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Handshakes

Handshakes Game Cover
99%Game Brain Score
gameplay, music
optimization, atmosphere
99% User Score Based on 1,787 reviews

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Handshakes Game Cover

About

Handshakes is a single player and multiplayer casual puzzle game. It was developed by Trumpetguy1.0 and was released on January 13, 2023. It received overwhelmingly positive reviews from players.

"Handshakes" is a local multi-player puzzle game for 2 players, available on Steam. The goal is to guide little characters to achieve handshakes through various puzzles in split-screen mode. The game features achievements, level selection, and leaderboards. If you enjoy the game, consider archiving it on Steam or making a 3€ donation for the Soundtrack Supporter Pack. The developers are currently working on new content.

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Handshakes screenshot
Handshakes screenshot
Handshakes screenshot
Handshakes screenshot
Handshakes screenshot
Handshakes screenshot
Handshakes screenshot
Handshakes screenshot
Handshakes screenshot
Handshakes screenshot
Handshakes screenshot
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99%
Audience ScoreBased on 1,787 reviews
gameplay31 positive mentions
atmosphere3 negative mentions
  • gameplay
    92 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay is characterized by its simple yet engaging mechanics, allowing players to complete a full playthrough in about an hour. The game features 30 well-designed levels that gradually introduce new mechanics, keeping the experience fresh and challenging without becoming overwhelming. Players appreciate the clever interactions between mechanics and the option for a speedrun mode, which adds an extra layer of fun and replayability.

    • “The mechanics are simple but interesting, and it's light enough that nothing feels like it overstays its welcome at any point.”
    • “The different mechanics that get introduced throughout the different levels are combined beautifully in the later stages, complementing the simple base gameplay and creating a complete experience.”
    • “With 30 levels of varied difficulty, new mechanics are introduced as you progress, keeping the gameplay fresh and interesting.”
    • “A full playthrough can be finished in an hour, but the mechanics didn't go that deep.”
    • “Explores a simplistic mechanic (you must join the hands) and it's over before you get bored.”
    • “These mechanics could be used to create some devilish puzzles, but they've limited themselves to a feel-good level of difficulty.”
  • music
    56 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The music in the game is widely praised for its catchy, charming, and fitting nature, enhancing the overall experience of the cute and simplistic art style. While some players noted that the soundtrack can become repetitive, many found it enjoyable enough to keep on during gameplay, contributing to the game's fun and relaxed atmosphere. Overall, the music is considered a strong aspect of the game, complementing its engaging puzzles and playful visuals.

    • “The music is charming and fitting for a calm low tension puzzle game; the graphics are simple and clear sprites, and I adore the little smiling folks.”
    • “The background music is quite relaxing and really fits the whole vibe of the game.”
    • “This is a great puzzle game with a great song to go with it!”
    • “The music was subtle but fit the vibe of the game.”
    • “Music got a little on my nerves at the end but overall pleasant.”
    • “The music is too loud, but other than that it's a cool idea.”
  • graphics
    45 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics of the game are characterized by a cute, simplistic, and minimalist art style that many players find charming and fitting for the puzzle genre. While some reviewers note that the visuals are basic and could benefit from enhancements, the overall aesthetic effectively complements the gameplay and contributes to a cozy atmosphere. The pixel art and clear sprites are generally well-received, with many appreciating the game's endearing animations and playful design.

    • “The game’s minimalist, endearing art style pairs perfectly with the easygoing puzzle design.”
    • “Great minimalist puzzle game: simple idea, cozy pixel graphics, and 30 exciting levels.”
    • “The graphics and sounds are quick and silly and accomplish their communicative and aesthetic goals.”
    • “I admittedly don't love the graphical style, and it's quite short, but for a free game this is great stuff.”
    • “The graphics are very retro and could use a bit of improvement, but that doesn't make the game worse in any way.”
    • “Graphics reminded me of the sokoban graphics found in Windows 95 shareware CDs, or early flash games.”
  • humor
    21 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The humor in the game is characterized by its lighthearted and silly mechanics, particularly the amusing handshakes between characters, which many players found hilarious. Reviewers appreciated the game's ability to blend simple puzzles with comedic elements, resulting in a fun and entertaining experience, even if it was short. Overall, the humor is described as charmingly absurd, contributing significantly to the game's appeal.

