Oxytone
- November 22, 2023
- OxGames
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Get on itch.io Store"Oxytone is a relaxing yet challenging puzzle game that takes you on a journey through your mind, with 99 challenges and 12 meticulously designed maps. The objective is to create the longest paths and achieve impressive combinations, while the sound design enhances the immersive experience. Every move matters, and strategic planning is key to success."
Reviews
- The game is visually stunning and has a relaxing atmosphere, making it great for unwinding.
- Gameplay is simple yet engaging, with satisfying mechanics that encourage strategic thinking.
- The developer is responsive and actively works on updates, enhancing the overall experience.
- Achievements can be frustratingly difficult to unlock, leading to a sense of tedium.
- The random number generator can hinder planning, making some levels feel unfairly challenging.
- Lack of key remapping options can be inconvenient, especially for players using laptops.
- gameplay11 mentions
- 18 % positive mentions
- 55 % neutral mentions
- 27 % negative mentions
The gameplay is centered around a simple yet satisfying tile-laying mechanic that encourages strategic thinking, despite the absence of certain features that could streamline the experience. Players appreciate the game's anarchic spirit and the complexity that arises from its randomness, making it engaging and rewarding. Additionally, the developer's active support enhances the overall experience, fostering a community around the game.
“So basic gameplay involves some strategy as you lay out your hexes.”
“The gameplay mechanic of laying tiles and following twisting strings of paths is simple and satisfying.”
“For the sake of the easy-going puzzle game, the kinds of mechanics try-hards like me would normally want to expedite things have been left out: things like a way to highlight the path you're about to create, a preview of your upcoming tiles, highlights for closed loops or paths that will lead you into a wall... all of it would (presumably) get in the way of the anarchic spirit of the game.”
“I love this game so much that I made what seemed impossible possible by creating a guide for a game that the central mechanic is so random it turned out to be more of a tutorial on exactly how to play & how it all works.”
“Simple concept, but surprisingly complex gameplay.”
- graphics7 mentions
- 43 % positive mentions
- 57 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are consistently praised for their good visuals and calming sound design, creating a satisfying and pleasant experience. Players appreciate the simple yet appealing aesthetics, which contribute to a relaxing atmosphere, making it an ideal choice for unwinding after a long day.
“Chill, satisfying, pleasant game with great visuals and sound design.”
“I really love the game, the sounds and graphics are very calming.”
“This game, while simple in its design, offers someone like me the chance to sit back and relax. As a person who lives with both autism and ADHD, this game combines sounds and visuals that are both appealing and relaxing. I play this game most nights before heading to bed as a way to decompress from the day's stresses.”
- music6 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 17 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The music in the game is described as chill and complementary to the gameplay, featuring deep sounds and higher chimes. However, some players prefer to turn off the music, finding the in-game sound effects more satisfying and immersive, suggesting that the music may detract from the overall atmosphere and focus. Additionally, the lack of customizable sound settings is noted as a drawback.
“But honestly, the sounds are oddly deeply satisfying to listen to as you play, and I often think that the music would detract from the atmosphere and one's ability to focus.”
“Are you a type of player who just likes to kick back, turn the brain on low, and listen to some nice background music?”
“The music is chill, a deep sound that goes well with the higher chimes that sound when you move.”
“Simple and basic, straightforward and easy to use; however, the settings lack sliders for sound and music, as well as other features that some may find inconvenient.”
“I don't actually listen to the music; I turned it off because the sounds are so satisfying to listen to as I play!”
- grinding3 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game frustrating due to high level quotas and design choices that hinder effective planning, leading to tedious gameplay. The combination of punishing walls, visual clutter, and poorly designed levels results in a lack of satisfaction, making the grinding feel more like a chore than an engaging challenge.
“Which would be fine, except the game also includes walls that kill you if you path into them, visual clutter that makes tracing out pathways tedious and annoying, and, most egregiously, exactingly high level quotas (several of which you cannot meet if you form any closed loops) that do not under any circumstances make sense against all of the design decisions that actively work against planning ahead.”
“And for about half of the levels it's just about workable, but for about half of them it really isn't, and for those the game ends up winding up tedious and annoying without providing much satisfaction when RNGesus finally does bless you.”
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
- story2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 150 % negative mentions
The game lacks a narrative component, with users noting that there is no story present.
“There is no story to speak of.”
“The game lacks any meaningful narrative.”
“The storyline is completely absent.”
- atmosphere1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is enhanced by its deeply satisfying sound design, which some players feel is more effective than music in maintaining focus and immersion.
“The sounds are oddly deeply satisfying to listen to as you play, and I often think that the music would detract from the atmosphere and one's ability to focus.”
