qomp
- February 4, 2021
- Stuffed Wombat
- 3h median play time
Get on Steam
Get on itch.io Store"qomp is a single-player arcade game with outstanding gameplay, appealing graphics, and a masterful soundtrack. It offers 1-3 hours of action-packed gameplay, including boss fights and various mechanics. The game is not overly difficult, and beating it unlocks challenges, with invincibility, zoom-out, aim-assist, and autofire features available."
Mac OS
PC
Windows
Linux
Reviews
- qomp features clever level design that consistently introduces new mechanics, keeping the gameplay fresh and engaging throughout its short duration.
- The minimalist art style and atmospheric soundtrack enhance the overall experience, creating a charming and immersive environment.
- The one-button control scheme is surprisingly effective, allowing for a variety of gameplay challenges that require both skill and strategy.
- The game is quite short, typically taking only 1-2 hours to complete, which may leave players wanting more content.
- Some players found the mechanics to be frustrating at times, particularly in challenge modes that can feel overly punishing or tedious.
- The lack of customization options for controls and the simplistic graphics may not appeal to everyone, leading to a perception of the game being underwhelming.
- gameplay144 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 60 % neutral mentions
- 2 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized by its innovative use of a simple one-button mechanic, which is consistently expanded upon with new twists and challenges throughout the game. Players appreciate the variety in level design and the clever integration of mechanics, keeping the experience fresh and engaging despite its short duration of around 1-3 hours. While some challenges may frustrate, the overall feedback highlights a well-polished, mechanically rich game that balances accessibility with satisfying complexity.
“While the premise is simple, there are enough twists on the bouncing mechanics to keep you going, and the threats are introduced and remixed frequently enough to never really grow stale.”
“The level design is incredible; honestly, I think anyone who wants to be a game developer should play this game as it's one of the best games I've played at creating engaging levels that blend game mechanics and level layout to create some amazing levels.”
“Qomp constantly provokes you with new twists on its main mechanic, and no new mechanic ever overstays its welcome.”
“I've finished everything, challenges and all, and it took me 1.5 hours. Out of the quoted '1 - 3 hours of gameplay', expect it to be on the lower end unless you're particularly bad.”
“I found these challenge levels a bit of a mixed bag; each challenge mixes up the gameplay of the level in some way, and while some of these are interesting changes, a lot of them just make the levels harder in a way that's frustrating and not particularly fun.”
“My primary issue with the game is that it has a lot of potential and mechanics that can be explored much further.”
- music28 mentions
- 61 % positive mentions
- 29 % neutral mentions
- 11 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received widespread praise for its catchy, atmospheric, and well-composed soundtrack, which enhances the overall experience and complements the visuals effectively. Reviewers noted that the music is not only enjoyable but also contributes significantly to the game's mood, making it a standout feature. Many found the soundtrack to be soothing and engaging, adding depth to the gameplay and creating a memorable ambiance.
“The music really helps with the atmosphere.”
“The catchy soundtrack and great visuals also help make this a treat to play.”
“A great 2D retro aesthetic, simple controls, and beautiful ambient music make Qomp a very enjoyable experience.”
“Did you wish the soundtrack was repetitive and kinda crap?”
“Usually I mute the music when I'm playing such games, but in this case I didn't even notice it.”
“Minimalistic, very relaxing soundtrack, juicy, more of a puzzle game, very nice balancing, gets me furious, but once I start playing more analytically, I can usually solve more tricky stages.”
- graphics26 mentions
- 54 % positive mentions
- 35 % neutral mentions
- 12 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game receive mixed reviews, with some praising the minimalist and retro aesthetic as charming and effective, while others criticize them as lazy and lacking variety. Many players appreciate the integration of visuals with gameplay, noting that the art style complements the overall experience, despite some wishing for more graphical options and diversity. Overall, the visuals are seen as a strong point for some, while others find them underwhelming and simplistic.
“The catchy soundtrack and great visuals also help make this a treat to play.”
“Unique gameplay, lovely art style, and impeccable vibes.”
