Grapple is a single-player 3D puzzle platformer game set in a Sci-Fi world. With 90 levels, players can use powerful movement mechanics to swing, fling, and climb across various surfaces, completing levels their own way. The game features sandbox puzzles, cannons, speed run mode, and secrets, all set to a backdrop of fabulous music.
Grapple features addictive and fun physics-based platforming that appeals to fans of games like Spider-Man.
The game has a well-designed learning curve, gradually introducing new mechanics and challenges across its 90 levels.
The controls are responsive and intuitive, allowing for creative solutions to puzzles and a satisfying swinging experience.
The camera can be problematic, often obstructing the player's view and making it difficult to judge distances and angles.
Some levels feel tedious and frustrating, particularly those that require precise timing and movement.
There are issues with controller support and bugs that can hinder gameplay, leading to a less enjoyable experience.
gameplay
156 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
44%
54%
2%
The gameplay is centered around a unique grappling mechanic that offers a satisfying and engaging experience, reminiscent of classic swinging mechanics found in games like Spider-Man. Players appreciate the well-designed levels that gradually introduce new challenges, although some controls can feel clumsy and certain level designs may lack creativity. Overall, the game is praised for its fun, addictive mechanics and rewarding gameplay loop, making it accessible and enjoyable for both casual and dedicated players.
“The controls feel great and the gameplay is very rewarding.”
“Great, reliable mechanics, and challenging enough to be intriguing while not difficult enough to be frustrating.”
“It is an extraordinarily unique take on platforming, with the grapple mechanic being as revolutionary to the genre as a portal gun was to that other, admittedly more-polished series.”
“If you don't, you will hate it and probably not finish it, because there is nothing else but the gameplay to get you through the game (meaning, there is no story).”
“There are several weak levels and gimmick mechanics--for example, the invisible platform gimmick (platforms that only become visible when you are close enough), which is not at all interesting or fun and results in three of the worst 'maze' levels in the game.”
“The gameplay footage in the trailers shows the blob swinging and gliding in these unbroken graceful arcs, but in all the levels I played, I felt like I kept having to stop so that I could move the camera around and actually see where the grapple points were located, because if I swiveled the camera while in motion, I'd veer off in a different direction and fall to my death.”
music
92 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
52%
41%
7%
The music in the game receives mixed reviews, with some players praising its relaxing and enjoyable qualities that complement the gameplay, while others find it repetitive or annoying over time. Many agree that while the soundtrack fits the game's aesthetic, it could benefit from more variety and intensity. Overall, the music enhances the experience for some, but others prefer to mute it in favor of their own playlists.
“Excellent, innovative, with a splendid soundtrack that's equal parts relaxing and energizing.”
“Relaxing grappling hook based 3D platformer with great music.”
“Also, the music is top notch and really adds to the game.”
“The music is extremely annoying/crappy.”
“Music sucks, had to mute it like an hour into the game and put on my own music instead.”
“I found myself eventually turning the music off and listening to the Dustforce soundtrack instead.”
graphics
70 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
26%
68%
6%
The game's graphics are characterized by a simplistic and abstract aesthetic that, while not visually stunning, effectively supports the gameplay mechanics. Many players appreciate the cute artworks and clear visuals, though some note the repetitiveness of the level designs and the challenges posed by the camera perspective. Overall, the graphics serve their purpose in creating a relaxing and enjoyable platforming experience, despite lacking complexity and variety.
“It's a very good platformer with awesome swinging physics, great visuals, and just an all-around good feel game to relax and unwind.”
“The graphics are stylish and clear, and the music is very good.”
“It has a crazy, colorful yet sharp graphics style while you try and work out each mind-numbing puzzle on your journey through the huge amounts of maps that it has!”
“The camera is close to the actual 'ball' that you're playing, which makes it difficult sometimes to see where you're supposed to go, and the game's visuals play into this with its aesthetic and actual, invisible platforms in many levels.”
“Graphically, the game is pretty minimal with the same space overlay being used for every level and platforms also using the same design throughout the game.”
“Way to make a game requiring depth perception using an engine and graphical assets that provide none.”
story
36 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
8%
53%
39%
The game lacks any narrative or story elements, focusing solely on gameplay mechanics, particularly its grappling hook feature. Many reviewers liken it to a tech demo or prototype, emphasizing that without a story, the experience may feel redundant compared to similar titles. Overall, it appeals primarily to fans of 3D puzzle platformers who prioritize gameplay over narrative depth.
