Progressbar95 - nostalgic game
"Progressbar95 - Nostalgic Game" is a casual action game with a retro look and feel, offering players tons of mini-games, secrets, and upgrades. While the game boasts compelling gameplay, excellent graphics, and marvelous music, it also features a lot of grinding and an excessive amount of advertisements. Despite its flaws, the game is sure to make you laugh with its humor and nostalgic charm. The game describes itself as a nostalgic, fun, and casual experience.
Reviews
- The game captures the nostalgia of old operating systems perfectly, with great graphics and sound effects.
- Gameplay is simple yet addictive, with various game modes and challenges that keep it interesting.
- The attention to detail and the inclusion of Easter eggs make the game enjoyable for tech enthusiasts.
- The frequency of ads can be intrusive, with some players feeling overwhelmed by them after every level.
- Progression can feel grindy at times, especially when trying to unlock new operating systems.
- Some gameplay mechanics, like the collision detection for pop-ups, can be frustrating and lead to unfair losses.
- monetization804 mentions
- 6 % positive mentions
- 2 % neutral mentions
- 92 % negative mentions
The monetization aspect of the game has received mixed feedback from users. While many appreciate the option to remove ads for a small fee, others find the frequency and intrusiveness of ads—often appearing after every level—frustrating and disruptive to gameplay. Overall, players acknowledge the necessity of ads for a free game but suggest that a more balanced approach to ad placement could enhance the experience.
“There are optional microtransactions, and after all the effort put into this game, the creators deserve your money!”
“This game handles microtransactions properly; aside from getting an ad-free experience, you don't have to constantly throw money at it.”
“You don't need to pay for microtransactions to fully enjoy the game.”
“A cool game entirely ruined by its monetization; the ads completely take you out of the experience, and needing to wait for the error-fixing minigame to be available is annoying.”
“I was really enjoying the gameplay and was looking forward to progressing through its many upgrades... unfortunately, you too often get hit with full-page ads that can't be closed ever and require you to shut off the app and restart it, losing the progress of whatever you were just doing.”
“The game has ads, but they are not much of a burden and it's built on a pure free-to-play design.”
- gameplay367 mentions
- 54 % positive mentions
- 37 % neutral mentions
- 8 % negative mentions
The gameplay of the game is widely praised for its nostalgic design and engaging mechanics, offering a mix of simple yet addictive experiences that evoke memories of classic Microsoft operating systems. While many players appreciate the variety of mini-games and the rewarding progression system, some note that the gameplay can become repetitive and occasionally frustrating due to bugs and ads. Overall, it strikes a balance between casual fun and challenging elements, making it appealing to both retro enthusiasts and casual gamers alike.
“The gameplay is surprisingly deep with a nice variety of games, including text-mode adventures where you can find cheat codes and earn extra points.”
“The gameplay is simple yet addictive, and I always find myself playing it at least a little bit every day!”
“The gameplay is fun and engaging; I could play for hours on end and not get bored of this game.”
“Suffers from a couple frustrating bugs and unpolished mechanics - like red fragments existing off-screen and screwing a player over while completely invisible, little GUI bugs or unsolvable minesweeper levels.”
“The gameplay gets repetitive really quick.”
“The only downsides are that regular gameplay can get really boring for one and incredibly frustrating for two.”
- graphics336 mentions
- 54 % positive mentions
- 44 % neutral mentions
- 2 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game have been widely praised for their nostalgic appeal, effectively capturing the essence of old Windows operating systems from the 90s and early 2000s. Players appreciate the attention to detail in the pixel art style, sound design, and overall aesthetic, which evoke fond memories of vintage computing. However, some users have reported minor graphical bugs and a desire for more dynamic visual changes as they progress through the game.
“The graphics are beautiful and there are plenty of OS skins to satisfy your trip down memory lane.”
“The art style, graphics, and sound design are spot on and nail the nostalgia factor.”
“The visuals are stunning, where I feel like I actually had Windows 95 on my phone!”
“There are also graphic bugs, in Wista for example, with item selection in the begin menu.”
“The graphics are terrible and there's annoying popups.”
