Pocket Watch
- January 9, 2021
- Sokpop Collective
Get on Steam
Get on itch.io Store"Pocket Watch" is a time-traveling adventure game set on a tropical island, where you interact with animals, collect items, and solve puzzles to uncover a fishy plot before the island's volcano erupts. The game features a day-night cycle, over 20 animals and 50 collectables, with multiple endings and a ~3-4 hour playtime. Special thanks to gijsho6 for the club beat. Sokpop releases a new game every two weeks, and you can subscribe to their Patreon for $3 per month.
Mac OS
PC
Steam Deck
Windows
Reviews
- The game features charming visuals and a cute art style, making it visually appealing.
- The time-travel mechanic is creatively implemented, providing engaging puzzles and exploration.
- It's a fun and relaxing experience, with a lighthearted atmosphere and plenty of secrets to discover.
- The platforming can be frustrating due to depth perception issues and finicky controls.
- Some players experienced nausea from choppy animations and camera movement.
- The game can feel tedious at times, especially when having to restart due to missed time windows.
- graphics8 mentions
- 63 % positive mentions
- 13 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The graphics are generally praised for their charming and cute art style, which enhances the game's character and overall experience. However, some players find the 2D visuals can complicate gameplay, particularly in platforming sections that challenge depth perception. Despite these issues, the visuals are considered a strong point, contributing positively to the game's atmosphere and enjoyment.
“A very cute little adventure game with great visuals and music.”
“Very clever time loop game with a cool art style.”
“The graphics are charming and add to the overall character of the world.”
“Finicky platforming in an art style that spits in the face of depth perception and some genuinely frustrating UX made much of the game needlessly grating.”
- gameplay8 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
Gameplay is characterized by a time travel mechanic that, while not groundbreaking, is effectively integrated into the story and mechanics, enhancing the overall experience. Players navigate through time-sensitive challenges and inventory management, with a mix of pressure and relaxation as they learn the game’s systems. The creative use of time, including character routines and hidden elements, adds depth and encourages exploration.
“I love the groundhog day concept, and how it plays nicely with the timing and the tidal mechanics.”
“Although gameplay does not reinvent the time travel mechanic, it does use it in a logical way that helps to drive the story and overall experience.”
“The time mechanic is utilized in many creative ways, such as anticipating the daily routine of certain characters and trying to interrupt them.”
“The controls were a bit annoying, especially for the harder jumps because the gameplay involved the passing of in-game time.”
“Most of the gameplay revolves around figuring out how to acquire new inventory items that will either help you assist NPCs or allow you to move more freely throughout the island the game is set on.”
“The first time you play the first day, there is a lot of time pressure, but once you learn the mechanics by talking to the crow at the beginning of the second day, the game gets pretty chill and there's not much cost to errors.”
- story5 mentions
- 20 % positive mentions
- 40 % neutral mentions
- 40 % negative mentions
The story is engaging and cleverly crafted, requiring players to explore and solve mysteries to progress, though it may initially be confusing. While it doesn't reinvent the time travel mechanic, it uses it effectively to enhance the narrative experience. Overall, the charming art style and sound design complement the fun storyline, making it a rewarding journey for those who persevere.
“This is an extremely clever and charming story game.”
“I was confused at first but am glad I stuck with it - there's a threshold to get over (took me a few tries) before the story really opens up.”
“Although gameplay does not reinvent the time travel mechanic, it does use it in a logical way that helps to drive the story and overall experience.”
- humor2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is highlighted by its amusing characters and quirky accessories, which elicit genuine reactions and laughter from players. Many users find the comedic elements engaging and enjoyable, enhancing the overall gaming experience.
“Funny duck game.”
“There were a couple of times that my boyfriend and I gasped out loud at discovering something, and we both found a lot of enjoyment in the characters and the funny accessories that your player wears.”
- music2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music in the game is praised for its chill vibe, complementing the cute visuals and enhancing the overall experience of the adventure.
“Enjoyed the chill music.”
“A very cute little adventure game with great visuals and music.”
- grinding1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game tedious, particularly due to the need to repeatedly restart the day and wait for specific events to occur, which can be frustrating when puzzles are not immediately clear.
“The puzzles aren't always obvious, and it can feel a bit tedious to restart the day and wait for the specific time something happens, even with the nap system.”
“Grinding feels like a chore rather than a fun challenge, making the gameplay drag on longer than it should.”
“The repetitive nature of grinding makes it hard to stay engaged, as it often feels like I'm just going through the motions.”
- atmosphere1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -500 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The atmosphere is characterized by a unique blend of Majora's Mask's darker, more mysterious elements combined with the charming, laid-back vibe of Animal Crossing, creating an engaging and immersive experience.
“The atmosphere is a perfect blend of Majora's Mask and Animal Crossing, creating a unique and enchanting world.”
“The game immerses you in a whimsical yet eerie environment that keeps you engaged.”
“Every corner of the game is filled with rich details that enhance the overall atmosphere.”
“The atmosphere feels like a strange mix of Majora's Mask and Animal Crossing, which doesn't quite work.”
“The game lacks a cohesive atmosphere, leaving it feeling disjointed and uninspired.”
“Despite the colorful visuals, the atmosphere is surprisingly dull and fails to engage the player.”
- emotional1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game is praised for its wholesome and thought-provoking adventure, offering an emotional experience despite some issues with rigid platforming and terrain inconsistencies.
“This game takes you on a heartfelt journey that resonates deeply with players, making you reflect on your own emotions and experiences.”
“The storytelling is incredibly moving, leaving a lasting impact that lingers long after you've finished playing.”
“Every character feels real and relatable, drawing you into their struggles and triumphs in a way that is both touching and memorable.”