    • “A funny twist to classic sokoban games.”
    • “Really neat sokoban-esque puzzle game that throws in lots of simple, yet funny mechanics that can be used in many brilliant ways.”
    • “Honestly, it's so hilariously dumb, I love it! Me playing was like cracking up the whole time about how silly this looks with the handshakes!”
  • story
    17 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's story revolves around two friends who engage in a humorous yet profound quest to shake hands, highlighting themes of human connection and the challenges that come with it. Players have praised the engaging narrative and character development, with some even noting it as a deeply emotional experience that evokes strong feelings. Overall, the story is seen as both entertaining and meaningful, with potential for further expansion.

    • “Very educational, incredible plot development and very diverse characters to play as!”
    • “I cried at the end, beautiful storytelling and character acting 10/10”
    • “☑ no story”
    • “It just seems dishonest to me to leave this part out of the story.”
    • “Handshakes is a story that explores the struggles of reconciling our need for human contact and the trials and tribulations we must face when pursuing that desire.”
  • emotional
    11 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted by its wholesome and romantic themes, evoking strong feelings that led some players to tears, particularly due to its beautiful storytelling and character development. The puzzles are ingeniously designed, providing a satisfying sense of accomplishment while enhancing the overall emotional experience. Players appreciate the game's unique blend of surrealism and warmth, making it a memorable and touching experience.

    • “They're so romantic I cried <3”
    • “I cried at the end, beautiful storytelling and character acting 10/10”
    • “First game that made me cry, great story”
  • optimization
    4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game is praised for its excellent optimization, running smoothly on a wide range of devices, including low-end hardware. Players report that it performs well without significant issues, making it accessible to a broad audience.

    • “Cracking up about the fact that I've now probably got the highest 'play-time' in the reviews because I left it open all day, but it's definitely a cute little puzzle game that runs smoothly enough.”
    • “Performance and optimization: can run on anything, even on potatoes.”
  • replayability
    3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game offers limited replayability due to its short length, but the inclusion of a speedrun mode enhances the experience for those seeking to revisit it. Overall, while it may not provide extensive replay value, players can still find enjoyment in multiple playthroughs.

    • “Of course, you may see my 3-hour playtime and think 'wow, it's a long one' or 'wow, he's a bit slow,' but the speedrun mode definitely adds to replayability.”
    • “Replayability: endless fun.”
  • atmosphere
    3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The atmosphere of the game is characterized by a harmonious blend of challenging puzzles and a lighthearted tone, creating an enjoyable experience for players of varying skill levels. Additionally, it is noted for its deep and immersive ambiance.

    • “It strikes a great balance between brain-stretching puzzles and a lighthearted atmosphere, providing an enjoyable experience for players of all skill levels.”
    • “The atmosphere feels incredibly shallow and lacks any real depth.”
    • “I expected a rich and immersive environment, but it ended up feeling flat and uninspired.”
    • “The game fails to create a compelling atmosphere, leaving players disconnected from the experience.”
  • grinding
    3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Players find the grinding mechanics to be generally engaging, with some noting that certain actions can feel tedious, such as manually pushing buttons. However, the game successfully avoids becoming overly intricate or monotonous, introducing new concepts in a way that keeps the experience fresh and enjoyable.

    • “A button that just retracts an arm since manually pushing it back is tedious.”
    • “Grinding can be tricky, but it never becomes tedious.”
    • “The game introduces new concepts gracefully, preventing grinding from becoming tedious.”
  • monetization
    2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game is praised for its fun and free experience, notably lacking microtransactions and ads, which sets it apart from many mobile puzzle games.

    • “Better than mobile puzzle games because it has no ads.”
  • stability
    1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Users report a high level of stability, with many noting that they have not encountered any bugs or glitches during gameplay.

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4h Median play time
97h Average play time
1h Main story
2h Completionist
3-378h Spent by most gamers
*Based on 4 analyzed playthroughs
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Frequently Asked Questions

Handshakes is a casual puzzle game.

Handshakes is available on PC, Web Browser, Mac OS, Phone and others.

The main story can be completed in around 1 hours, while the entire game is estimated to take about 2 hours to finish. On average players spend around 97 hours playing Handshakes.

Handshakes was released on January 13, 2023.

Handshakes was developed by Trumpetguy1.0.

Handshakes has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from players. Most players liked this game for its gameplay but disliked it for its optimization.

Handshakes is a single player game with multiplayer and local co-op support.

Similar games include 20 Small Mazes, The Pedestrian, Is This Seat Taken?, Hook, Hook and others.