Obulis
- March 19, 2009
- Meridian4
- 10h median play time
Obulis is a challenging single-player puzzle game known for its stellar graphics, sensational soundtrack, and state-of-the-art physics effects. The goal is to place different colored balls into their corresponding pots across 150+ levels, testing players' problem-solving skills while they enjoy a calming musical experience. Obulis combines captivating gameplay with impressive visual and audio elements to create an immersive and engaging puzzle-solving journey.
Reviews
- Obulis offers a relaxing and engaging gameplay experience with beautiful graphics and soothing music.
- The game features a wide variety of puzzles that challenge players' timing and problem-solving skills, providing a satisfying sense of achievement upon completion.
- It's a great value for casual gamers and puzzle enthusiasts, especially when purchased at a discount.
- The controls can be clunky, requiring two clicks to cut chains, which can disrupt the flow of gameplay and lead to frustration.
- Many puzzles rely heavily on precise timing rather than logical problem-solving, which can make some levels feel more like a trial-and-error exercise.
- The physics engine is inconsistent, leading to unpredictable outcomes that can hinder progress even when the correct solution is known.
- music82 mentions
- 51 % positive mentions
- 41 % neutral mentions
- 7 % negative mentions
The music in the game is generally praised for its calming and serene qualities, enhancing the overall atmosphere and experience of the puzzles. However, some players find it repetitive and occasionally annoying, particularly the loudness and certain sound effects that cannot be adjusted. Overall, while the soundtrack contributes positively to the game's aesthetic, it may not appeal to everyone due to its inconsistency in quality and volume.
“Each of the game's 151 maps have unique puzzles, no two being exactly alike, and the scenery of each stage combined with the tranquil music will surely create an experience you won't soon forget.”
“For its low price, you definitely get hours of entertainment that you likely won't find elsewhere; besides the puzzles themselves, the scenery in each stage will be a feast for the eyes, and the soundtrack will absolutely entrance you.”
“The music is relaxing and beautiful.”
“The game has made some decent effort in providing a varied musical soundscape to vary the flavor of the levels, but the recording is sibilant and pierces the ear.”
“The cons: music is annoying for your ears and repetitive; personally, I muted it.”
“Also, you can't adjust the sound effect volume or the music volume.”
- gameplay67 mentions
- 18 % positive mentions
- 76 % neutral mentions
- 6 % negative mentions
The gameplay primarily revolves around using physics to maneuver colored balls into matching cauldrons, offering a mix of engaging puzzles and challenging mechanics. However, many players find the dual-click requirement cumbersome and the timing-based challenges frustrating, leading to a repetitive experience. Despite these drawbacks, the game provides a decent amount of content with over 150 levels, appealing to fans of puzzle games, especially those who enjoy a simplistic yet challenging style.
“The gameplay involves using physics to get balls of a certain color into a cauldron of the same color.”
“The best part is that you can use what mechanics were introduced in older levels and re-implement them in harder stages, which is almost mandatory at some points... and the ending I received when I got to dungeon XII and finally collected the onyx medallion was simple yet so heart-warming in the end.”
“Good graphics, good music, simple challenging gameplay, and plenty of 'aha!' moments.”
“The one mechanic all of these puzzles use has, for no reason at all, an execution that is not just awkward but nonsensical: two clicks with two mouse buttons instead of one.”
“It does seem like a great game, but I literally cannot stand how I have to left-click then right-click; it makes everything more difficult than it needs to be and overall is just a useless mechanic.”
“The second annoyance is that these are not so much physical puzzles as timing puzzles: you can usually figure out the mechanics quickly, but the timing is so unforgiving that it usually takes several tries to implement a solution that you have already figured out.”
- graphics58 mentions
- 59 % positive mentions
- 36 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are described as simple yet appealing, with a mix of 2D aesthetics reminiscent of older arcade and mobile games. While some reviews note occasional graphical glitches, many appreciate the calming visuals that enhance the gameplay experience. Overall, the graphics are considered decent and contribute positively to the game's relaxing atmosphere, despite some opinions on their basic nature.
“The game is very relaxing and graphically appealing, while simultaneously testing your mind and reflexes.”
“Great graphics, fun gameplay, peaceful scenes and music, and a great simplistic style overall.”
“The graphics and audio are gorgeous.”
“It has the aesthetics of a cheap old arcade game.”
“The visuals are extremely 2D flat mobile technology from yesteryear.”
“Occasional graphical glitches and apparent haphazardness of the solutions add to the charm, but lead one to believe the game was applied over the top of a pre-written physics engine.”
