Leap Year
- June 13, 2024
- Daniel Linssen
- 3h median play time
Get on Steam
Get on itch.io Store"Leap Year" is a compact, hand-drawn platformer focused on knowledge and discovery, with about 2 hours of gameplay and 40+ rooms. Collect calendar pages and uncover secrets to access new areas, accompanied by a soundtrack of 6 audio tracks and friendly dancing characters. The game offers a charming exploration experience in a world full of hidden paths.
PC
Steam Deck
Windows
Cloud
Reviews
- Leap Year features incredibly clever level design that encourages exploration and discovery, making every moment engaging.
- The game cleverly subverts traditional platforming mechanics, creating a unique experience where players learn through trial and error.
- It's a short but delightful game that doesn't overstay its welcome, providing a satisfying experience packed with 'aha!' moments.
- The platforming can feel slippery and imprecise at times, leading to occasional frustration during more technical sections.
- Some players may find the lack of checkpoints in the latter half of the game to be punishing, especially during challenging segments.
- The game is quite short, which may leave some players wanting more content or a longer experience.
- gameplay91 mentions
- 32 % positive mentions
- 65 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
The gameplay of this platformer is characterized by its clever mechanics and engaging level design, encouraging players to explore and discover new abilities as they progress. While the game is short, typically lasting around 2-3 hours, it effectively challenges players to solve puzzles using a minimalistic approach to mechanics, often leading to surprising revelations and "aha" moments. Overall, it offers a delightful experience that balances fun and complexity without overstaying its welcome.
“While it occasionally has demanding execution, most of the challenge comes from figuring out the mechanics and planning out paths that can get you to where you need to go.”
“The game does a very nice job of getting you to discover its various mechanics, and the final puzzle/endgame twist was very enjoyable, a nice new brainteaser to cap everything off.”
“The level design is really clever, and your mind will be blown every time you discover a new mechanic.”
“The puzzle conceit is creative, and learning about the game mechanics recontextualizes earlier puzzles in a way that makes you think 'that was there the whole time?!' My only gripe is that the movement is a bit floaty and imprecise, which leads to occasional frustration.”
“Nice game, but the main game mechanic can get annoying and tedious (anti-platformer muscle memory). The last puzzles really need some more checkpoints, but overall it's a good game.”
“Underneath its deceptively cute design, there lie devious and cheeky mechanics which will both surprise and frustrate you.”
- music13 mentions
- 77 % positive mentions
- 8 % neutral mentions
- 15 % negative mentions
The music in the game is widely praised for its charm and ability to enhance the overall experience, complementing the minimalistic art style and engaging gameplay. Reviewers highlight the soundtrack as catchy and fitting, contributing significantly to the game's ambiance and enjoyment. Overall, the combination of great music and appealing visuals creates a captivating atmosphere that resonates well with players.
“The level design, mechanics, introductions to said mechanics, puzzles, art style, music... it's all just superb.”
“This puzzle platformer has great mechanics, is great at getting you to figure them out, on top of great ambiance, controls, music.”
“Throw in the charming art, fun fonts, and catchy music, and I'd say this game is dang near perfect at what it set out to do.”
“The music plays like a record scratch to your actions, and I can't wait to find out more secrets in this little world.”
“The visuals and music are pretty charming.”
- graphics12 mentions
- 58 % positive mentions
- 17 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are widely praised for their charming and minimalistic art style, with many reviewers highlighting the hand-drawn visuals and cute aesthetics. The combination of appealing graphics and great music enhances the overall experience, making it enjoyable for fans of platformers and adventure games alike. While some noted the simplicity of the visuals, they still found them to be engaging and fitting for the gameplay.
“Loved the art style, loved the music, absolute recommend to anyone who likes platformers that push the genre.”
“The visuals are simple but charming, and the sound and music are great.”
“Charming hand-drawn graphics.”
“The visuals are simple but charming, and the sound and music is great.”
“With every new discovery, the layout of areas and seemingly mundane visuals become the sort of pixel hunt that conjures up memories of classic adventure games.”
“The visuals and music are pretty charming.”
- humor7 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is consistently praised for its clever mechanics and creative level design, which keep players engaged and entertained throughout. The unique fall-damage gimmick adds a hilarious twist to the platforming experience, leading to both laughter and thoughtful gameplay. Overall, players find the game to be a delightful blend of fun, creativity, and humor that resonates well from start to finish.
“Very cute and clever little platformer that made me laugh out loud multiple times.”
“The central conceit, that your normal jump kills you when you land, is a hilarious idea that led to creative puzzles and kept messing with my mind and muscle memory right up to the end of the game.”
“This game is amazing at using its mechanics to deliver a tightly-designed, fun, and surprisingly hilarious experience.”
- story3 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The story aspect of the game is minimal, with users noting that it resembles classic indie titles and focuses more on gameplay than narrative. Players should not expect a deep storyline, but rather enjoy the experience as a fun puzzle-platformer set in a forest environment.
“A neat little puzzle-platformer, reminiscent of a deep forest or an untitled story.”
“Reminded me of an untitled story and some other classic indie games.”
- emotional3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players find the game emotionally engaging, evoking a range of feelings from laughter to surprise, reminiscent of classic indie titles. The experience is described as both intellectually stimulating and playfully silly, contributing to a deep sense of enjoyment.
“This is one of the best games I've ever played; it made me laugh, it made me gasp, it made me feel really smart and really silly.”
“Made me feel like I was playing an old indie game from the days of VVVVVV, Star Guard, and Knytt.”
- grinding3 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be somewhat tedious, particularly due to backtracking and the main game mechanics, which can become frustrating. While some parts are enjoyable, the lack of sufficient checkpoints in later puzzles contributes to the overall annoyance.
“That's one of my main complaints with these types of games: the backtracking can feel quite tedious when you just want to work on a puzzle.”
“The main game mechanic can get annoying and tedious; the last puzzles really need some more checkpoints.”
“A tiny bit tedious in some parts, but overall it was nice!”
- replayability1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -500 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Replayability is considered high due to the presence of speed achievements, encouraging players to revisit the game to improve their times.
“Replayability is high due to the speed achievements.”
“The game offers a variety of paths and choices, making each playthrough feel unique.”
“With multiple endings and character builds, I find myself coming back for more.”
“Replayability is high for the speed achievements.”
“Once you complete the main story, there's little incentive to play again.”
“The lack of varied endings makes replaying feel redundant.”
