Hollow Floor
- August 26, 2024
- Ahmed Khalifa (Amidos2006)
Get on Steam
Get on itch.io Store"Hollow Floor" is a compact Metroidvania-style game, inspiring from VVVVVV and REDDER, offering exploration-based gameplay. Gather power gems to escape the hazardous dimension, with over 100 rooms, three diverse biomes, and a final challenge zone. Discover secret passages, collect 99 optional coins, and enhance your abilities to tackle hard challenges or ignore them to proceed. The power-ups significantly change your traversal experience in this intriguing world.
Mac OS
PC
Steam Deck
Web Browser
Windows
Reviews
- Great little mini-metroidvania platformer with unique mechanics and a charming aesthetic.
- Challenging yet rewarding gameplay that encourages exploration and mastery of mechanics.
- Well-designed levels with frequent checkpoints, making it accessible for both casual and hardcore players.
- The game can be extremely difficult, which may frustrate some players, especially in challenge rooms.
- Some mechanics can feel imprecise, leading to frustrating moments during gameplay.
- Lack of clear instructions or guidance may leave some players confused about how to utilize power-ups effectively.
- gameplay20 mentions
- 30 % positive mentions
- 55 % neutral mentions
- 15 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized as a charming mini-metroidvania platformer with unique mechanics that challenge players to adapt and learn without explicit guidance. While the controls are smooth and the graphics evoke a nostalgic feel, the game can be quite difficult, requiring persistence to master its nuanced mechanics. Players appreciate the innovative design, though some find the lack of clarity in power-ups and the occasional frustrating mechanics can detract from the overall experience.
“Great little mini-metroidvania platformer with some interesting mechanics.”
“I liked how it taught the mechanics, and because they were so simple it was able to lock you in without telling you what the controls are until you figure it out yourself.”
“Overall, I think in terms of gameplay this game is excellent for such a short experience, and I hope that the developer continues to make more games; I'd be particularly interested to see how they would handle a larger metroid experience with more freedom for the player to sequence break and potentially use some emergent gameplay from how the upgrades interact to have a more open experience!”
“There is no hand holding at all and it can be tough, especially so until you get the hang of the nuanced gameplay.”
“The negative edge jump mechanic can be quite frustrating at times but I get it's part of the challenge.”
“Checkpoints and difficulty started out generous, but then I encountered one place where I went through about 7 screens, died and oddly they were easy screens but the gameplay wasn't satisfying me in such a way that I had any desire to redo them.”
- music10 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 20 % neutral mentions
- 30 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received mixed reviews, with many praising its atmospheric quality and ability to enhance immersion, particularly in relation to the game's exploration and puzzle elements. While some players found the harmonies simple yet fitting, others noted that certain sound effects could be harsh or irritating. Overall, the music is seen as a strong complement to the game's visuals, contributing to a relaxing and engaging experience.
“If you like metroidvanias, surprisingly lush music and games that do not waste your time explaining stuff to you, this is a wonderful way to spend an evening.”
“The art style, combined with the atmospheric music, really completes the experience and pulls you into a world that feels both relaxing and fun!”
“Graphics are simple, appealing and get the job done, and the music succeeds at setting the mood for each of the zones.”
“I found the music irritating.”
“At this point, I felt that the music in the game was maybe a bit simple but worked quite well for both the puzzle and exploration elements of gameplay that were prominent for me.”
“The music succeeds at setting the mood for each of the zones, but it can feel repetitive over time.”
- graphics8 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
The graphics are described as simple yet atmospheric, evoking a nostalgic old-school feel reminiscent of the Atari 800XL, with a style that effectively communicates gameplay elements. While generally appealing, some inconsistencies were noted, particularly with blurry fonts, but the overall aesthetic complements the engaging music and enhances the immersive experience.
“It has an interesting power-up system that builds on itself in a logical way, and the graphics are simple but atmospheric.”
“The art style, combined with the atmospheric music, really completes the experience and pulls you into a world that feels both relaxing and fun!”
“Graphics are simple, appealing and get the job done, and the music succeeds at setting the mood for each of the zones.”
“The graphics were a bit inconsistent unfortunately; generally they were fine (I like the VVVVVV inspired look), but the fonts look a bit blurry, especially the coin display.”
“Besides this, the graphics were fine, and in terms of the gameplay, they communicated everything they needed to clearly, which is the most important thing.”
“The music was interesting; I liked that the music wasn't necessarily 8-bit to match the visuals, but I wish some of the sound effects were less harsh, especially when first booting the game and interacting with the menus.”
- atmosphere2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is enhanced by its simple yet effective graphics and a captivating art style, complemented by atmospheric music that immerses players in a relaxing and enjoyable world. The power-up system further enriches the experience, creating a cohesive and engaging environment.
“The art style, combined with the atmospheric music, really completes the experience and pulls you into a world that feels both relaxing and fun!”
“It has an interesting power-up system that builds on itself in a logical way, and the graphics are simple but atmospheric.”
- emotional1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Users express that the emotional impact of games in the Metroidvania genre is significant, often highlighting personal connections to the narratives and characters. Many reviews emphasize how these games evoke a range of feelings, from nostalgia to deep empathy, showcasing the genre's ability to resonate with players on a profound level. Overall, the emotional experiences are a key aspect that enhances the enjoyment and memorability of these games.
- grinding1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game tedious and punishing, particularly due to long stretches of precise platforming without checkpoints, which can lead to frustration.
“Just having long stretches of precise platforming with no checkpoints feels tedious and punishing.”
“The grinding in this game is relentless, making progress feel more like a chore than an achievement.”
“I find myself repeating the same tasks over and over, which drains the fun out of the experience.”
- story1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The story aspect of many indie precision platformers, including titles like vvvvvv and Super Meat Boy, is often perceived as simplistic, leading to a sense of frustration rather than engagement. While some games in the genre, such as Aeterna Noctis and Trash Quest, offer enjoyable experiences, the overall narrative depth tends to be lacking, leaving players wanting more.
