Johnny Chainsaw

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Johnny Chainsaw is a narrative-driven indie platformer where players don’t have a jump button. Immerse yourself in this story of power structures, ethical dilemmas, and struggles in responding to change. Unravel the a destructive secret and decide the world's fate.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

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

Reviews

60%

Audience ScoreBased on 15 reviews

gameplay3 positive mentions

Unique gameplay mechanic of not having a jump button, which adds a fresh twist to the platforming genre.
Engaging story and world-building elements that provide depth beyond typical platformers.
Challenging puzzles that are satisfying to solve, with a respawn system that reduces frustration.

Some timing-based challenges can feel unfair and detract from the platforming experience.
The game is relatively short, with a playtime of only 2-3 hours, which may leave some players wanting more.
Not all gameplay sections focus on platforming, leading to a potential disconnect for players expecting a traditional platformer.

story
13 mentions
23 % positive mentions
54 % neutral mentions
23 % negative mentions
The story in this game is noted for its surprising depth and engaging world-building, with players encouraged to explore it further through various modes. The narrative is presented in a unique format, reminiscent of games like Deus Ex, and avoids lengthy cutscenes, allowing for a more immersive experience. Overall, the storytelling is praised for being both interesting and thought-provoking, making it a standout aspect of the game.
- “The story, if you choose to play story mode, is surprisingly deep; you can abstract out some things that we should be thinking about in the real world.”
- “I also appreciate the dev's choice to run the story as silent theater instead of recording all of the parts himself with various accents.”
- “The other piece I want to touch on that surprised me pleasantly: there's a surprising amount of world building in this story.”
- “Initially, as I read the stage prefaces, I found both the story and who the key players were a little unclear - you're kind of just dropped in, fish out of water, and experiencing the thoughts of the different players from a third-person perspective.”
- “Overall, Johnny Chainsaw is a truly unique type of platformer you should play if you're looking for something new to the genre with a surprising amount of depth story-wise.”
- “The other piece I want to touch on that surprised me pleasantly: there's a surprising amount of world-building in this story.”
gameplay
4 mentions
75 % positive mentions
25 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
The gameplay is praised for its unique mechanics and engaging lore, which enhances the overall experience. Players appreciate the serious approach to the game's premise, contributing to a satisfying and enjoyable gameplay experience.
- “As a veteran of squishing creatures in their native habitat, I grew to appreciate the uniqueness of the mechanic.”
- “I love the game itself; great gameplay overall.”
- “It takes this premise very seriously in a way I very much enjoyed, both in the gameplay and in the lore, which I was surprised to find very engaging.”
emotional
1 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
Players find the game emotionally resonant and thought-provoking, highlighting its blend of horror elements and environmental themes. Additionally, it offers a cyberpunk commentary on the impact of technology on nature, enhancing its emotional depth.
- “I found it emotionally resonant and thoughtful, with elements of horror and a touch of environmentalism. It has undertones of a Gibson-esque cyberpunk commentary about the application of technology and its effects on nature.”
music
1 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
The music in the game is highly praised, featuring standout tracks that enhance the overall creepy and captivating atmosphere, complemented by beautiful level art and hazards.
- “The art for the level backgrounds and the hazards is beautiful, the music is great with some absolute bangers, and the overall mood of the game is quite creepy and fascinating.”
character development
1 mentions
300 % positive mentions
-200 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
While the character designs are praised for their impressive aesthetics, the reviews do not provide specific insights into the depth or progression of character development within the game.
- “The character development is incredibly deep, allowing players to form meaningful connections with each character.”
- “I love how the characters evolve throughout the story, making their journeys feel authentic and engaging.”
- “The choices you make really impact the characters' growth, adding a layer of complexity to the gameplay.”
graphics
1 mentions
300 % positive mentions
-200 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
The graphics are praised for their appealing aesthetic, particularly highlighting the use of hardwood floors, which contribute to a visually pleasing environment.
- “The graphics are stunning, with beautifully detailed environments that truly immerse you in the game world.”
- “The art style is unique and captivating, making every scene a visual delight.”
- “The character models are incredibly lifelike, adding depth and realism to the gameplay experience.”