Frame - Portals on Steroids
- January 11, 2023
- MechanicsDriven
Get on Steam
Get on itch.io Store"Frame: Portals on Steroids" is a physics-based puzzle game that challenges players to manipulate their surroundings by creating and controlling portals. Place portals to navigate complex environments, solve intricate puzzles, and reach new areas. With a focus on mechanics-driven gameplay, players will need to think creatively and strategically to succeed.
PC
Steam Deck
Windows
PlayStation
Xbox
Reviews
- The game features a variety of clever and unique puzzles that encourage creative problem-solving.
- The physics-based gameplay allows for multiple solutions to puzzles, providing a satisfying experience.
- Despite its rough edges, the game offers enjoyable mechanics and a charming, albeit simple, story.
- The graphics are monotonous and lack polish, making the game feel unfinished.
- Some levels can be frustrating due to design choices that lead to unnecessary restarts.
- The game could benefit from more challenging content, as many puzzles are considered easy.
- gameplay8 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The gameplay is praised for its engaging and innovative puzzle mechanics, particularly its physics-based elements and portal interactions, allowing players to progress at their own pace without requiring dexterity. While the graphics and story are considered simplistic, the focus on clever puzzles and unique mechanics demonstrates the developers' thoughtful design, resulting in a fun and interesting experience.
“The puzzles and gameplay ended up being really interesting and fun; I can tell the devs put a lot of thought into it.”
“It has interestingly unique mechanics that I have not seen in other puzzle games.”
“I particularly like how they went with physics-based gameplay, which has a lot of potential for unintended solutions.”
“None of the puzzles I have come across have required any dexterity, and all solutions are based on knowledge of the mechanics, so you can move at your own pace.”
“The game is barebones in terms of story and menus, laser-focused on its mechanics and engine - which runs at hundreds of fps for me (and has an FOV slider!).”
- story7 mentions
- 43 % positive mentions
- 14 % neutral mentions
- 43 % negative mentions
The game's story is described as charming yet somewhat disturbing, with some players finding it decent but ultimately barebones and generic. While the narrative is optional and not the main focus, it serves as a backdrop to the engaging gameplay and mechanics, particularly in demonstrating portal functionality. Overall, the story lacks depth and interest, with many reviewers emphasizing the game's mechanics over its narrative.
“The story was charming but also a little disturbing.”
“Decent story, but good gameplay; a good way of showing how portals would work if they were real.”
“Decent story, but good gameplay; a good way of showing how portals would work.”
“There appears to be a story, and the game seems playable, but it looks like generic shovelware using basic Unity assets.”
“The game is barebones in terms of story and menus, laser-focused on its mechanics and engine - which runs at hundreds of fps for me (and has an FOV slider!).”
“Story is optional.”
- graphics4 mentions
- 75 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 75 % negative mentions
The graphics have been criticized for being monotonous and uninspiring, with some users noting a simplistic design and cheesy sound effects. However, despite these shortcomings, the engaging puzzles and gameplay have been highlighted as redeeming features, indicating that the developers focused more on gameplay than visual appeal.
“The graphics are quite stunning, creating an immersive atmosphere that enhances the overall gameplay experience.”
“The art style is unique and beautifully crafted, making every scene a visual delight.”
“The vibrant colors and detailed environments really bring the game to life, making exploration a joy.”
“Graphics could be improved; they're quite monotonous.”
“I was a bit put off by the simple graphics and cheesy jump sound effect, but the puzzles and gameplay ended up being really interesting and fun. I can tell the devs put a lot of thought into it.”
“It's a bit rough around the edges with graphics, and you can get stuck or break puzzles, but these can be reset quickly, and you only lose about 15 seconds of progress each time.”
- grinding1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Players generally find grinding acceptable, but excessive movement required for certain puzzles can become tedious and detract from the overall experience.
“This is acceptable most of the time, but puzzles that require excessive movement at a slow pace become too tedious.”
“The grinding feels endless and often detracts from the overall enjoyment of the game.”
“I find myself spending more time grinding than actually enjoying the core gameplay.”
- music1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music in the game is praised for its calming qualities, avoiding monotony and repetition, which enhances the overall experience.
“The music is calming and avoids being monotonous or repetitive.”
“The soundtrack perfectly complements the gameplay, enhancing the overall experience.”
“Each track is beautifully composed, adding depth and emotion to the game.”
- stability1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Users report experiencing fun portal glitches, indicating that while the game may have stability issues, these glitches add an entertaining element to the gameplay.
“The game is plagued by frequent crashes that ruin the experience.”
“I encountered numerous bugs that made it nearly unplayable.”
“The stability issues are so severe that I can't progress in the game.”