“Constant ads after every single level, barely made gameplay but with a neat aesthetic at least.”
- humor145 mentions
- 99 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 1 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is widely praised for its nostalgic references to old Windows versions and quirky elements, such as a pet trash bin and amusing character interactions like Clippy. Players find the game to be a hilarious trip down memory lane, filled with clever jokes, easter eggs, and a tongue-in-cheek approach to early computer technology. Overall, the humor is described as both entertaining and engaging, making it a standout feature of the gameplay experience.
“I really appreciate the developers and their sense of humor (the bin is a pet lol).”
“While there are some (actual) ads to dismiss, this game is a hilarious and well thought out trip down nostalgia lane for those of us that lived through the early DOS and Windows era of PCs, make sure to turn up the volume for some authentic ambiance as well!”
“This game is extremely creative; who would have thought progress bar go brrrr and the trash can pet, so this game is amazing and hilarious at the same time.”
“Not funny, and no fun.”
- music68 mentions
- 41 % positive mentions
- 54 % neutral mentions
- 4 % negative mentions
The music in the game is widely praised for its nostalgic quality and overall enjoyment, with many players expressing a desire for additional tracks and the ability to import their own music. While the soundtrack is often described as beautiful and relaxing, some users have reported issues with music playback, such as it stopping unexpectedly or being interrupted by ads. Overall, the music significantly enhances the gaming experience, contributing to its fun and engaging atmosphere.
“This game not only gave me a sense of nostalgia that I sadly couldn't experience, not only does it have really good music (to the point where I made my own mashup edition), but the game is fun and highly enjoyable.”
“The music, graphics, and gameplay are phenomenal.”
“This game has very original and fun gameplay, with a great soundtrack and that nostalgia factor; it's beautiful.”
“Literally can't even play the game anymore because when I try and play casual it says do you want to unlock the higher quality song and if I click anything the game behind freezes and I can't move the bar or anything even if I restart the computer or go on any other operating system.”
“In progressstein3d, no music plays after your first restart after a loss.”
“Disgusting ads that mute music after every short level.”
- grinding52 mentions
- 6 % positive mentions
- -4 % neutral mentions
- 98 % negative mentions
The reviews indicate that while the game is enjoyable and nostalgic, it features significant grinding, especially in later levels, which can become tedious for some players. Many appreciate the satisfaction of unlocking new content, but the grind can feel excessive, particularly when combined with frequent ads. Overall, the game is seen as a fun time-waster, appealing to those who enjoy grinding mechanics, though it may not be suitable for everyone due to its repetitive nature.
“The unlocks feel satisfying and not grindy.”
“Grinding in this game is rewarding and keeps me engaged.”
“I love how the grind leads to meaningful progress and new abilities.”
“While the game is a fun cute little time waster, even has a cmd console for fun, the progression gets stupidly grindy.”
“Unlocking new things each level is fun, but the core of the game is tedious and isn't worth the annoyance to progress.”
“Solid enough idea and cute execution that captures a lot of the feel of old windows, but the gameplay quickly devolves into tedious and unfair to force you to buy their ridiculously overpriced in-app purchases.”
- stability16 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game's stability has received mixed feedback, with many players reporting significant bugs that hinder gameplay, such as freezing issues, glitches affecting progress, and problematic controls. While some users enjoy the experience and find it fun, the recurring technical problems, especially on certain devices, detract from the overall enjoyment and lead to frustration. Overall, the game is seen as enjoyable but in need of substantial stability improvements.
“Literally can't even play the game anymore because when I try and play casual it says do you want to unlock the higher quality song and if I click anything the game freezes and I can't move the bar or anything even if I restart the computer or go on any other operating system.”
“But the difficulty level probably ramps up too quickly considering how far you have to go, and the game is also quite buggy, especially after a full shutdown, and you find the next time you play that some of the things you've built up during gameplay have reset.”
“I love the game but the movement is too buggy and pop-ups/interactives interrupt movement inputs causing you to get stuck and unavoidably lose.”
