Scalak
- May 21, 2018
- Hamster On Coke Games
- 4h median play time
Get on SteamScalak is a Kids Puzzle game with fabulous gameplay and great visuals. As a single-player, you must fill in all the white space on each square by matching the right 3D-based pieces in the right position. With high-quality graphics and various shaped pieces to fit, this shape-filling puzzle game offers a unique and challenging experience for users across web, Android, iOS, and Steam platforms. This summary is based on the demo version which contains 25 levels.
iPad
iPhone
Mac OS
PC
Phone
Web Browser
Windows
Android
Linux
Mobile Platform
Tablet
Reviews
- Scalak offers a relaxing and enjoyable puzzle experience with a good variety of levels that gradually increase in difficulty.
- The game features clever mechanics that are introduced smoothly, allowing players to engage in satisfying spatial reasoning challenges.
- With beautiful graphics and soothing music, Scalak creates a calming atmosphere that enhances the overall gameplay experience.
- Some players found the rotation controls to be awkward and frustrating, which can detract from the enjoyment of solving puzzles.
- The game is relatively short, with many players completing it in under three hours, leaving some wanting more content.
- A few bugs were reported, including issues with pieces getting stuck or not rotating correctly, which can interrupt the flow of gameplay.
- gameplay158 mentions
- 23 % positive mentions
- 75 % neutral mentions
- 2 % negative mentions
The gameplay in this puzzle game is characterized by a gradual introduction of mechanics across 90 levels, creating a satisfying learning curve that keeps players engaged without becoming overly frustrating. Players must manipulate 2D shapes in a 3D space, utilizing rotation and perspective to solve increasingly complex puzzles, which are enhanced by elegant visuals and a relaxing soundtrack. While some mechanics may feel awkward at times, the overall experience is enjoyable, with a good mix of challenges that evolve as players progress.
“There were some challenging levels, but I never found it too frustrating. It's got a good learning curve and introduces new mechanics through gameplay, which I like.”
“A very relaxing puzzle game, based on an isometric perspective, 3D rotations, sliding tile, and matching mechanics.”
“I really enjoy how the puzzles are designed in sequence, so that they get progressively more difficult, but the core ideas behind each new mechanic are taught in an intuitive way.”
“The mechanics it introduces don't really add a whole lot of difficulty to the game, mainly just extra rules in how you can place your shapes.”
“The first is that the rotating mechanic is very awkward, and especially in the first half I rotated in ways I didn't intend, making things harder on me.”
“Spends far too much time laboriously introducing each mechanic rather than trusting the player to figure them out as they go, but the actual puzzles (~30-40% of the total levels?) are enjoyable.”
- music94 mentions
- 30 % positive mentions
- 67 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
The music in the game is widely praised for its calming and relaxing qualities, enhancing the overall meditative experience while solving puzzles. Many players appreciate the soothing soundtrack and ambient sound effects, which contribute to a pleasant atmosphere, although some note that the music can feel more like background noise at times. Overall, the sound design is considered a strong aspect of the game, complementing its minimalist visuals and gameplay.
“But it's a pleasure all along - elegant visuals, great sound design, relaxing soundtrack, every new mechanic introduced with clear and simple examples.”
“The music is very soothing and overall I found playing this game relaxing.”
“This game is an exceptional member of its particular genre: short, minimalist puzzle games with relaxing music, creative mechanics, intuitive gameplay progression, and a focus on 3D geometric objects floating in space with a simple colored background.”
“The background and music are also lacking.”
“I'm still going to complain about the lack of proper volume controls (just mute buttons for music and sound effects), because this kind of minimalist puzzler is great for playing while listening to podcasts, audiobooks, etc. The creaking of a rotating block also got rather grating after a while.”
“The 'music' that's basically just background ambience doesn't add much to the game but luckily you can turn it off and put on some of your own music.”
- graphics52 mentions
- 65 % positive mentions
- 29 % neutral mentions
- 6 % negative mentions
The graphics in the game are generally praised for their minimalist and aesthetically pleasing design, contributing to a relaxing atmosphere that enhances the gameplay experience. While some players experienced framerate issues that were resolved by lowering the graphics settings, the overall visual presentation remains engaging and well-matched with the soothing soundtrack. The combination of simple yet beautiful graphics and satisfying animations makes for a meditative puzzle experience that many players find enjoyable.
