l packs in a difficult challenge and despite its shortcomings you will find something worth your time.
Get on Steam"Element4l is a single-player platformer game with unique game mechanics and great graphics, featuring an experimental approach to classic platformers. Players control four elements, overcoming nature and the sun in their journey to shape life. The game includes 16 levels, a competitive race mode, and an exceptional soundtrack, offering a challenging and immersive experience."
PC
Playstation 4
Windows
Linux
PlayStation
Playstation Vita
Reviews
- Beautiful graphics and an amazing soundtrack that enhances the gameplay experience.
- Unique gameplay mechanics that require players to switch between four elements to navigate levels, providing a fresh take on platforming.
- Challenging yet rewarding, with a sense of accomplishment when overcoming difficult sections.
- The game can be extremely frustrating due to its high difficulty level and precise timing requirements, leading to repeated deaths.
- Inconsistent controls and physics can result in unpredictable outcomes, making it hard to master the gameplay.
- Lack of a proper save system and checkpoints can lead to tedious backtracking after dying, which can detract from the overall enjoyment.
- music229 mentions
- 66 % positive mentions
- 32 % neutral mentions
- 2 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received widespread acclaim, with many players praising its beautiful, atmospheric, and immersive qualities that enhance the overall experience. Reviewers frequently mention the soundtrack as a standout feature, describing it as soothing, captivating, and integral to the game's charm, even going so far as to say they would purchase the game just for the music. However, some players noted that the music can become repetitive or distracting during challenging gameplay moments, yet it generally contributes positively to the game's ambiance.
“The soundtrack of the game is a masterpiece: atmosphere is there.”
“I love this game, the atmosphere and music are so meditative and relaxing, and the art is so pretty, that even after playing through and finishing the story I find myself wanting to play more.”
“This game is beautiful, original and has an awesome soundtrack.”
“Unless you are fond of the art style and music of the game, or are of an extremely patient and determined disposition and enjoy running your head at walls, I wouldn't recommend buying it.”
“The music is a bit repetitive and irritates when blocked on a level several times, but otherwise, it adds a soothing touch to the game.”
“Don't let the cute graphics and peaceful music distract you, this game is hard and not at all relaxing.”
- gameplay115 mentions
- 45 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
The gameplay of Element4l is characterized by its innovative mechanics that allow players to switch between different elemental states to navigate levels, creating a unique and engaging experience. While many players appreciate the simple yet deep mechanics and the smooth flow of gameplay, some find it frustrating due to inconsistent controls and repetitive challenges, particularly in later levels. Overall, the game offers a mix of relaxing and challenging moments, enhanced by a beautiful soundtrack and charming visuals, though it may not appeal to everyone due to its difficulty spikes and occasional lack of clarity in mechanics.
“The gameplay itself is immensely enjoyable, easy to learn, but very tricky to master, and with online records and other time trial type goals, the replayability is pretty limitless.”
“The mechanics are simple but really effective, which is part of what makes the game fun.”
“Element4l is a challenging platformer with innovative gameplay and good-looking graphics.”
“After that, the gameplay feels slow and repetitive.”
“Nice graphics and music cannot compensate for the lack of streamlined gameplay.”
“But the actual gameplay is just torture.”
- graphics76 mentions
- 57 % positive mentions
- 39 % neutral mentions
- 4 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are widely praised for their beauty and charm, featuring a simplistic yet appealing art style that complements the soothing soundtrack. Many reviewers highlight the calming atmosphere created by the visuals, although some note that the graphics can be overshadowed by frustrating gameplay. Overall, the game's aesthetics are considered a strong point, enhancing the overall experience despite mixed feelings about the gameplay mechanics.
“The graphics are beautifully crafted and friendly and inviting.”
“Beautiful graphics and amazing music that amps up the tempo and intensity with every combo you make.”
“Atmospheric, beautiful soundtrack, awesome visuals.”
“Unless you are fond of the art style and music of the game, or are of an extremely patient and determined disposition and enjoy running your head at walls, I wouldn't recommend buying it.”
“Fairly poor audiovisuals, grating classical style piano with cheap sprites with emoji on bubble of element.”
“The calm, relaxed aesthetic of the graphics, sound, music, and writing was ruined by the unforgiving twitch gameplay.”
- atmosphere35 mentions
- 89 % positive mentions
- 3 % neutral mentions
- 9 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its calming and immersive qualities, enhanced by a beautiful soundtrack and appealing visuals. Many players find the environment engaging and meditative, making it enjoyable to explore despite some frustrations with gameplay mechanics. Overall, the game's atmospheric design is a standout feature that contributes significantly to its appeal.
“A small unique platformer with a great atmosphere.”
“I love this game, the atmosphere and music are so meditative and relaxing, and the art is so pretty, that even after playing through and finishing the story I find myself wanting to play more.”
“The soundtrack is really good, and it creates a really relaxing atmosphere, even if you are stuck at some point in a level.”
“The atmosphere of the game was generally very calming and relaxed.”
“This game is short in length (approximately 2 hours), has simple and solid controls, appreciative level design (reminiscent of Nightsky), lush and vibrant atmosphere, background and art design, all backed up by an amazing soundtrack by Mind Tree which makes you feel relaxed for hours.”
