Prelogate
- December 10, 2014
- blamedrop
- 27h median play time
Get on Steam"Prelogate is a single-player Science Fiction Puzzle game that challenges players to redirect laser beams and control them with logic gates across 64 levels in 10 chapters. With calming music and mind-bending problems, it takes about 26 hours to beat and requires logical thinking in one pass. Prepare to immerse in this elegant logic puzzler, perfect for players who enjoy a mental workout."
PC
Windows
Linux
Reviews
- Prelogate offers a solid core of enjoyable and challenging logic puzzles that progressively increase in difficulty, providing a satisfying brain workout.
- The game features a variety of mechanics, including laser manipulation and logic gates, which create interesting design challenges and allow for multiple solutions.
- With a low price point and extensive content, including 64 levels and optimization challenges, it is a great value for fans of logic and puzzle games.
- The user interface is clunky and convoluted, making navigation and replaying levels cumbersome, which detracts from the overall experience.
- The visual presentation is lacking, with many gameplay elements blending into the background, leading to confusion and eye strain during play.
- Some levels have uneven difficulty spikes, and the lack of clear explanations for mechanics like logic gates can make the game frustrating for players unfamiliar with the concepts.
- gameplay12 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 42 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The gameplay is engaging and intellectually stimulating, focusing on redirecting and mixing laser beams with mechanics rooted in propositional logic. However, the presentation is criticized for being inadequate, occasionally hindering the overall experience. Despite some superficial elements, players find the mechanics rewarding and are drawn into the game for extended periods, even when facing challenges.
“Gameplay is smart and enjoyable, but the presentation is severely lacking to the point where it sometimes impedes gameplay.”
“The mechanics have close ties to propositional logic (and, or, xor and if gates are available).”
“After playing the game for eighteen hours, I have finally reached the last chapter, and I am so hooked on the gameplay that I have no desire to stop playing even when I hit a wall.”
“The length and difficulty are a lot higher than Human Resource Machine, while the interface and mechanics of the game are more casual and simplistic than SpaceChem.”
“Sometimes it makes you wonder if the options that you have aren't limited due to a bug... but then you find out that you still have something to learn about the mechanics.”
“White gameplay objects on a white background.”
- music5 mentions
- 60 % positive mentions
- 20 % neutral mentions
- 20 % negative mentions
The music in the game is generally well-received, featuring a soothing and ambient soundtrack by Kevin MacLeod that enhances the relaxing atmosphere. While it effectively serves as a calming backdrop, some players found it occasionally grating, though the option to turn it off is appreciated.
“The music is pretty good, which comes as no surprise as the soundtrack comprises free music by Kevin MacLeod.”
“Forgot to mention earlier that the ambient music is quite good, sort of like the game Defcon.”
“Relaxing, soothing background music, a good wind down after a stressful day, but the music can be turned off.”
“The music selection is slow and ambient, which is nice, but felt grating at some points.”
- graphics4 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- -25 % neutral mentions
- 75 % negative mentions
The graphics are described as primitive and reminiscent of early Zachtronics titles, reflecting a "developer art" style that prioritizes functionality over visual appeal. While the visuals may not impress, they do not detract from the game's focus on engaging riddles, making it accessible even for those without programming experience.
“The best part is that unlike some other games in this genre, it is entirely graphical and very easy to learn with no programming background required.”
“And things don't exactly improve when talking about the visuals (again quite like early Zachtronics).”
“The graphics are underwhelming and feel outdated compared to other titles in the genre.”
“The art style lacks originality and fails to create an engaging atmosphere.”
- story2 mentions
- 150 % positive mentions
- -150 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game's overarching plot revolves around creating AI systems with lasers, but many players feel it lacks depth and could benefit from a more engaging narrative. While the focus is primarily on the enjoyable riddles, the repetitive and dull story elements detract from the overall experience.
“The story weaves a complex narrative that keeps you engaged from start to finish.”
“The character development is rich and adds depth to the overall experience.”
“I was captivated by the unexpected twists and turns in the plot.”
“While the overarching plot is about creating AI systems with lasers, I felt like there could have been more depth to the story.”
“The riddles are what this game is about and they are good, but the graphics are quite primitive and the story texts are repetitive and boring.”
- grinding1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect tedious due to the unpolished presentation and repetitive puzzle design, which detracts from overall enjoyment.
“The unpolished look and feel, along with the repetitive puzzle design, made this experience tedious.”
“Grinding feels like a never-ending chore rather than an engaging part of the game.”
“The constant need to grind for resources takes away from the enjoyment and immersion of the gameplay.”
- optimization1 mentions
- 200 % positive mentions
- -400 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The game's optimization aspect draws comparisons to SpaceChem, though it features less open-ended and engineering-focused puzzles, offering a more structured approach to problem-solving.
“The game offers a unique take on optimization, challenging players to think critically and efficiently.”
“I love how the optimization mechanics encourage creative problem-solving and strategic planning.”
“The optimization aspect of the game is reminiscent of SpaceChem, but the puzzles are not as open-ended and engineering-focused as in SpaceChem.”
“The game lacks the depth and complexity needed for true optimization, making it feel shallow and unengaging.”
“I found the optimization mechanics to be frustratingly simplistic, which detracts from the overall experience.”
