Fractal Block World
- October 18, 2021
- Dan Hathaway
- 14h median play time
Get on SteamThis is a surreal exploration game. Explore a massive fractal with great complexities. You can shrink infinitely to go deeper into the fractal. Or you can become larger by growing. Inner space awaits you in this infinite world.
Reviews
- The game offers a unique and expansive exploration experience, allowing players to shrink and grow within a fractal world filled with secrets and hidden areas.
- Despite its simple graphics and sound design, the gameplay is engaging and fun, with a variety of weapons and upgrades that enhance the exploration.
- Players have reported spending countless hours in the game, discovering new content and enjoying the bizarre yet charming aesthetic.
- The graphics and sound effects are often criticized for being low quality, which can detract from the overall experience.
- Some players find the combat to be basic and repetitive, lacking variety in enemy behavior and attack patterns.
- Navigating through mazes and complex structures can be tedious, leading to frustration for some players who may get lost easily.
- graphics14 mentions
- 21 % positive mentions
- 57 % neutral mentions
- 21 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game have received mixed reviews, with some players appreciating the charming, old-school aesthetic and others criticizing them as poor and unappealing. While many agree that the visuals may not be technically impressive, they often find that the unique gameplay and exploration compensate for any graphical shortcomings. Overall, the consensus suggests that the game's fun and depth outweigh the simplistic graphics, making them a non-issue for many players.
“One of the few computer games that actually feels like a 'computer game'; I genuinely love the aesthetic.”
“Even the whimsical graphics and sounds don't detract from the overall experience; in fact, I'd say that the silly look is quite charming and furthers the feeling of awe whenever I find a cool little area or enemy.”
“The graphics have an old-school feel but with smooth controls.”
“The graphics are terrible, and most of the gameplay is uninteresting, but the exploration and discovery the game allows makes up for all of its shortcomings.”
“It's utterly unique, but has terrible taste in sound and visuals that ruin the experience.”
“Granted the graphics are simple and the sound is near non-existent, but if you get sensory overload as easily as I do then those aspects are actually a bonus.”
- gameplay13 mentions
- 23 % positive mentions
- 54 % neutral mentions
- 23 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized by a vast amount of content and innovative mechanics, particularly the unique shrinking and growing feature that enhances exploration and discovery. While the graphics may be lacking and some aspects can feel repetitive, the depth and complexity of the gameplay, including intricate puzzles and hidden secrets, provide a captivating experience that encourages players to engage deeply with the game world. Overall, it offers a mesmerizing blend of exploration and challenge, appealing to fans of intricate mechanics and boomer shooters alike.
“There's an unbelievable amount of content in this game, and the mechanics and principles that comprise it are brilliant.”
“The main mechanic, shrinking and growing, is used in a lot of ways I didn't expect, sometimes gating off areas or making what starts as a single block's worth of space into a battlefield you'll need to race through to access the entrance to something.”
“I love its mechanics, shrinking for exploring more, and if you think about it, you're still exploring in the same place... it makes you think how massive the world of this game is.”
“The graphics are terrible, and most of the gameplay is uninteresting, but the exploration and discovery the game allows makes up for all of its shortcomings.”
“About the gameplay though... be ready for mazes; I'm okay with them, but if you find them boring, beware.”
“This game is basically a spiritual successor to Fez. What I mean by this is that this game has simple mechanics that are later used for complex puzzles, some have been unsolved for years. Granted, the game has been widely unknown for quite some time; nonetheless, this game is not a puzzle game at its core and is more of an exploration game with some complex puzzles.”
- story7 mentions
- 29 % positive mentions
- 29 % neutral mentions
- 43 % negative mentions
The game's story is highly praised for its intriguing and strange narrative, likened to a journey through a surreal, fractal world. Players uncover the lore through text boxes scattered throughout the maze, revealing character insights and plot twists that enhance the overall experience. The storytelling is considered a standout feature, earning a perfect score from reviewers.
“Overall, the atmosphere is this game's strongest point, but for me, the details of the story have made me think.”
“There are twists to the story that come in the form of new information about the characters.”
“Overall, the atmosphere is this game's strongest point, but the details of the story have made me think.”
“Playing through the story feels like going on a journey to the center of the earth, but if the earth was an incomprehensible fractal hell world.”
“The story and lore are presented by text boxes found in the world, where you can find messages left by the characters.”
- music5 mentions
- 60 % positive mentions
- -20 % neutral mentions
- 60 % negative mentions
The game's music is notably sparse, with many players expressing surprise at the lack of ambient tracks. As a result, users often recommend playing their own music to enhance the experience, particularly suggesting trippy or nostalgic soundtracks like the Earthbound OST.
“The correct way to play is to get really high and put on the EarthBound OST at 2 AM.”
“Throw on some trippy music while playing and enjoy!”
“Was surprised there's no ambient music, though.”
“Was surprised there's no ambient music though.”
“Also, there is no music, so put on your own music.”
“Also, there is no music, so put on your own music.”
- grinding3 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious, particularly when navigating mazes that require shrinking and involve slow movement. Additionally, some users feel that grinding is necessary to prepare for late-game challenges, especially to reduce reliance on specific healing mechanics.
“When entering a maze that is placed inside a block (which you need to shrink yourself to get into), it's really tedious and long getting through it.”
“Sometimes movement can get tedious and slow.”
“It can be a tad grindy, especially if you want to withstand some of the late-game areas without massive reliance on a certain weapon's healing function.”
- atmosphere1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -500 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is widely regarded as its strongest feature, effectively immersing players, though some find that the story details provoke deeper contemplation.
“The atmosphere is this game's strongest point, and the intricate details of the story have really made me think.”
“The immersive environment and haunting sound design create a captivating atmosphere that pulls you in.”
“Every element of the game contributes to a rich and engaging atmosphere that keeps you on the edge of your seat.”
“The atmosphere is the game's strongest point, but the details of the story have left me questioning.”
“While the visuals are stunning, the overall atmosphere feels hollow and lacks depth.”
“The game tries to create a tense atmosphere, but it often falls flat and feels more tedious than immersive.”
- replayability1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players highlight an exceptional level of replayability, noting it as one of the highest they've encountered in any game.
“I've never seen so much replayability in a game ever.”
“The variety of choices and outcomes keeps me coming back for more.”
“Each playthrough feels fresh and exciting, making it hard to put down.”