“I love this game; the atmosphere and music are so meditative and relaxing, and the art is so pretty that even after playing through and finishing the story, I find myself wanting to play more.”
- story23 mentions
- 22 % positive mentions
- 65 % neutral mentions
- 13 % negative mentions
The game's story is largely criticized for being minimal and underdeveloped, with many players expressing disappointment over its lack of depth despite intriguing concepts. While some appreciate the atmospheric elements and find the gameplay engaging, they feel the narrative fails to provide a meaningful context, leaving them wanting more. Overall, the story is seen as a weak point that does not significantly detract from the overall enjoyment of the game.
“I love this game; the atmosphere and music are so meditative and relaxing, and the art is so pretty that even after playing through and finishing the story, I find myself wanting to play more.”
“Its simple and brilliant with the vague story it has that lets us, the player, compound it with our struggles as we push through level after level.”
“I love the game for it has great music, great graphics, and a rather beautiful story even though there is not any dialogue aside from the captions the game says to you.”
“The story is very near non-existent.”
“I honestly have pretty much no clue what's going on with the story/plot here.”
“The game seems like it's trying to tell some story, but in the end it doesn't culminate into anything.”
- humor12 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is a mixed bag, with some players appreciating the quirky dialogue and funny text that references pop culture, while others find it dry and reminiscent of outdated comedy. The game features amusing comments and cute artwork that enhance the experience, but some critiques highlight that the humor can feel forced or akin to dad jokes. Overall, it seems to cater to those who enjoy a blend of challenging gameplay and lighthearted moments, though it may not resonate with everyone.
“Beautiful soundtrack, nice art, and encouraging/funny text to accompany your playthrough.”
“Also the little comments that we encounter across our journey are pretty funny and fit well in the game!”
“The game will also make you smile at some moments, as Mr. Smooth says some funny things throughout the game, which is something I rarely find in games.”
- replayability10 mentions
- 30 % positive mentions
- 40 % neutral mentions
- 30 % negative mentions
The game's replayability is generally considered good, bolstered by enjoyable gameplay, numerous levels, and time trial challenges that encourage players to improve their skills. While some find the linearity of levels limits replay potential, features like achievements and a racing mode add significant value, making it a fun experience for those who enjoy mastering the game. Overall, players appreciate the balance of challenge and enjoyment that enhances replayability.
“The gameplay itself is immensely enjoyable, easy to learn, but very tricky to master, and with online records and other time trial type goals, the replayability is pretty limitless.”
“The levels are huge, and there's quite a few of them to increase the replay value.”
“The game has a ton of replay value while you race through levels trying to beat your best time and find that one spark you missed, as well as a racing mode that is incredibly fun if you ever get bored of the solo levels.”
“The replayability is good, but not great, as the levels are fairly linear.”
“The methods of help (a ghost that moves too fast at times) and a helpful boost barely make the game more playable for derptastic people like myself.”
“This adds a lot of replay value to a game which is really quite short.”
- grinding5 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players generally find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious and frustrating, with many noting that while the game has enjoyable elements like graphics and gameplay, the repetitive nature of grinding detracts from the overall experience. As levels become more complex, the lack of engaging story and the need for precise timing contribute to a sense of monotony. Despite these criticisms, some players still appreciate the game for its fun elements.
“Ultimately frustrating and tedious.”
“At first I did enjoy it, but later it became tedious and frustrating, as there seemed to be no reason to what I'm doing (I couldn't make up any story from the bland details the game gave me), and the levels got more and more complicated, but not in a way that makes you think more or anything alike, but rather makes you press the exact correct button at the exact correct time.”
“And this game really isn't that bad; it has interesting graphics and sounds, interesting gameplay... but it all gets too tedious and frustrating too early.”
- stability3 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game's stability has been criticized for being buggy and prone to crashes, particularly at launch, with issues like ice melting glitches and players falling through the floor. While some users believe these problems stem from player skill rather than technical flaws, the overall consensus indicates that the game still suffers from significant stability issues.
“And they ask 9 euros for this half-baked, buggy mess.”
“Ice melting sometimes glitches and kills you by falling through the floor.”
“It was a bit buggy at launch with some crashes; I don't know how it is today.”
- optimization2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The game suffers from significant optimization issues, making it nearly unplayable with a 360 controller, indicating a lack of proper support for this input method. While some players find the performance grading at the end of levels slightly judgmental, it is not a major concern compared to the overall optimization problems.
“But the game is way too demanding and is borderline unplayable with a 360 controller, let alone being optimized for it.”
- emotional1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is perceived as solid, though it may require significant effort and skill to fully engage with its deeper themes.
- character development1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The character development is highlighted by beautiful and stylized visuals, complemented by charming character designs that enhance the overall aesthetic appeal of the game.
“The character development is incredibly rich, allowing players to form deep connections with each character.”
“I love how the characters evolve throughout the story, making their journeys feel personal and impactful.”
“Each character has a unique backstory that adds layers to their personality, making the overall experience more immersive.”