“If you've ever liked any games with a swinging mechanic (like 'A Story About My Uncle' or 'Bionic Commando'), you must get this game.”
“There are not many 3D grapple-swinging games like 'A Story About My Uncle', but 'Grapple' absolutely is very solid!”
“Grappler is similar to games like 'A Story About My Uncle' and 'Cloudburst' with its overall structure.”
“There is no story.”
“If you don't, you will hate it and probably not finish it, because there is nothing else but the gameplay to get you through the game (meaning, there is no story).”
“There's no real story or narrative here.”
replayability
14 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
29%
50%
21%
Overall, the game offers exceptional replayability, particularly through its time trials and speedrun modes, which encourage players to improve their performance. However, the lack of randomly generated levels and the finite number of 90 levels may limit long-term replay value, though many players still find it highly enjoyable and challenging. A level editor could further enhance its replayability potential.
“Great fun and the replay value is exceptional.”
“One of the most replayable games I have ever played.”
“I wish there were a level editor; that would make this game endlessly replayable.”
“Where the game falters a bit is in its 90 levels not being randomly generated, which may affect replayability.”
“There is replayability, challenge, and a whole lot of frustrating fun.”
“Replayability - should be obvious for those wanting to improve their times.”
stability
10 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
20%
20%
60%
Overall, the game's stability is generally praised, with many users reporting smooth performance and no significant issues. However, some players have experienced occasional crashes when switching applications and minor glitches, particularly in challenging levels. Despite these drawbacks, the physics engine is well-designed and contributes positively to the gameplay experience.
“Runs great - never experienced any issues.”
“+ no glitches, no bugs”
“Cons: The game crashes sometimes when switching to other programs, a few levels are stupidly hard, and there are occasional glitches.”
“Controls might seem 'buggy' or 'hard' for most players, but they are really not.”
“The game has occasional glitches that affect the overall experience.”
humor
8 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The game features a charming blend of cute humor that enhances its engaging gameplay and challenging levels. Players appreciate the lighthearted tone, which complements the overall experience, making it a standout in the puzzle platformer genre.
“Pros: very interesting concept, controls work great, a good amount of cute little humor, and music that's chill and pretty similar to Terraria.”
“I bought this game expecting it to be just kind of okay, with a neat bit of 'parkour.' What I was delivered, though, was a well-made game, with good music, great gameplay, extremely challenging levels, and an appropriate amount of humor.”
“Funny puzzle platformer.”
grinding
6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be very slow and tedious, often struggling with uninspired level design and confusing graphics. The inability to skip levels further exacerbates the frustration, making the experience feel laborious despite some players discovering unexpected enjoyment in the game.
“Very slow and tedious, as you inch around trying to get into position or on the other side of platforms.”
“Uninspired level design, confusing graphics, and no way to skip levels make for a tedious game.”
optimization
6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
33%
34%
33%
The game's optimization is generally well-received, with smooth level transitions and easy controls contributing to an addictive experience. However, some players note a slight lack in performance, particularly in the context of the time trial mode, which serves as a useful performance gauge despite the absence of an online leaderboard. Overall, it balances difficulty and enjoyment effectively, earning an 8/10 rating.
“Fun puzzles, easy controls, and levels that run smoothly into the next make it all the more addicting.”
“An amazing momentum-based platformer that perfectly entwines difficulty, fun, and a tiny touch of rage.”
“An amazing momentum-based platformer that perfectly entwines difficulty, fun, and a tiny touch of rage; however, it is slightly lacking in performance.”
“A time trial mode challenges players to beat individual levels under a predefined par time, which serves as a useful gauge of performance since there is no online leaderboard for the game.”
atmosphere
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
50%
The atmosphere of the game is characterized by a relaxed and leisurely vibe, enhanced by a simple, non-distracting soundtrack and crisp art style. This combination creates an inviting environment that allows players to enjoy the game at their own pace.
“It features a wonderfully simple soundtrack that fills the atmosphere and doesn't distract, and the art style is crisp as well.”
“Atmosphere - relaxed and easy to play at your own leisure.”