“The minimal artwork is also very nice and the curved viewport gives a nice retro style to the game.”
“The graphics here are some of the worst, laziest attempts at video game 'art' I've ever seen.”
“It's hard to suggest this game even has graphics.”
“It's clear the developer didn't even try to produce any real graphics for the game and just phoned it in.”
- atmosphere9 mentions
- 89 % positive mentions
- 11 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is highly praised, with reviewers highlighting the impactful music, sound design, and art that collectively enhance the experience. Many note the philosophical undertones and the seamless integration of gameplay mechanics, contributing to a rich and immersive environment. Overall, the game's atmosphere is described as engaging, unique, and a key element of its appeal.
“The music really helps with the atmosphere.”
“Great sound design and soundtrack along with really nice art and atmosphere.”
“The art, music, and sound effects all stand up on their own, but come together wonderfully to create an atmosphere that is greater than the sum of its parts.”
- replayability5 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 60 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's replayability is limited, primarily appealing to speedrunners and those who enjoy the challenge mode, which adds some depth. While the base game is short, the challenge mode can enhance replay value for players seeking additional content. However, for most players, the lack of diverse gameplay options may deter them from returning.
“Though it's a little short (the base game took me just a little over an hour), the challenge mode adds a lot of replayability, and it has support for speedrunning, so you can challenge yourself, too.”
“As I mentioned, puzzle games normally just frustrate me, so I gave the game's challenge mode a miss, but I can see it being a lot of fun for a lot of people, and really help to flesh out the replayability/playtime.”
“Beyond that, no replay value.”
“Possible replayability if you're into speedrunning, but I will not be returning.”
“I don’t think replayability is too high for this game, unless you got really into speedrunning it, but it is definitely worth the $6 for this experience.”
- story5 mentions
- 60 % positive mentions
- -20 % neutral mentions
- 60 % negative mentions
The game's story is often described as "pong with a story," featuring an existential narrative conveyed through simple button inputs and environmental interactions. While some players appreciate the unique storytelling approach, others express a desire for a more developed narrative and additional content, such as achievements, to enhance replayability.
“A story told through your ever-changing single button input and how the world interacts with you.”
“The environmental storytelling is surprisingly existential.”
“I was hoping for some small story behind all of this.”
“The story is like 'Pong with a story'—it's minimal and lacks depth.”
“I was hoping for some small story behind all of this, but it feels underdeveloped.”
“The environmental storytelling is surprisingly existential, yet it doesn't connect well with the gameplay.”
- emotional3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game effectively conveys a powerful emotional journey that resonates deeply with players, often eliciting tears. However, some users noted that the final level can induce feelings of nausea, slightly detracting from the overall experience.
“It's touching, and I cry every time.”
“If you are willing to listen, it communicates very well an emotional journey.”
- grinding3 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious and frustrating, with some feeling that it lacks a sense of accomplishment. While the concept is appreciated, the straightforward nature of the gameplay contributes to a perception of monotony and a lack of meaningful progression.
“I applaud the concept, but I found it very tedious to play.”
“It is easy, straightforward, and frustratingly tedious.”
“Not everyone has a problem with tedious tasks, but a game that needs to tell you your progression with a special badge... well, that game knows it lacks a sense of accomplishment and merit.”
- humor2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is highlighted by its imaginative premise of playing as an escaped Pong ball, which adds a comedic twist to the gameplay. Reviewers appreciate the designer's creativity, noting that the levels are often funny and showcase a playful sense of humor.
“The theme of being the ball from Pong that has escaped is also pretty funny.”
“It feels like the designer is just flexing on me with how imaginative and often hilarious the levels are.”
- monetization1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Reviewers express relief that the game is not a mobile title, as they believe it would likely be burdened with ads and aggressive monetization strategies typical of mobile games. This sentiment highlights a preference for a more straightforward gaming experience without intrusive monetization elements.
“Honestly, this feels like a game that would be perfect for mobile because of that, but I am very happy it is not a mobile game (at least not yet), since I would never have tried it with ads and other monetization tactics.”
