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 brilliantly designed puzzles that challenge players' spatial awareness and logical deduction skills, providing a rewarding experience.
- Innovative mechanics, such as relative gravity and 3D movement, create unique and mind-bending puzzles that keep players engaged.
- The game offers a vast amount of content with over 100 levels, and the ability to undo actions encourages experimentation without frustration.
- The camera controls can be disorienting and unintuitive, making navigation difficult at times.
- Some puzzles may feel stale or overly complex, with a few mechanics not being well-explained, leading to confusion.
- The lack of achievements and a poor level-select UI can detract from the overall experience, making it hard to track progress.
- gameplay56 mentions
- 18 % positive mentions
- 77 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized by a rich variety of mechanics that are gradually introduced, challenging players to think critically and experiment with interactions. While the core mechanic of moving a square on a grid is simple, the game expands on this with complex puzzles that require logical deduction and mastery of multiple mechanics, leading to both rewarding and occasionally frustrating experiences. Overall, the game is praised for its clever design and ability to surprise players with innovative challenges, though some mechanics may lack intuitive clarity and require trial and error to fully understand.
“The gameplay constantly surprises me with new ideas and goes against my expectations, against my intuition and everything I know about our universe.”
“The mechanics are very rewarding to those who enjoy solving puzzles in increments: testing strategies, eliminating potential avenues of approach, and inching towards the eventual solution.”
“Nearly every other world introduces and develops a new mechanic or level element, and the result is a puzzle collection as varied as it is challenging.”
“The gameplay starts solid, but gets to a point where it introduces new mechanics that don't feel as well explored as they could have been.”
“You are introduced to each mechanic with one easy level, but most of the time there isn't a gradual progression of difficulty, and you are thrown into the fire and left to learn some new things on your own.”
“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.”
- graphics11 mentions
- 36 % positive mentions
- 36 % neutral mentions
- 27 % 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 it complements the unconventional puzzle mechanics. Overall, the graphics are described as well-executed and capable of growing on players over time.
“A well-designed puzzle game with great visuals and sound design.”
“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.”
“Austere visuals and sound.”
“Graphically, the game does not provide anything special.”
“The graphics are spartan and well-done, and the ruleset remains simple throughout the game.”
- music8 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
The music in the game is characterized by soothing ambient tracks that enhance the contemplative gameplay experience, making it ideal for relaxation. While some players noted a lack of variety in the soundtrack, many appreciated its atmospheric qualities, which contribute to the overall enjoyment and immersion in the game. Overall, the music is described as a fitting complement to the game's abstract puzzles and serene environment.
“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.”
- atmosphere7 mentions
- 57 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 43 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is widely praised for its unique blend of creepiness and charm, enhancing the puzzle-solving experience. Players appreciate the quaint aesthetics, atmospheric music, and immersive environment, which contribute to a memorable and enjoyable gameplay experience. However, some find the atmosphere can be disorienting, potentially distracting from the puzzles themselves.
“It has a perfect atmosphere for puzzle solving.”
“Superb game, and near-perfect in its execution and atmosphere; the English country tune is a deep meditation on 3-dimensional space.”
“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.”
- story2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The story is largely criticized for its lack of depth and engagement, with some users feeling it is almost non-existent, leading to a desire for more substantial quests.
“The story is non-existent.”
“One more quest, pretty please.”
- grinding2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be a mixed bag, featuring enjoyable incremental level design alongside tedious parity puzzles. While some levels start off trivial and become challenging, others can feel excessively monotonous and frustrating.
“Some really fun ideas, great incremental level design, and a lot of tedious parity puzzles.”
“You will often get totally trivial levels at first that rapidly evolve into extraordinarily difficult puzzles or extraordinarily tedious ones.”
- emotional1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted by the diverse and creative goals players must achieve, which can evoke a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. The challenges, ranging from simple tasks to complex level-building, engage players emotionally as they navigate through various stages, fostering a connection to their progress and creativity.