- emotional14 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players describe the game as a heartwarming and nostalgic experience, evoking strong emotional connections, even to inanimate objects like a trash can. The wholesome gameplay and non-intrusive design contribute to a sense of comfort and joy, making it a delightful time-waster that resonates with those who grew up in the 90s and early 2000s. Overall, the emotional impact is characterized by feelings of nostalgia, attachment, and warmth.
“The time and effort that has clearly gone into this is outstanding, and it's heartwarming to see a game like this with non-intrusive advertising, or begging for 5-star reviews every 5 minutes or so.”
“Edit: only this game could get me emotionally attached to a literal trash can.”
“Nostalgic and heartwarming.”
- story12 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The game's story is praised for its engaging and unique progression through various operating systems, from Windows 95 to Windows 11, with multiple game modes and side quests that enhance the experience. While some players desire a more structured narrative or quest system, many appreciate the fun and casual storytelling elements woven into the gameplay, highlighting that compelling stories can exist without high-end graphics. Overall, the story contributes significantly to the game's enjoyment, with players rating it highly.
“This is a really fun game, with a cool story. I mean, the gameplay and the details are just amazing!”
“Like I'm blown away that this isn't a traditional generic game but strings of side quests and exploration that come with it all.”
“Amazing game and story!”
“There needs to be a storyline or a puzzle here that creates a story!”
“I'm blown away that this isn't a traditional generic game, but rather strings of side quests and exploration that come with it all.”
“I really want quests that, when completed, reward you with random prizes like product keys or points.”
- atmosphere9 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is a nostalgic blend of old-school aesthetics reminiscent of Windows 95 and Vista, creating a calming and immersive experience. Players appreciate the lovely graphics and the creative design that enhances the overall ambiance, despite some criticism regarding wallpaper choices. Overall, the atmosphere is described as addictive and beautifully crafted, contributing significantly to the game's appeal.
“It's very atmospheric, bringing back that old Windows 95 vibe, along with Windows Vista, which I grew up with, despite receiving a lot of hate.”
“Lovely graphics and atmosphere.”
“So addictive, it's very pretty with the aesthetic and the atmosphere is very calming.”
“The old-timey look in the older systems creates an atmosphere that feels like an old game, but as you progress, it becomes less reminiscent of that era.”
“I really love the old graphics so much I can't stop playing, but the wallpaper choice is not good enough; it doesn't evoke the old tech atmosphere.”
“The atmosphere of nostalgia is great, but there are so many things to do that it can feel overwhelming.”
- optimization8 mentions
- 88 % positive mentions
- -25 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
The game is highly praised for its optimization, running smoothly even on lower-end devices without significant performance issues. Users report minimal impact on battery life and device temperature, with no bugs affecting gameplay. Overall, it is recommended for players with slower phones due to its efficient performance.
“If your phone is really bad, this game will barely slow your phone down; the optimization is really good.”
“I like the game and it runs smoothly :)”
“A truly innovative game, addictive and runs smoothly.”
“The game drains my battery quickly, and my device temperature skyrockets to 103 degrees Celsius, but the gameplay itself is fine.”
“The optimization is terrible; it feels like the game is constantly pushing my device to its limits.”
“I experience significant performance issues, making it hard to enjoy the game despite its other qualities.”
- replayability6 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The game is praised for its high replayability, offering diverse content and play styles that keep players engaged without feeling repetitive. Reviewers highlight its depth and unique features, making it a fun experience that encourages multiple playthroughs. However, some suggest that additional social interaction elements could further enhance its replay value.
“Very fun game; it doesn't fall into the same trope of 'here's a generic game with a generic title.' It actually is quite fun and offers a lot of content that encourages replayability.”
“Not to mention incredible replay value, with countless things to keep you engaged when it comes to its various play styles. It's a fun game and features a cute little trash can pet.”
“Great game with a surprising amount of depth and replay value. The content here for us tech nerds is some of this game's best parts.”
“This game is good and cool, but there should be more elements to enhance replay value and some 'internet' social interaction.”
“With variations that encourage replayability.”
“Great game with a surprising amount of depth and replay value, and the features for tech enthusiasts are some of this game's best parts.”