"Elephantasy is a puzzle-platforming game where you play as a small elephant in a miniature world, trying to find a way back home. Collect gems to increase your rank, borrow items from Snorri the Wizard to solve puzzles and access new areas. Explore a vast pixel-art world filled with unique rooms, characters, and challenges."
Charming visuals and a delightful world design that encourages exploration and puzzle-solving.
The unique item renting system allows for creative problem-solving and adds depth to the gameplay.
The game is relaxing and cozy, with no combat, making it accessible for players who enjoy exploration-focused experiences.
Movement controls can feel clunky and slow, which may detract from the overall experience.
The map design lacks clarity, making it difficult to track previously discovered items and gems.
Some players may find the pacing slow, especially during backtracking, which can lead to frustration.
gameplay
7 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
43%
14%
43%
The gameplay is characterized by a rewarding exploration loop that encourages players to uncover secrets and utilize various mechanics effectively. While some mechanics could be better explained, the progression system is engaging and allows players to see their impact on the world as they advance. Overall, it offers a charming experience with a satisfying blend of exploration and skillful item use.
“Exploration yields rewards that enable more exploration: it's a really satisfying gameplay loop!”
“Had fun exploring the world and the mechanics, and there are many secrets to find too.”
“This progression mechanic works wonderfully, as you're familiar with all the tools from the get-go, and you can see the world expanding before your eyes as you progress further away from home by using multiple abilities in concert with one another.”
“I do wish it explained some of its mechanics a little better, but it is well worth a purchase.”
“It's got 1-2 days of gameplay--a very charming world with a neat progression system.”
“Pushes the mechanics of the items you get to the fullest.”
graphics
6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
50%
The graphics of the game are widely praised for their charming and adorable aesthetic, featuring well-designed maps and a minimalistic art style that utilizes vibrant colors. Reviewers highlight the harmonious blend of visuals, audio, and writing, creating a heartwarming experience that enhances the overall gameplay.
“The design, visuals, audio, and writing all come together in a way that not many games capture.”
“Lastly, the graphics are cute and adorable with nice colors used throughout despite the art being very minimalistic.”
“To say this game is adorable would be true, but there is so much more to Elephantasy than just the cute visuals and heartwarming world presentation.”
music
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
25%
75%
The music in the game is criticized for being too low in volume compared to sound effects, which detracts from the overall experience. Additionally, the sparse and tinny diegetic music lacks the atmospheric depth found in other titles, leading to a less immersive environment. Overall, the execution of the music and sound design falls short of expectations.
“For some reason, the music is turned down too low in contrast to the sounds.”
“With no background art, tinny diegetic music coming from a radio that you carry around, and very little environmental sound design, the game isn't quite as atmospheric as it wants to be.”
“Sparse music and sound arrangement can make for an atmospheric game, but I don't think Elephantasy's execution of that is quite as strong as games like Lizard (NES) or A Short Hike.”
story
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
33%
100%
The story aspect of the reviewed games is notably strong in titles like "Alwa’s Legacy," "SteamWorld Dig 2," and "Blasphemous," which users found engaging and enjoyable. In contrast, games such as "Wonder Boy: The Dragon’s Trap" and "Dandara" received criticism for their narratives, indicating a divide in storytelling quality among the titles. Overall, the narrative experiences vary significantly, with some games being memorable and others falling flat.
“I imagine I will return to its world many times, and it sits alongside the likes of The Legend of Zelda (NES), Cave Story, and Fez in my mind.”
“The story feels disjointed and lacks a coherent narrative arc, making it hard to stay engaged.”
“Character development is minimal, leaving many protagonists feeling one-dimensional and forgettable.”
“The plot twists are predictable and fail to deliver any real emotional impact.”
emotional
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Players find the game emotionally engaging, as it combines clever puzzle-solving with an adorable aesthetic and a heartwarming world, creating a sense of accomplishment and cleverness in exploration. The emotional depth extends beyond its visuals, resonating with players on a more profound level.
“To say this game is adorable would be true, but there is so much more to Elephantasy than just the cute visuals and heartwarming world presentation.”
atmosphere
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The game's atmosphere is criticized for its lack of background art and minimal sound design, with only a tinny radio providing diegetic music. While sparse music and sound can enhance atmosphere, the execution in this game falls short compared to more successful titles like "Lizard" and "A Short Hike."
“The sparse music and sound arrangement create a unique atmosphere, but I feel that Elephantasy's execution isn't as strong as other atmospheric games like Lizard (NES) or A Short Hike.”
“The lack of background art, combined with the tinny diegetic music from the radio you carry, and minimal environmental sound design, makes the game fall short of its atmospheric potential.”
humor
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
300%
The humor in "Elephantasy" is highlighted by its engaging world filled with amusing characters and quirky interactions, making exploration a delightful experience for players who appreciate a lighthearted tone.
“If you enjoy exploring a world, meeting its funny inhabitants, and uncovering its secrets, I think you will love Elephantasy!”
“The humor in this game is top-notch, with witty dialogue and hilarious character interactions that keep you laughing.”
“Every quest is filled with clever jokes and puns that make the gameplay experience even more enjoyable.”