Gravity Lab
- October 21, 2016
- Mark Schramm
Get on SteamGravity Lab is a physics-based puzzle game where players build contraptions to guide a ball through various levels. Using an array of tools, players must experiment with gravity, momentum, and creative solutions to overcome obstacles. With increasing complexity and countless possibilities, Gravity Lab offers a fun and challenging experience for all puzzle enthusiasts.
PC
Virtual Reality
Windows
Oculus Quest
Oculus VR
Windows Mixed Reality
Reviews
- The game offers a unique and engaging puzzle experience that feels immersive in VR, reminiscent of classic games like Portal and The Incredible Machine.
- Players appreciate the consistent visual aesthetics and the potential for high replayability with a level editor and user-generated content.
- The physics-based puzzles are challenging and encourage creative problem-solving, making it a fun and rewarding experience.
- The Valve Index controller support is poorly implemented, leading to frustrating control issues such as unintended teleportation and awkward menu navigation.
- There are several bugs and performance issues, including problems with the hand menu and collision detection, which detract from the overall experience.
- The game lacks a compelling story and has been criticized for its lackluster humor and environmental storytelling, making it feel somewhat bland.
- graphics5 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 40 % neutral mentions
- 20 % negative mentions
The graphics are generally considered good but lack optimization, leading to performance issues even on high-end systems like a GTX 1080 SLI. While some users appreciate the quality, others find the visuals bland and less impressive compared to other titles. The inclusion of graphical representations for touch controllers is noted as a helpful feature.
“The touch controllers are represented graphically in the environment with 'menu reminders' pointing at each button when you need them.”
“Quality graphics.”
“Graphics are not optimized and run more poorly than they should on a GTX 1080 SLI hex-core i7 system.”
- story3 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game's story is largely absent, with players noting a lack of narrative depth and minimal environmental storytelling. Many found the tutorial missions confusing and disengaging, detracting from the overall experience.
“There is no story, as far as I could find.”
“Environmental storytelling ranges from nonexistent to incidental.”
“I almost couldn't finish one of the tutorial missions because things were happening above my head.”
- music3 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The absence of music in grav|lab has disappointed players, especially since music was a standout feature in the previous game, bounce. Many hope that the developers will incorporate music and additional variety in future updates, given that the game is still in early access.
“There's also no music.”
“The music was a highlight of Bounce, and I was really disappointed there wasn't anything at all in Grav|Lab.”
“It's an early access game, so I'm hoping the devs will add some music and some variety to the settings before the final version.”
- gameplay2 mentions
- 150 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 150 % negative mentions
The gameplay features index controller support, but it is primarily a visual gimmick, as the gameplay does not utilize finger tracking.
“The gameplay is incredibly engaging and keeps you on your toes.”
“The mechanics are intuitive and allow for a smooth learning curve.”
“The variety of challenges in the gameplay keeps it fresh and exciting.”
“Index controller support is only a visual gimmick; the gameplay does not utilize finger tracking.”
“The gameplay feels repetitive and lacks depth, making it hard to stay engaged.”
“There are significant bugs that disrupt the gameplay experience, leading to frustration.”
- stability2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game's stability has been criticized for being buggy and not justifying its price, with users noting various glitches and issues. However, there is optimism about future improvements due to the developers' active involvement.
“Buggy and not worth the price.”
“There are still some glitches and things that need to be added, but the developer seems to be involved, so I'm sure this already great game will only become better with time!”
- optimization2 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game's graphics optimization is lacking, resulting in subpar performance even on high-end systems like a GTX 1080 SLI with a hex-core i7. Players express hope for future updates to address these performance issues.
“I truly enjoy this type of game, so I hope they intend to continue polishing these performance issues.”
“Graphics are not optimized and run more poorly than they should on a GTX 1080 SLI hex-core i7 system.”
“I truly do enjoy this type of game, so I hope they intend to continue polishing these performance issues.”
- humor2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players find the humor in the game to be engaging and entertaining, particularly enjoying the comedic comparisons and quirky elements introduced early on, such as the ball shooter. The humor elicits genuine laughter, contributing positively to the overall experience.
“Around level 2 or 3 when the ball shooter comes out, I was literally smiling and laughing out loud.”
“Comparing me to a chimpanzee was funny the first two times.”
- emotional1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Users express frustration with the teleport movement mechanic, noting that its sensitivity to any touch on the trackpad can lead to unintended teleportation, detracting from the emotional immersion of the gameplay experience.
- replayability1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game is noted for its high replayability, suggesting that players find it engaging enough to return to multiple times.
“The game offers incredible replayability, with multiple paths and choices that keep each playthrough fresh and exciting.”
“I love how every decision I make leads to different outcomes, making me want to replay the game to explore all the possibilities.”
“With its dynamic world and varied character interactions, this game has endless replayability that keeps me coming back for more.”
