Ilamentia
- November 25, 2014
- caiys
Get on Steam"Ilamentia is a first-person puzzler with 96 levels, where the goal is to activate souls and escape. Each level features unique mechanics, ranging from manipulating structures to reacting to phasms, and aims to test players' cognitive abilities. The mystery lies in discovering each level's specific mechanics, which become increasingly complex as you progress."
PC
Windows
Reviews
- Ilamentia features a unique and surreal art style that enhances the overall experience, making it visually captivating.
- The game offers a diverse range of puzzles that challenge players to think outside the box, providing a satisfying sense of accomplishment when solved.
- It is recommended for those who enjoy abstract and experimental puzzle games, as it encourages exploration and creative problem-solving.
- The game suffers from a lack of clear instructions and vague puzzle objectives, leading to confusion and frustration for many players.
- Some players experience motion sickness due to the game's aggressive visual effects and flickering graphics, which can detract from the gameplay experience.
- The platforming elements can be overly challenging and imprecise, resulting in a frustrating experience for those not accustomed to such mechanics.
- graphics17 mentions
- 29 % positive mentions
- 53 % neutral mentions
- 18 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are polarizing, featuring a unique and abstract art style that some players find beautiful and atmospheric, while others criticize the visuals as chaotic, pixelated, and even migraine-inducing. The attention to detail and aesthetic appeal are noted, but the execution can feel rough and overwhelming, detracting from the overall experience. Despite the mixed reviews, the game's distinct visual identity contributes to its eerie and immersive atmosphere.
“The game offers some nice graphics and a beautiful aesthetic which is pleasant all the same and has some amazing attention to detail even though it is a little rough around the edges.”
“I knew I was going to love Ilamentia the moment I saw its freakishly weird art style, but never did I expect to love it as much as I do now.”
“It has a really cool abstract art style and level design.”
“This tawdry experience presents a host of puzzles that range from ordinary to awful, trying patience and persistence whilst the visuals do their utmost to give the player a seizure.”
“The thing is, it's exhausting to put up with the wonky visuals and the weird phrases while still trying to focus on solving the puzzles.”
“From a constant, migraine-inducing flicker effect to ugly, pixelated sprites to captions in an angular, inscrutable font, this game is a pathetic attempt to excuse inferior graphics by making it look 'arty', and inferior gameplay by making it seem 'abstract'.”
- gameplay17 mentions
- 18 % positive mentions
- 65 % neutral mentions
- 18 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized by a mix of methodical challenges and trial-and-error mechanics, often leading to frustration due to unclear puzzle logic. While some players appreciate the creative level design and satisfying mechanics, others criticize the lack of coherent progression and the overwhelming visual and auditory elements that detract from the experience. Overall, the game presents a unique but inconsistent approach to puzzle-solving that may not resonate with all players.
“The gameplay is methodical and satisfying.”
“It builds on simple mechanics and provides satisfying challenges that won't be easy on the first try.”
“So, to correct my first impression, the soundtrack fits well and gameplay mechanics are simple and efficient.”
“The persistent demand for trial-and-error solutions without asking any intellectual input from the player is the reason why I didn't feel like pursuing this hollow gameplay further.”
“Half of the gameplay tends to boil down to you walking around wondering if the reason you can't progress is because you somehow broke the game, or that you don't understand the asinine logic of the puzzles.”
“Many puzzle games introduce a mechanic and build upon it, this game does not do that in a conventional manner.”
- atmosphere4 mentions
- 75 % positive mentions
- -25 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is highly praised for its unique art style and engaging puzzles, reminiscent of titles like Antichamber and The Witness. Players appreciate the combination of creepy yet relaxing sounds with the visual graphics, creating an immersive and captivating experience.
“I love the atmosphere, the art style, and the puzzles I've played so far.”
“Atmosphere-wise, this is a game for people who wished The Witness was a bit more like Off.”
“I have to mention the sounds too; they are a little creepy yet relaxing, and combined with the visual graphics, they make it very atmospheric.”
“I'm a big fan of puzzle games. When I bought this game, I thought it would have some kind of 'abstract puzzle' atmosphere similar to Antichamber (one of my favorite games).”
“Atmosphere-wise, this is a game for people who wished The Witness was a bit more off.”
- music3 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- -33 % neutral mentions
- 67 % negative mentions
The music in the game is described as droning and otherworldly, effectively enhancing the gameplay experience by creating a sense of urgency and unease. Reviewers appreciate how the soundtrack complements the simple mechanics and unique visual elements, contributing to an immersive atmosphere that aligns with the game's themes.
“The droning music and lurid colors put you on edge and make you want to finish each stage as quickly as possible, which adds to the overall experience rather than detracting from it.”
“To correct my first impression, the soundtrack fits well, and the gameplay mechanics are simple and efficient.”
“The droning music and lurid colors put you on edge and make you want to finish each stage as quickly as possible, which adds to the overall experience sooner than it detracts.”
“With its otherworldly soundtrack, constant visual tricks, and a very novel approach to death (there technically isn't any), I felt very much like some sort of nethermancer seeking to accumulate souls for whatever purpose a nethermancer soul searches.”
