Semblance

73%
Game Brain Score Based on 302 reviews
  • gameplay
  • graphics
  • story
Semblance Game Cover
A hallmark of excellence. There may be flaws, but they are negligible and won't cause massive damage.
Starting at $1.68Buy now
Get on Steam Get on itch.io Store

"Semblance is a single-player platformer game with exceptional deforming terrain gameplay and stunning minimalist graphics. Set in a world where the property of 'hardness' doesn't exist, you must deform and reshape the environment to solve problems and beat back the crystalline infection. Each world introduces new consequences of a shifting, changeable planet."

  • Mac OS
  • Nintendo Switch
  • PC
  • Steam Deck
  • Windows
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

73%
Audience ScoreBased on 302 reviews
gameplay59 positive mentions
grinding12 negative mentions
  • Semblance features a unique and innovative mechanic of deforming terrain, which adds a fresh twist to traditional puzzle platforming.
  • The puzzles are well-designed and provide a satisfying challenge without being overly difficult, making the game enjoyable for a wide range of players.
  • The game's art style and sound design create a charming and immersive atmosphere that enhances the overall experience.
  • The game is quite short, with many players feeling it lacks depth and content, leading to a sense of it being underdeveloped.
  • Controls can be unresponsive and imprecise, leading to frustrating gameplay experiences, especially during more skill-intensive sections.
  • Collectibles and exploration can feel tedious, as the game lacks clear guidance on where to find hidden items, which can detract from the enjoyment.
  • gameplay137 mentions

    The gameplay is characterized by unique and creative mechanics that enhance the puzzle platforming experience, offering a blend of challenge and satisfaction. While the level design is praised for its clarity and progression, some players noted issues with bugs and a lack of depth in puzzle complexity, leading to a mixed reception regarding overall enjoyment. Despite its short length and occasional frustrations, the game is recommended for those who appreciate innovative mechanics and engaging puzzles.

    • “Overall, a solid puzzle platformer with clever mechanics and fun puzzles.”
    • “The puzzle design is excellent, with several truly original mechanics that work really well together, providing plenty of good challenges with clever solutions.”
    • “A massively enjoyable puzzle platformer, with just the right level of difficulty, and a unique twist on the gameplay.”
    • “But the whole gameplay is really uninteresting and not fun because of several faults, for example:”
    • “The game was kinda jank at times from a gameplay standpoint; several times I missed jumps and glitched out of worlds and begged the camera to just pan over an inch.”
    • “Due to the restricted controls and focus on simple, one-solution puzzles, what could have been a cool platformer with terrain deformation mechanics is simply just a puzzle game.”
  • graphics40 mentions

    The graphics of the game are generally praised for their beautiful and unique art style, which creates a mystical and intriguing atmosphere. However, some users noted the limited graphics settings and a minimalist approach to visuals that may leave players wanting more variety. Overall, while the aesthetic is well-received, technical issues and simplistic design elements detract from the experience for some players.

    • “Finally, the visuals are really well done, mysterious and intriguing, and I liked every second I spent in this little world.”
    • “Graphically, the game looks wonderful; it really fits the atmosphere and the way the land reacts to movement makes it seem very realistic.”
    • “The game design and artwork are spectacular and they blend cohesively with each other.”
    • “The art style is flat (no pun intended), the gimmick of deforming areas is very one-dimensional and there are only really two major elements introduced into the game throughout your playthrough, both of which are not changing the game much either.”
    • “I was left wishing there was a little more to it, because I really liked the art style, but the story (if you can call it one) and setting are extremely minimalist.”
    • “Also, there are only two graphics settings: 'fastest' and 'recommended', which, presumably, is identical to 'fastest', so that is just epic.”
  • story38 mentions

    The game's story is largely criticized for being minimal and unclear, with many players noting a lack of discernible plot, characters, or dialogue. While some appreciate the artistic presentation of the narrative through wall paintings, most feel that the storytelling is underdeveloped and leaves much to be desired, resulting in a gameplay experience that is enjoyable but lacking in depth. Overall, the narrative is seen as simplistic and not engaging enough to enhance the overall experience.