“But it's a pleasure all along - elegant visuals, great sound design, relaxing soundtrack, every new mechanic introduced with clear and simple examples.”
“Beautiful graphics with a really soothing soundtrack.”
“The graphics are minimalist and well designed, and the mechanics of the game add up and form wonderful puzzles.”
“However, I solved the issue by changing the graphics quality to low, which didn't affect the look of the game at all.”
“The third is that, despite its simple looks, my PC had serious framerate issues until I turned down the graphics settings, after which it ran fine.”
“No biggie, but the simplistic graphics don't really differ from other games from this maker, so the fact it even happened feels weird.”
- grinding24 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Overall, players find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious, particularly in later levels where repetitive tasks and complicated inputs detract from the enjoyment. While some puzzles can be engaging, many reviewers noted that the experience often feels more like a grind than a satisfying challenge, leading to frustration rather than motivation. Despite these criticisms, some players still appreciate the game as a worthwhile addition for puzzle enthusiasts, especially if they are willing to overlook the more tedious elements.
“Challenging, but I found the later levels annoying and unmotivating because they require a lot of grinding through repetitive, visually numbing physical details.”
“This game was the most tedious to play without as satisfying of a payoff compared to the other games, especially the multi-layered cube puzzles.”
“While the building experience is really satisfying, the puzzle part felt more grinding than analyzing and thinking, so in the end these weren't as fun as they could have been.”
- atmosphere10 mentions
- 20 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 30 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is characterized by simple yet pleasant graphics and soothing background music, creating a relaxing environment for players. Reviewers highlight the game's craftsmanship, noting how the design and level progression enhance the overall experience, with later levels showcasing creativity and thoughtful integration of earlier concepts. Overall, the game successfully combines challenging puzzles with a tranquil ambiance.
“The graphics are simple yet almost pleasant looking, and the background music contributes to create a relaxing atmosphere.”
“Scalak shows great craftsmanship: everything about the atmosphere and the design, and the way the levels are ordered and concepts are introduced shows care towards the experience of the player, and the later levels truly shine in creativity with how it expands upon and weaves together earlier concepts.”
“The graphics are simple yet almost pleasant looking; and the background music contributes to create a relaxing atmosphere.”
“A fun puzzle game with an incredibly relaxing atmosphere and a beauty in its simplicity.”
“Challenging casual puzzles with a relaxing atmosphere.”
- story6 mentions
- 17 % positive mentions
- 67 % neutral mentions
- 17 % negative mentions
Zenge features an abstract narrative that is complemented by its striking art and music, leaving a positive impression on players. The integration of story with other elements like gameplay and music is noted as significant in the overall experience.
“The art, music, and story of that game really surprised me!”
“Zenge had an abstract story to tell.”
- humor6 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is well-received, with players noting that it effectively tickles their funny bone and adds a lighthearted touch to the puzzle-solving experience. Overall, the game is described as both amusing and enjoyable.
“Makes my funny bone tickle”
“A nice and funny puzzle game”
“Funny pieces go click”
- monetization4 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The monetization strategy of the game is perceived as unobtrusive, enhancing the overall relaxing experience rather than detracting from it. Players appreciate that the ads align with the game's calming atmosphere, contributing positively to the gameplay.
- replayability4 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
Overall, the game offers challenging levels that engage players' spatial awareness, but many reviewers note a lack of replayability, leaving them wanting more content. While some players appreciate the value for the price, especially in a bundle, the desire for longer gameplay and greater replay options is a common sentiment.
“Some of the levels are real head-scratchers and triumphs of spatial awareness puzzling, but with little replay value, it leaves one wanting more.”
“I prefer games that are longer and have more replay possibilities; however, for the price, the value, especially in the bundle, is okay.”
- emotional2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players report that the game evokes a mix of frustration and enlightenment, particularly through its challenging puzzles that can make them feel inadequate. However, this emotional journey is ultimately framed as a valuable lesson in perspective, encouraging personal growth and reflection.
