English Country Tune
- August 9, 2012
- increpare
Get on Steam"English Country Tune" is a 3D puzzle game featuring over 100 levels and 17 diverse worlds. It offers unique mechanics that may not be what they seem and combines them in challenging ways. With genuine 3D gameplay, a wide range of in-game goals, and over 60 minutes of specially composed music, this game aims to challenge and entertain.
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Reviews
- The game features a wide variety of challenging and innovative puzzles that require lateral thinking and spatial awareness.
- The gradual introduction of new mechanics keeps the gameplay fresh and engaging, making it a rewarding experience for puzzle enthusiasts.
- Despite its simplistic visuals, the game creates a unique atmosphere that enhances the puzzle-solving experience.
- The camera controls are unintuitive and can be disorienting, making it difficult to navigate the 3D environments effectively.
- Some mechanics are not well-explained, leading to confusion and frustration, especially for players unfamiliar with the genre.
- Progression can be hindered by choke points where players may get stuck, requiring breaks to regain perspective and solve puzzles.
- gameplay112 mentions
- 18 % positive mentions
- 79 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized by a challenging and diverse puzzle experience that gradually introduces new mechanics across different worlds, enhancing the core mechanic of moving a square on a grid. While the initial levels serve as a gentle introduction, the difficulty ramps up significantly, often requiring players to engage in trial and error to fully grasp the mechanics. Overall, the game is praised for its clever design and rewarding complexity, though some mechanics may lack intuitive explanations, leading to occasional confusion.
“The puzzles are challenging, and the game features many mechanics that are revealed as you progress.”
“Not only that, but new mechanics get gradually introduced in each world, adding new ways your square can interact with the environment and adding a ton of diversity.”
“Towards the end of the game, the existing mechanics are mixed up in some great symbiotic combinations which further reinforces the variety of the game.”
“I kind of wish it spent more time on a few core mechanics than introducing new ones every world or two, though.”
“Despite some basic explanations, some mechanics aren’t easy to figure out and will require some trial and error at first.”
“The difficulty past the first five or six levels skyrockets, and the game keeps piling up new mechanics on you until almost the very end.”
- graphics22 mentions
- 36 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 14 % negative mentions
The game's graphics are characterized by a minimalist and stylish aesthetic that many players find appealing, enhancing the overall atmosphere. While some reviewers note that the visuals may not be groundbreaking, they appreciate the clean design and how the graphics complement the unconventional puzzles. Overall, the austere visuals and sound design contribute positively to the game's unique experience.
“The puzzles themselves are great--as well as unconventional, offering seasoned puzzle game players something refreshingly new--and the beautifully strange minimalist aesthetics elevate it to another level.”
“The 3D environment is great, and visuals are minimalist, yet quite appealing.”
“A clean, stylish aesthetic to boot.”
“Austere visuals and sound.”
“Graphically, the game does not provide anything special.”
“The graphics... grow on you after a while.”
- music16 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 44 % neutral mentions
- 19 % negative mentions
The music in the game is primarily characterized by soothing ambient tracks that enhance the contemplative nature of the gameplay, making it ideal for relaxation. While some players noted a lack of variety in the soundtrack, many appreciated its atmospheric qualities, which contribute to an immersive experience. Overall, the ambient sound design is praised for fitting seamlessly with the game's aesthetic and providing a calming backdrop for puzzle-solving.
“The soundtrack consists of deep contemplative ambient which fits the gameplay perfectly.”
“The soundtrack is quiet and soothing, and it's a nice game if you want to wind down for an hour or so at a time...or if you just want to switch it up from shooting, running, jumping, hacking and slashing.”
“This could have been a lot of un-fun work, but somehow the combination of atmospheric and uninterrupted music, colours and a space that is utterly joyous to navigate make this game one of the most incredible experiences of any I've played.”
“Also not sure what the game title means since there is no music.”
“I shaved off points for in-game textures of the world and music, plus missing labels in the menu.”
“The sound and music are, fittingly, ascetic, with ambient humming and chanting.”
- atmosphere14 mentions
- 57 % positive mentions
- 21 % neutral mentions
- 21 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is widely praised for its unique blend of quaint aesthetics and immersive sound design, creating a captivating and sometimes eerie experience that enhances puzzle-solving. Reviewers note that the combination of atmospheric music and vibrant colors contributes to a joyful navigation experience, making it stand out even for those who typically do not enjoy puzzle games. However, some players find the atmosphere can be disorienting, which may detract from the overall enjoyment of the gameplay.
“Superb game, and near-perfect in its execution and atmosphere; English country tune is a deep meditation on 3-dimensional space.”
“Somehow the combination of atmospheric and uninterrupted music, colors, and a space that is utterly joyous to navigate make this game one of the most incredible experiences I've played.”
“I don't really know why, but this game has a very creepy feel to it; just the overall atmosphere and the sound. Still, this is just your everyday mini-puzzle-platformer.”
“The first thing I noticed about this game was the rather quaint aesthetics and atmosphere.”
“I'm not one for puzzle games, but the atmosphere and ambience of this game create a truly singular experience.”
- story4 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 75 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The story is largely criticized for its lack of substance, with many users noting that it feels non-existent and fails to engage players.
“The story is non-existent.”
- grinding4 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players appreciate the game's innovative concepts and incremental level design, but they also note that the grinding can become tedious, with a mix of trivial and excessively challenging puzzles that may detract from the overall experience.
“You will often get totally trivial levels at first that rapidly evolve into extraordinarily difficult puzzles or extraordinarily tedious ones.”
“Some really fun ideas, great incremental level design, and a lot of tedious parity puzzles.”
- emotional2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted through its diverse and engaging goals, which challenge players to creatively interact with the environment and evoke a sense of accomplishment. The requirement to build levels under specific conditions adds a layer of personal investment, enhancing the emotional connection to the gameplay experience.
