reIterate()
- May 21, 2021
- Let's Talk Game Design
"reIterate" is a single-player platformer game, inspired by retro-style games, with a focus on fluid motion and precision. It features an intriguing story, a modern-classic aesthetic, and a retro-future soundtrack. The game, developed by the creator of the YouTube channel "Let's Talk Game Design", is available for Windows and other systems untested, and comes with a Steam key. The project file for Construct 3 is also included in the purchase, providing a lesson in game design.
Reviews
- The game features addictive gameplay with well-designed levels that challenge players while introducing mechanics gradually.
- The visuals and soundtrack are engaging, enhancing the overall experience and atmosphere of the game.
- The ability to slow down time adds a unique layer to the gameplay, allowing players to tackle difficult sections at their own pace.
- Controls can feel unresponsive and imprecise at times, leading to frustrating moments where jumps do not register correctly.
- The level design can be inconsistent, with some levels feeling unfairly difficult or poorly structured, making it hard to discern the intended path.
- There are several user experience issues, such as the game not saving settings between sessions and confusing visual cues for different platforms.
- story19 mentions
- 53 % positive mentions
- 32 % neutral mentions
- 16 % negative mentions
The story has received mixed reviews, with some players finding it simple yet intriguing, while others criticize it for being disjointed and lacking depth. Many appreciate the mysterious elements and the engaging dialogue between characters, though some feel that the narrative could have been better integrated into the gameplay. Overall, while the story adds an interesting layer to the game, opinions vary on its execution and impact.
“Story was simple yet intriguing.”
“The story to go with the game is intriguing as well, enough to keep you going when you get stuck on a particularly challenging level.”
“An engaging plot also, hooked me quite a bit.”
“The story is absolute garbage too, I won't spoil it but it's all over the place and doesn't make any sense, and the game would be better if it did away with it entirely.”
“It feels like a back and forth of 'do you trust me' the entire game between the two characters who want to be more grandiose/important than each other, and then all the actual plot got dumped into a file for you to read once the game has been completed.”
“Quite the achievement considering the story is told via cryptic one-sided dialogues and floating texts in the background.”
- music15 mentions
- 73 % positive mentions
- 20 % neutral mentions
- 7 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received positive feedback for its engaging and enjoyable soundtrack, particularly highlighting its synthwave influences and overall quality. However, some players noted that the playlist-style presentation and lack of transitions can make the music feel disconnected from the gameplay. Despite this, many found the soundtrack to enhance the gaming experience, contributing to the game's atmosphere and enjoyment.
“Banging music, probably my favourite part actually.”
“The soundtrack is amazing.”
“The aesthetic is engaging, the soundtrack is bopping, and the levels are rewarding.”
“In the levels with the timed platforms that disappear and reappear, the music often feels slightly off from the beat, creating a disorienting experience.”
- gameplay15 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 40 % neutral mentions
- 20 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized by polished mechanics and impressive level design, though some players find certain mechanics poorly introduced, leading to trial and error learning. While the time-slowing mechanic adds depth and allows for personalized difficulty, its implementation could be more intuitive. Overall, the platforming experience is engaging, but some hazards and mechanics may feel unfair or confusing at times.
“Great mechanics introduction and level design.”
“It follows the golden rule of introducing a mechanic in a safe environment and letting the player slowly get used to it.”
“The time slowing mechanic is nice; it allows you to tweak the difficulty level to what suits you or help you practice a challenging segment before doing it in real-time.”
“Some mechanics aren't properly shown, and you basically have to do trial and error instead of being put in an easy way to learn.”
“There were a few times where the player is required to learn a new way that a mechanic can be used in a time-sensitive, very dangerous setting.”
“The portal mechanic is kind of weird when you're constantly flinging back and forth between portals.”
- graphics10 mentions
- 30 % positive mentions
- 40 % neutral mentions
- 30 % negative mentions
The game's graphics are praised for their clarity and effectiveness, with a memorable art style that complements the gameplay. While not technically sharp, the minimalistic aesthetic and thoughtful design choices enhance the overall experience, creating an engaging atmosphere reminiscent of classic platformers. Some users suggest minor adjustments for improved readability, but overall, the visuals contribute positively to the game's appeal.
“Visuals are clear and effective; I think the game generally looks good.”
“The art style is very memorable, and I wouldn't change it except for one thing.”
“Other than that, the art style works surprisingly well. Everything dangerous is covered in sharp, repeating angles, the solid ground of the levels has three white outlines, and the simplicity of the backgrounds made even small compositional changes very effective, especially towards the end of the game.”
“I understand that for the art style, you can't sacrifice the monochrome/2-bit color theme, but consider changing the shapes of the platforms a bit more to make them more readable.”
“Other than that, the art style works surprisingly well. Everything dangerous is covered in sharp, repeating angles, the solid ground of the levels has 3 white outlines, and the simplicity of the backgrounds made even small compositional changes very effective, especially towards the end of the game.”
“Aesthetically, it's a weird unintentional blend of one of my favorite flash games growing up, Exit Path, the first big platformer I made as a kid, and all the scratch.”
- replayability1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -500 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Players find the game to be a challenging yet highly replayable experience, encouraging multiple playthroughs to master its mechanics and overcome obstacles.
“A challenging, yet highly replayable experience.”
“The game offers endless possibilities, making each playthrough feel fresh and exciting.”
“With multiple endings and diverse character choices, I find myself coming back for more.”
“The game lacks the depth needed for true replayability.”
“Once you've completed the main story, there's little incentive to play again.”
“The limited choices and outcomes make replaying feel tedious rather than engaging.”
- atmosphere1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is highly praised for its strong visual design and effective musical score, creating an immersive experience for players.
“The atmosphere, both visually and musically, is on point.”
“The game creates an immersive environment that pulls you in from the very start.”
“Every detail contributes to a hauntingly beautiful atmosphere that lingers long after playing.”