gShift
- August 25, 2015
- deadweight games
Get on SteamSave the world with Guster! gShift is a 2.5D puzzle-platformer with 99 maze levels across 10 types of terrain.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- GShift features a unique 2.5D platforming mechanic that encourages players to learn from their mistakes and adapt to challenging puzzles.
- The game offers a colorful and dynamic environment with diverse settings and a good soundtrack that enhances the overall experience.
- Despite its flaws, GShift provides a long and engaging puzzle experience at an affordable price, making it a worthwhile indie title.
- The controls are sluggish and unresponsive, leading to frustrating gameplay, especially with delayed jumping mechanics.
- The lack of checkpoints and confusing level design can result in frequent restarts, which detracts from the enjoyment of the game.
- The presentation of the story and tutorials can be overwhelming, making it difficult for players to engage with the narrative while learning the mechanics.
- music6 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The music in the game has been criticized for its repetitiveness, often leading players to prefer their own playlists, as it only changes when switching territories. While Caleb Zovar's soundtrack does enhance the game's atmosphere, it can become frustrating over time, and the lack of an option to adjust or mute the music is a notable oversight.
“Even the music itself slowly morphed into that of a constant dripping faucet, which leads you to listen to your own music or podcasts because the songs get so repetitive, and only ever change when you switch territories.”
“While the music in each territory did eventually sound bothersome due to frustration, for the most part, Caleb Zovar did a good job at accentuating or making the overall surroundings come to life in the form of the soundtrack.”
“Other criticisms that don’t relate to the story are not as important but are still noteworthy: you can’t turn the music down or off, which is a basic option that isn’t available.”
- story6 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
Overall, while the story itself is considered good and engaging, many users criticize its presentation, feeling that the exposition should be integrated into the gameplay to enhance understanding without overwhelming players. The lack of basic audio options is also noted, but the game's challenging and dynamic nature is appreciated, especially given its low price.
“It's challenging, colorful, dynamic, and for only a dollar, you get a long puzzle game that's got a good story.”
“The exposition should have been occasionally in the actual levels, that way you have the ability to do both the tutorials and have an understanding of the storyline.”
“Now don’t get me wrong, I criticize not the story itself, but the presentation of said story.”
“While a lot of them are extremely nitpicky, there’s one main concern: the story.”
“I don't criticize the story itself, but the presentation of the story.”
“The exposition should have been integrated into the actual levels, allowing players to learn the storyline while also engaging in tutorials. Trying to process everything at once—pressing the right keys, making the right moves, and learning about new elements—is overwhelming.”
- graphics2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The graphics have been described as lightweight and acceptable, but overall, they are considered subpar, with some users expressing strong dissatisfaction. Additionally, issues with controls detract from the overall experience.
“The problem is not really with the lightweight but acceptable graphics; the problem is the controls are terrible and sluggish.”
“Graphics stink.”
- gameplay2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -150 % neutral mentions
- 150 % negative mentions
Players appreciate the main gameplay mechanics, highlighting the enjoyable rotation of the environment and the simplicity of dropping and jumping. Most users report a smooth experience without significant lag or issues with the mechanics.
“I really enjoy the main mechanic of this game.”
“Unlike other reviews, I see no significant lag or problems with jumping or any of the game mechanics. Much of the time, it's just rotation of the environment and dropping/falling with a bit of jumping.”
“The gameplay feels repetitive and lacks depth, making it hard to stay engaged for long periods.”
“I found the controls to be unresponsive at times, which really detracted from the overall experience.”
“The mechanics are clunky and often lead to frustrating moments that break the immersion.”
- atmosphere1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -500 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The atmosphere evolves significantly after the initial maps, transitioning from open fields to mountainous terrains, which introduces greater complexity and new navigation tools, enhancing the overall experience.
“After finishing the first 10 maps, the atmosphere has changed from fields to mountains, introducing additional complexity and new tools to navigate the maps.”
“The immersive atmosphere draws you in, making every moment feel alive and engaging.”
“The haunting soundtrack perfectly complements the visuals, creating a captivating atmosphere that keeps you on the edge of your seat.”
“The atmosphere feels bland and uninspired, lacking any real sense of immersion.”
“Despite the varied environments, the overall atmosphere remains flat and unengaging.”
“The game fails to create a compelling atmosphere, making it hard to stay invested in the experience.”
