Gateways
- September 12, 2012
- Smudged Cat Games
Get on Steam"Gateways" is a single-player Science Fiction Platformer game that offers exciting gameplay with its unique gateway guns. Explore a massive lab filled with puzzles, using gateways to teleport, change size, walk on walls, and even travel in time. Enjoy seamless movement between areas, discovering new abilities and shortcuts as you evade enemies and aim to escape the labyrinth.
Mac OS
PC
Windows
Linux
Xbox
Xbox 360
Reviews
- Gateways offers a unique blend of puzzle mechanics, combining elements from Portal and Metroidvania games, which creates a captivating gameplay experience.
- The game features clever puzzle design that challenges players to think critically, especially with the introduction of various gateway guns that manipulate size, gravity, and time.
- The inclusion of a hint system allows players to bypass frustrating puzzles, making the game accessible while still rewarding for those who want to solve challenges on their own.
- The difficulty spikes significantly in the later stages, particularly with the time travel and rotation mechanics, which can lead to frustration and confusion.
- The graphics and overall presentation may feel dated or unappealing to some players, potentially detracting from the overall experience.
- The lack of a compelling story or character development may leave players feeling unmotivated to progress through the game.
- gameplay57 mentions
- 14 % positive mentions
- 81 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
The gameplay in "Gateways" is a complex blend of puzzle mechanics inspired by titles like "Portal" and "Metroidvania" elements, featuring innovative tools such as time travel and size manipulation. While the mechanics are praised for their originality and depth, some players find certain aspects frustrating, particularly the introduction of mechanics and the lack of clear guidance. Overall, the game is recognized for its clever puzzles and engaging gameplay, though it may require patience and experimentation to fully appreciate its intricacies.
“Gateways is a puzzle-platformer with several unique twists on the portal gun mechanic.”
“The game is amazing; it's like a mixture of Portal but also incorporates so many other mechanics.”
“With each new gateway power comes new game mechanics that expand upon old ones in an interesting and captivating way.”
“The most frustrating mechanic of the time machine gateway gun is that touching your echoes causes a 'paradox', which just means all of your echoes disappear and you’re left standing wherever you screwed up.”
“The time mechanics are not very well explained.”
“But, the mechanic you unlock near the end of the game that enables these puzzles involves a lot of key timing and platforming that ended up being far too twitchy for me to finish.”
- graphics25 mentions
- 20 % positive mentions
- 60 % neutral mentions
- 20 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are generally described as simple, basic, and reminiscent of classic 8-bit or 16-bit styles, which may not appeal to everyone and could detract from its popularity. While some players appreciate the nostalgic aesthetic and find it functional, others criticize it as bland or ugly, suggesting that the visuals lack polish and depth. Despite these shortcomings, many reviewers emphasize that the innovative gameplay and engaging mechanics can overshadow the graphics, making for an enjoyable experience overall.
“The graphics are great for the platformer nostalgia and the gameplay mechanics throw in some extra things to keep it from becoming a clone of Portal!”
“The visuals were cute and the music fit well.”
“The graphics seemed ugly and primitive at first, but I soon got used to them and found that I rather liked the feel of the universe they evoke.”
“The graphics unfortunately, is probably one of the reasons why this game doesn’t have that many fans.”
“For the bad stuff, the graphics are not very nice, even for the 16-bit style it seems to be going for, and the sound effects of the enemies is very annoying.”
“The graphics are kind of ugly though, all things considered, but that's a minor knock against it.”
- story16 mentions
- 19 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 31 % negative mentions
The story in the game is largely criticized for being minimal and unengaging, with many reviewers noting its lack of depth and predictability. While some acknowledge a basic premise involving a scientist navigating a lab overtaken by aliens, the overall narrative is described as bland, contrived, and unsatisfying, leaving players with little motivation to continue. Despite the shortcomings in storytelling, the gameplay itself is often praised for its innovation and functionality.
“Gateways is the story of a scientist trying to find his way around his own lab that has been commandeered by some alien life.”
“I’m going to roll out this review in a bit of an unconventional way, addressing the general gameplay first and then each progressive gateway gun which expands the gameplay as you progress through the story.”
