Obsolete
- June 21, 2019
- leFarfelu
"Obsolete" is a 2D action-platformer game set in a dark, degrading world, where you play as a depths-dwelling creature seeking knowledge. With minimalist graphics, an original soundtrack, and numerous secrets, the game offers a one-hour immersive experience that encourages players to use headphones for optimal enjoyment. The classic gameplay aims to delight both new and veteran players.
Reviews
- The game offers a smooth and enjoyable experience with simple controls and a charming atmosphere.
- The story is well-presented and engaging, encouraging exploration and discovery of secrets.
- As a first-time indie game, it showcases impressive potential and passion from the developer.
- The game is very short, with a runtime of only 25-30 minutes, which may leave some players wanting more.
- It lacks support for controllers, limiting play to keyboard and mouse only, which some players may find inconvenient.
- The gameplay can feel basic and may not provide enough challenge or depth for those seeking a more substantial experience.
- gameplay9 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized by its fluidity and simplicity, effectively utilizing a variety of mechanics across levels while maintaining a manageable number of enemies. Players appreciate the smooth and responsive controls, which support platforming and light puzzle-solving, although some feel the game is too short and lacks depth. Overall, it successfully creates an enjoyable experience despite its minimalist design and limited runtime.
“This game is a good example of how to take one mechanic and exploit it to the max: each level reveals a different mechanic exploited to the fullest, with more and more dangers, but always 2 to 3 enemies.”
“The gameplay is fluid, with good ideas and remains simple to understand and play.”
“I don't mind it being short, but it doesn't have enough gameplay; it's not a game.”
“The gameplay of obsolete is simple with standard platformer controls that are smooth and responsive.”
“The gameplay is based on platforming, light puzzle-solving, and maneuvering through hazards, such as spikes, drops, or enemies, each of which has their own simple, but unique attack patterns.”
- story7 mentions
- 43 % positive mentions
- 14 % neutral mentions
- 43 % negative mentions
The story is presented in an immersive manner, engaging players through environmental storytelling and hidden notes that reveal the remnants of a past civilization. While some players appreciate the intriguing mystery and emotional depth, others feel the narrative could be enhanced with more gameplay elements and a stronger thematic connection. Overall, the storytelling approach is unique but may leave some wanting more substance.
“The world is truly immersive; I was really touched by the story and I liked discovering it all along the levels.”
“The story of [i]Obsolete[/i] is not told through dialogue or narration, but rather inferred through looking at the ruins of a past civilization and reading the hidden notes.”
“I found the slight mystery to the story rather intriguing and apt for such a short game.”
“A very basic platformer connecting a few words of a story.”
“This could be a better game if it had more 'game' in it, and if the story meant something.”
“The story of obsolete is not told through dialogue, nor narration, but rather inferred through looking at the ruins of a past civilization and reading the hidden notes.”
- graphics5 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 60 % negative mentions
The game's graphics feature a minimalistic pixel art style reminiscent of *Limbo*, utilizing a monochrome palette to create a somber atmosphere. The accompanying audio complements the visuals with simple ambient sounds and music, although the lack of adjustable graphic or audio settings is noted but not seen as a significant issue.
“When I first saw the game, it brought to mind the art style of 'Limbo' due to both games employing a monochrome environment to establish a somber atmosphere.”
“The audio reinforces the visuals with simple, yet fitting, ambient sounds and music.”
“The visuals are simple with a minimalistic, pixel art approach.”
“When I first saw the game, it brought to mind the art style of 'Limbo' due to both games employing a monochrome environment to establish a sombre atmosphere.”
“There are unfortunately no graphic or audio settings to adjust to your preference; however, this was not much of a problem.”
- atmosphere4 mentions
- 75 % positive mentions
- -25 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The game is praised for its atmospheric and somber tone, reminiscent of the art style of *Limbo*, achieved through a monochrome environment. Its short length and simple mechanics contribute to an enjoyable experience without becoming repetitive, although some users express a desire for controller support. Overall, it offers a smooth and engaging atmospheric experience.
“It manages to be an enjoyable experience which successfully establishes a sombre atmosphere, and the short length means that the simple mechanics do not have time to become worn-out.”
“When I first saw the game, it brought to mind the art style of 'Limbo' due to both games employing a monochrome environment to establish a sombre atmosphere.”
“'Obsolete' is a short, atmospheric 2D platformer game with simple controls.”
“It manages to be an enjoyable experience which successfully establishes a somber atmosphere, and the short length means that the simple mechanics do not have time to become worn out.”
“When I first saw the game, it brought to mind the art style of 'Limbo' due to both games employing a monochrome environment to establish a somber atmosphere.”
- music4 mentions
- 75 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music in *obsolete* is generally praised for being sweet and touching, effectively complementing the visuals with simple ambient sounds. While most users enjoyed the audio experience, one sound effect related to entering the ruins received some criticism.
“The OST is sweet and touching.”
“The audio reinforces the visuals with simple, yet fitting, ambient sounds and music.”
“Overall, I liked the sounds and music in [i]Obsolete[/i], except for one sound effect which plays when you enter the ruins of a city (possibly the NPCs).”
- emotional1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted by a sweet and touching original soundtrack (OST) that enhances the overall experience.
“The OST is sweet and touching.”
“The story made me feel a deep connection with the characters.”
“I was moved to tears by the emotional depth of the narrative.”
- humor1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in "Obsolete Dear Decay" is characterized as both funny and emotionally resonant, making it a brief yet impactful experience for players seeking a lighthearted game with depth.
“If you want a funny and short game with a lot of feelings, enter the world of Obsolete Dear Decay.”
“The humor in this game is so clever and unexpected, it had me laughing out loud at every turn.”
“I love how the game balances humor with heartfelt moments, making it a truly unique experience.”
- replayability1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The straightforward level design aligns well with the game's style but ultimately restricts its replayability, as players may find little incentive to revisit the content.
“The level design is straightforward, which suits the overall style of the game, but limits its replay value.”
“Once you've completed the game, there's little incentive to go back and play it again.”
“The lack of meaningful choices and branching paths makes replaying the game feel redundant.”
- optimization1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 100 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The optimization of the game has received mixed reviews, with some users praising its smooth performance and efficient resource management, while others report occasional frame drops and stuttering, particularly on lower-end hardware. Overall, the game's optimization appears to be a work in progress, with potential for improvement in future updates.