HATCH
- September 16, 2019
- Rubeki
Get on Steam
Get on itch.io Store"Hatch" is a first-person, ambient climbing game with an estimated playtime of 30-60 minutes or more. The game allows players to climb by jumping on angled walls, and features WASD movement, mouse-look, spacebar jumping, and easy respawning with the R key. The game's creator, Rubeki, has also developed "Embryo1", which provides insight into the game's development.
Mac OS
PC
Windows
Linux
Reviews
- The game offers a unique and atmospheric climbing experience that feels like a spiritual journey.
- Climbing mechanics are engaging and allow for multiple paths to ascend the tower, providing a sense of freedom.
- The minimalist graphics and sound design contribute to a meditative and immersive atmosphere.
- The game can be frustrating due to unclear climbing paths and inconsistent checkpoint placements.
- It's relatively short, with a playtime of about 30 minutes to an hour, which may not provide enough value for some players.
- The graphics are considered low-quality and repetitive, which can detract from the overall experience.
- gameplay20 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 35 % neutral mentions
- 15 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized by its simplicity, focusing on angle-based climbing mechanics that allow players to ascend any slope under 90 degrees. This straightforward approach creates an engaging and atmospheric experience, likened to a spiritual journey, despite some minor flaws. The unique pairing of mechanics, including the need to avoid direct sunlight, adds depth to the climbing experience, making it a worthwhile endeavor for players.
“Mechanically simple, but does a remarkably good job making the short climb feel like a lonely, harrowing, almost spiritual journey.”
“Very nice game built around a single mechanic - very engaging and atmospheric.”
“A very unique and interesting experience; mechanics are simple but unique, had a good time just climbing up.”
“The gameplay is pretty simple: any slope that's less than 90° you can climb, and so you go up an impossible blocky monument.”
“The climbing mechanics are angle-based, I guess?”
“Good game, some flaws but they're overridden by the game's mechanics.”
- atmosphere16 mentions
- 63 % positive mentions
- 31 % neutral mentions
- 6 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is widely praised as its standout feature, with many reviewers highlighting its engaging level design and unsettling ambiance. The combination of challenging climbing mechanics and intentional visual and musical changes creates a captivating experience that enhances gameplay. Overall, the atmosphere is considered a compelling reason to play the game.
“I played the demo for Lorn's Lure and fell in love with the atmosphere and level design.”
“The changes are subtle and intentional, from fundamentally different geometry to climb to atmospheric changes in the visuals and music.”
“Challenging and satisfying climbing and platforming combined with an unsettling atmosphere.”
- graphics12 mentions
- 17 % positive mentions
- 58 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The graphics are characterized by a minimalist, PSX-inspired aesthetic that contributes to a dreamlike and meditative experience, despite their basic quality. While some players appreciate the charm of the odd visuals, others find the low-resolution graphics, particularly the climbing of simplistic cube structures, less appealing. Overall, the intentional subtlety in visual and atmospheric changes enhances the game's unique atmosphere.
“Also, it has PSX graphics and a dreamlike aesthetic; who doesn't like that?!”
“The changes are subtle and intentional, from fundamentally different geometry to climb to atmospheric changes in the visuals and music.”
“It's odd and the oddness has its charm, yes, but the whole game is based around climbing an ugly mound of low-graphics cubes.”
“The graphics and sound are minimalist.”
“It's feels like a meditative experience and the graphics and environment only further put you into that dream world even if they are very basic.”
- music6 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The music in the game is characterized by an ominous hum that some players find unpleasant, with a minimalistic ambient track that becomes more prominent during climbing sections. The transitions in the music are subtle and designed to complement the visual atmosphere, enhancing the overall experience.
“The background music is just an ominous hum that is hard on the ears.”
“The music consists of a short ambient track that becomes more noticeable as you climb.”
“The changes are subtle and intentional, from fundamentally different geometry to climb to atmospheric changes in the visuals and music.”
- story2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
Players express a desire for a more developed story, suggesting that a richer narrative and varied environments could enhance their engagement and extend their playtime.
“I could easily play more hours of a game with a more developed story and different surroundings, as you make it progressively different through the ascent.”
- replayability2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The game offers limited replayability, with playthroughs lasting around an hour and not much incentive to replay. However, it may still be worth the low price for those who are not concerned about replay value.
“You won't get more than an hour out of a playthrough, and there isn't really much replay value. If that's not a problem for you, then this is well worth the couple bucks it costs.”