- story21 mentions
- 19 % positive mentions
- 67 % neutral mentions
- 14 % negative mentions
The game's story is polarizing; some players note a lack of background or setup, feeling an unspoken narrative in the gameplay, while others praise a mature plot with significant twists and character development. One reviewer highlights the engaging nature of the plot, particularly the unexpected transformation of the protagonist, while another expresses a desire for a more substantial story to maintain interest. Overall, the narrative experience varies greatly among players, with some finding it compelling and others feeling it is absent.
“Even as the developers probably just mean them to be a setup of still imagery for its own sake, I can't help but feel as I play like there really is some unspoken story going on here, as if these orbs are coming to life and moving themselves about for some reason or another in a quiet world - quiet in an inviting way instead of an unsettling one.”
“On her quest to save Washington, D.C. and her dad from a vault, she meets a man called Gordon Freeman.”
“This plot has a twist: during her journey, she is turned into a man. This is not the case; she was a man the whole time (dun dun dun). So overall, I give the story 10/10.”
“There is no background story or setup to the game.”
“There is no story, background, or setup to the game.”
“The plot contains mature themes.”
- humor9 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is generally well-received, with players finding it amusing and engaging, particularly in the context of its challenges and quirky descriptions. However, some users noted that the music can be overly loud, which detracts from the comedic experience. Overall, the game successfully keeps players entertained and eager to continue playing.
“It was sorta funny, because I wasn't feeling bored anymore; I was eager to try one challenge after another.”
“I had a funny moment when it said in the description that Obulis has over 150 levels, and they're right, it's 151!”
“[i] [b] The Dota 2 champions and the Obulis ordeal: a hilarious escapade of juggling and puzzles [/b]”
- replayability7 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 43 % neutral mentions
- 57 % negative mentions
The game "Obulis" is criticized for its lack of replayability, as players have noted that once the puzzles are solved, there is little incentive to revisit the game. The absence of additional content or challenges means that the experience is largely finite.
“The game has no replayability unless you feel like solving the same puzzles all over again.”
“I like this concept, but it essentially means there is no replay value to Obulis as there is nothing to do after you complete the game.”
“The game has no replayability unless you feel like solving the same puzzles all over again.”
- stability6 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game experiences occasional bugs and timing issues that can be frustrating, particularly due to the precision required in gameplay. While minor glitches in the physics engine and graphical anomalies are present, they do not significantly detract from the overall enjoyment, and some players find them add a certain charm to the experience.
“It's buggy at some stages, and that 'it's all about the timing' thing is so frustrating, because you can totally miss the target for milliseconds of delay.”
“Occasional graphical glitches and apparent haphazardness of the solutions add to the charm, but lead one to believe the game was applied over the top of a pre-written physics engine.”
“The tedious timing issues and the minor glitches in the physics engine didn’t take away from Obulis; Obulis is actually a good playthrough.”
- grinding6 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players note that while "Obulis" features a significant amount of grinding due to tedious timing issues and minor physics glitches, the game remains enjoyable overall. Many puzzles have clear solutions, but achieving them often demands repetitive effort.
“Most of the puzzles have obvious solutions but require tedious work to correctly time the collisions.”
“The tedious timing issues and the minor glitches in the physics engine make the grinding experience frustrating.”
“Fan of achievement grinding? Prepare for a lot of repetitive tasks.”
- atmosphere4 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is highly praised for its peacefulness, enhanced by the music, which players found compelling enough to leave on during gameplay. This immersive environment has encouraged multiple playthroughs, highlighting its significant impact on the overall experience.
“It doesn't sound like much, but this atmosphere that the game fostered has drawn me back to finish it three times.”
“I even left the music on, which is something I rarely do, as it added to such a peaceful atmosphere.”
- emotional2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players find the emotional impact of the game particularly strong, especially highlighted by the heartwarming conclusion upon completing challenging levels and collecting significant items like the onyx medallion. The ability to revisit and apply previously learned mechanics adds depth to the emotional journey, making the experience feel rewarding and fulfilling.
“The best part is that you can use what mechanics were introduced in older levels and re-implement them in harder stages, which is almost mandatory at some points... and the ending I received when I got to Dungeon XII and finally collected the Onyx Medallion was simple yet so heart-warming in the end.”
- character development2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Reviewers emphasize the importance of a compelling story and complex character development as key factors in maintaining their interest in the game. They suggest that while gameplay may become easier over time, engaging narratives and well-developed characters are essential for long-term engagement.
“I need a good story or complex character development to keep me coming back.”