    • “Meanwhile the story, while simple, conveys itself in such an interesting way that leaves the player to their imagination to piece it together for themselves.”
    • “There's a certain story told in some artistic way through wall paintings.”
    • “My only gripe is that the story is very simple; I'm not expecting a novel, but a little more detail would have rounded out the game nicely.”
    • “My only criticism is that it doesn't even try to tell you a story of any sort, or introduce characters, etc. The cinematic trailer on this page is the most you're going to get.”
    • “There was no discernible story I could find; a couple of meaningless drawings dot some areas, but Journey or Abzu did a far better job of having drawings add to the story.”
    • “I was left wishing there was a little more to it, because I really liked the art style, but the story (if you can call it one) and setting are extremely minimalist.”
  • music21 mentions

    The music in the game is widely praised for its creativity and ability to enhance the overall atmosphere, contributing to a mystical and surreal vibe. Reviewers appreciate the beautiful soundtrack and sound design, noting that it complements the game's art style and gameplay effectively. However, some mention minor glitches that detract from the experience.

    • “It has a very pleasing aesthetic combined with a soundtrack which gives the world a mystical and surreal vibe to it.”
    • “Music, art, gameplay - everything is well crafted.”
    • “The art and minimal music create a nice atmosphere and this is overall a lovely game.”
  • grinding12 mentions

    Reviews on grinding in the game are mixed; while some players find the process tedious and repetitive, others appreciate the introduction of new features that keep puzzles engaging. However, issues with controls can exacerbate the feeling of tedium, making solution execution a frustrating experience for some. Overall, the perception of grinding varies significantly among players, with some enjoying the challenge and others feeling it detracts from the experience.

    • “Found this game way too tedious for me.”
    • “Either way, extremely tedious to execute solutions means I would not recommend spending your time on this.”
    • “In the game, on the other hand, it boils down to (tediously) implementing one readily apparent solution after another.”
  • atmosphere11 mentions

    The game's atmosphere is widely praised for its chill, abstract, and minimalist style, complemented by stunning graphics and effective sound design. Players appreciate how the deform mechanics enhance the immersive experience, creating a unique and engaging environment that feels both realistic and rewarding. Overall, the combination of art, music, and gameplay mechanics contributes to a captivating atmosphere that enhances the overall enjoyment of the game.

    • “Graphically, the game looks wonderful; it really fits the atmosphere, and the way the land reacts to movement makes it seem very realistic.”
    • “The art and minimal music create a nice atmosphere, and this is overall a lovely game.”
    • “They all work well to generate a very cool and unique atmosphere.”
  • replayability5 mentions

    The game offers around 5-7 hours of gameplay with levels that can be replayed infinitely, but overall, it lacks significant replay value, especially after completing the campaign. Players note that puzzles become straightforward once their mechanics are learned, further diminishing the incentive to replay. Additionally, achievement hunters should be cautious, as certain achievements may be inaccessible after finishing the game.

    • “There is no limit to the number of times you can die, and levels appear to be infinitely replayable. However, if you are achievement hunting, it's best to do it before completing the game, as you can't go back once you finish.”
    • “Expect around 5-7 hours of gameplay out of this game, but no replay value.”
    • “Puzzles become straightforward after you learn their general mechanics; the campaign is fairly short, virtually no replay value.”
    • “No limit to the number of times you can die, and levels appear to be replayable infinitely so far (though if you are achievement hunting, I hear you should do it before completing the game; once you complete, you can't go back).”
  • stability4 mentions

    Overall, players report that while the game has some occasional glitches, they do not significantly detract from the experience, with many still rating it highly despite these issues.

    • “I rate it a 9.9/10 because there were a couple glitches that killed me unreasonably.”
    • “Some glitches here and there, but other than that, I say it's a decent game.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

80% average critic score

Buy Semblance

Play time

7hMedian play time
7hAverage play time
4hMain story
5hCompletionist
7-7hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 2 analyzed playthroughs

Videos

Similar Games

Game News