illumine
- May 3, 2016
- Dejima
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Get on itch.io Store"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."
Reviews
- The game offers a unique and engaging experience that encourages exploration and discovery, rewarding players for their curiosity and analytical thinking.
- It features beautiful sound design and a minimalistic aesthetic that enhances the overall atmosphere, creating a relaxing and immersive environment.
- Players have found personal growth and emotional healing through the game's themes of perseverance and self-discovery, making it a meaningful experience.
- Some players find the gameplay frustrating due to unfair one-hit deaths and occasional issues with character movement, which can lead to cheap deaths.
- The game may feel overly simplistic at first, leading some to underestimate its depth and complexity, which can result in a lack of engagement.
- Critics argue that the game can come off as pretentious, with vague concepts that may not resonate with all players, leading to a sense of grind rather than meaningful progression.
- gameplay6 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 17 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The gameplay is centered around exploration and discovery, with simple mechanics that involve movement using the WASD or arrow keys and interaction via the space bar. Players appreciate the excellent sound and visual effects, noting that understanding the game mechanics enhances the overall experience, making it a rewarding journey of exploration.
“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 WASD 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.”
- music4 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 75 % negative mentions
The music in the game is highly praised for its relaxing and immersive qualities, enhancing the overall otherworldly atmosphere. Players appreciate the evolving soundtrack that complements their interactions, describing it as addictive and enjoyable, with many expressing a desire to own the original soundtrack for its excellent ambiance.
“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.”
“And the soundtrack that builds with your various interactions is a lovely enhancement to the general otherworldly feel.”
- graphics3 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game's graphics embrace a nostalgic ASCII aesthetic reminiscent of classic rogue-likes, using letters to represent characters and enemies in a minimalistic style. While this approach is clever, 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.”
- story2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -150 % neutral mentions
- 150 % negative mentions
The story emphasizes resilience and the unpredictability of life, highlighting the importance of perseverance in the face of challenges. Players assume the role of a unique character on a whimsical quest to collect books and form connections with letters of the English alphabet, blending personal growth with a playful narrative.
“The moral of the story is that you never know what life has in store for you. 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.”
“You play as an incomprehensible symbol on a quest to collect books and 'make friends' with letters of the English alphabet.”
“The story feels disjointed and lacks a coherent narrative, making it difficult to stay engaged.”
“Character development is shallow, leaving players with little emotional investment in their journeys.”
- atmosphere1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is highly praised for its immersive quality, complemented by unexpected jump scares that enhance the overall experience.
“I love this game's atmosphere and the surprise jumps.”
“The immersive environment really draws you in and keeps you on edge.”
“The haunting soundtrack perfectly complements the eerie visuals, creating a truly captivating atmosphere.”