“As far as negatives go - and I'm not sure the first is even a negative - there isn't really any story to speak of, and what is there kind of has an unsatisfying conclusion.”
“The story is practically non-existent.”
“There is no story except for a contrived plot.”
“Not for people who need a story; there isn't one.”
- music11 mentions
- 45 % positive mentions
- 27 % neutral mentions
- 27 % negative mentions
The music in the game is described as a mix of 80s-inspired synthwave that complements the atmosphere, though opinions on its quality vary. While some find it catchy and fitting, others consider it subpar or grating, suggesting it may not resonate with all players. Overall, the music contributes to the game's lighthearted tone, despite some criticisms.
“The music is a mix of 80s inspired synthwave that fits with the theme of the game quite well.”
“The visuals were cute and the music fit well.”
“The graphics are simple, as is the music and sound effects.”
“Also - and this is purely subjective - the music is subpar.”
“The art style and music keep the atmosphere light, even though the difficulty spike at the end might demand more of a lab hell setting.”
- atmosphere3 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The game's art style and music contribute to a light atmosphere, complemented by catchy sound design that enhances the puzzle-jumping experience. However, some players feel that it lacks a captivating and immersive quality, particularly in more challenging sections.
“The sound design is also a plus, with catchy tunes that play as a nice atmosphere to your puzzle-jumping adventures.”
“The art style and music keep the atmosphere light, even though the difficulty spike at the end might demand more of a lab hell setting.”
- grinding3 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be a mixed experience; while it starts off enjoyable and challenging, it can quickly become tedious and frustrating. Although some elements, like the time-warp puzzles, are well-designed, the overall grind may lead to boredom over time.
“For the price, it's okay, but it gets kind of boring and tedious.”
“It goes from basic and fun with just enough challenge to keep it exciting to incredibly tedious and ridiculously hard.”
“The platforming can be mildly tedious at times.”
- emotional2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players express frustration with the emotional impact of the time machine mechanic, particularly how interacting with echoes leads to their disappearance, creating a sense of loss and helplessness. This mechanic not only challenges gameplay but also evokes feelings of anxiety and regret, as players grapple with the consequences of their actions.
- humor2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is generally well-received, with players appreciating its cleverness and integration with puzzles. However, some comparisons to "Portal" suggest that while it captures a similar essence, it may lack the same level of comedic impact. Overall, it offers a unique experience that extends beyond mere humor.
“Good humor, great puzzles.”
“It comes off as 'Portal, but in 2D, and minus the sense of humor.' and well, it kind of is, but it does so much more.”
- monetization1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -300 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Users express a need for clarity regarding in-app purchases, highlighting concerns about monetization practices in the current gaming landscape.
“I think it's important to clarify the monetization model in today's landscape of in-app purchases.”
“The monetization strategy is fair and doesn't feel exploitative.”
“I appreciate that the game offers plenty of free content without pushing for constant purchases.”
“I figure this is worth clarifying in this day and age of in-app purchases.”
- replayability1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -500 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Users generally find the game highly replayable, indicating that it offers enough variety and engaging content to encourage multiple playthroughs.
“The game offers endless replayability with its dynamic storylines and multiple endings.”
“Each playthrough feels fresh thanks to the diverse character choices and branching paths.”
“I love how the game encourages experimentation, making me want to replay it to explore different strategies.”
“The game lacks meaningful choices, making replayability feel pointless.”
“Once you've completed the main story, there's little incentive to play again.”
“The limited variety in gameplay mechanics means that replaying feels more like a chore than a fun experience.”
- optimization1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -100 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game is praised for its solid optimization, with users reporting no bugs or performance issues during gameplay. However, some note that this is somewhat expected given the game's system requirements.
“One thing I can say is that I never, not even once, found a bug or performance problem with this game, unlike most of the other games I've played on Steam. Considering the system requirements, that's not an epic compliment.”
“One thing I can say is that I never, not even once, found a bug or performance problem with this game. Unlike most of the other games I've played on Steam, but considering the system requirements, that's not an epic compliment.”
