illumine

About

"Illumine is a discovery-focused roguelike game where players interact with the dynamically transforming environment to approach self-contained puzzles with creative solutions. The game features a play-driven soundtrack and is available for Windows and Linux. For optimal gameplay, headphones and a 360 controller are recommended."

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo

96%

Audience ScoreBased on 52 reviews

gameplay4 positive mentions

graphics3 negative mentions

Illumine offers a unique and engaging experience that emphasizes exploration and discovery, rewarding players for their curiosity and analytical thinking.
The game's minimalistic design is complemented by beautiful soundscapes, creating an immersive atmosphere that enhances the overall experience.
Players have found personal growth and joy through the game, highlighting its ability to provide comfort and motivation during difficult times.

Some players feel that the game can be frustrating due to unfair one-hit deaths and occasional issues with character controls, leading to a sense of cheap difficulty.
Critics argue that the game can feel pretentious, with a lack of meaningful progression and a grind-like experience that may not resonate with everyone.
The minimalistic visuals may not appeal to all players, as some might find the graphics too simplistic and lacking in detail.

gameplay
12 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
33%
42%
25%
The gameplay is centered around exploration and discovery, allowing players to learn the mechanics of the world through repeated interactions. It features simple controls using the WSAD or arrow keys for movement and the space bar for interaction, complemented by excellent sound and visual effects. Overall, players find that uncovering the game's mechanics is a significant part of the enjoyment.
- “Gameplay is also simple; the effects are excellent, be it sounds or visuals.”
- “A neat little gem of a game where figuring out the mechanics is half the fun.”
- “The gameplay is mostly a process of discovering how the world works as you explore.”
- “As for the game mechanics, you move about using WSAD or arrow keys, and employ the space bar to interact.”
- “It was only after exploring its world a dozen times or so that I realized how well my purchase reflected its core mechanics.”
music
8 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
25%
50%
25%
The music in the game is highly praised for its relaxing and immersive qualities, enhancing the overall otherworldly atmosphere. Players appreciate how the soundtrack evolves with their interactions, creating a captivating and addictive experience. Many express a desire to own the original soundtrack due to its excellent ambiance and reasonable pricing.
- “And the soundtrack that builds with your various interactions is a lovely enhancement to the general otherworldly feel.”
- “It's challenging, it's addictive as heck, it's simple and easy to pick up and play, the soundtrack is great (and I would love to own the OST if possible for the excellent ambience), it's relaxing, and the price is more than reasonable.”
- “The music starts as a simple beat, and everything around it adds to it.”
- “I relaxed for 5 minutes listening to this music, long enough to realize that I would be okay.”
graphics
6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
50%
The game's graphics embrace a minimalist ASCII aesthetic reminiscent of classic rogue-likes, using letters to represent characters, enemies, and NPCs. While this approach is clever and nostalgic, the overall visuals are simplistic and may not appeal to those seeking more detailed graphics.
- “The graphics are simplistic to say the least, and really nothing to write home about.”
- “The visuals are minimalistic, as seen in the preview.”
- “The game jests with the ASCII aesthetics of old rogue-likes by employing letters to cleverly represent your character and the enemies and NPCs present within the dungeon.”
story
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
25%
50%
25%
The story emphasizes resilience and the unpredictability of life, highlighting the importance of perseverance in the face of challenges. Players embark on a whimsical quest as an unpronounceable symbol, collecting books and forming connections with letters of the English alphabet, which adds a unique and playful narrative element.
- “Moral of the story: you never know what life has in store for you, and if I had given up when all odds were against me, I wouldn't be where I am today.”
- “You play as an unpronounceable symbol on a quest to collect books and 'make friends' with letters of the English alphabet.”
atmosphere
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
150%
The game's atmosphere is highly praised, with players appreciating its immersive qualities and unexpected jump scares that enhance the overall experience.
- “I love this game's atmosphere and the surprise jumps.”
- “The atmosphere in this game is incredibly immersive and keeps you on edge.”
- “Every detail contributes to a haunting atmosphere that draws you in.”