Sokobond
- August 27, 2013
- Lee Shang Lun
- 8h median play time
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Get on Epic Games StoreSokobond is a logic-based puzzle game centered around chemistry, where players use spatial reasoning to move atoms and form molecules. With over 100 levels and a soothing original soundtrack, it requires no prior chemistry knowledge, making it an accessible and minimalist mind-bender. Purchasing the game grants a Steam key, and it has been recognized as a finalist in PAX10 2013 and IndieCade 2013.
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Reviews
- Sokobond offers a unique twist on the sokoban genre, combining engaging puzzle mechanics with a chemistry theme that is both educational and entertaining.
- The game features a well-designed difficulty curve, with puzzles that gradually increase in complexity, providing satisfying 'aha!' moments as players progress.
- The minimalist design and soothing soundtrack create a relaxing atmosphere, making it a great game for casual play while still challenging players to think critically.
- Some puzzles can be excessively difficult, leading to frustration, especially for players without a strong background in chemistry.
- The lack of a hint system or tutorial can leave players feeling stuck, as there are no guides within the game to assist when challenges become overwhelming.
- While the game is engaging, it may lack replay value due to its linear progression and limited mechanics, which could make it feel repetitive over time.
- gameplay101 mentions
- 27 % positive mentions
- 70 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
The gameplay in Sokobond is characterized by its engaging and intuitive mechanics centered around manipulating atoms to create molecules, offering a mix of straightforward and challenging puzzles. Players appreciate the gradual introduction of new mechanics, which keeps the experience fresh, although some find the lack of a solution mechanic frustrating. Overall, the game provides a relaxing yet stimulating puzzle experience, with a well-distributed difficulty curve and a variety of unique challenges.
“The difficulty of the puzzles is evenly distributed from easy to difficult, enough to help you understand each new game mechanic before throwing you into the deep end.”
“Sokobond follows the modern puzzle game design manifesto: it mostly explains by demonstration, has evolving mechanics, and offers a number of unique challenges iterating on its own rules.”
“It's fascinating to see how long a very basic mechanic can be kept interesting with good level design.”
“This wouldn’t be such a bad thing if they implemented some form of solution mechanic, but this game has none of that.”
“Not having a solution mechanic only disincentivizes players from actually playing your game.”
“Beating the last levels felt really good, but there was some frustration and annoyance throughout the game due to the high difficulty and being forced to play levels/mechanics I didn't enjoy.”
- graphics38 mentions
- 32 % positive mentions
- 61 % neutral mentions
- 8 % negative mentions
The graphics of Sokobond are characterized by a minimalist and elegant design that complements its puzzle mechanics, creating a soothing atmosphere for players. While some reviewers note that the visuals may lack uniqueness compared to other puzzle games, they appreciate the clean aesthetics and functional approach that allows for a focused gameplay experience. Overall, the graphics are deemed effective and visually pleasing, enhancing the enjoyment of the puzzles.
“Complete with minimalist but tasteful visuals, controls that are handy and don't get in the way, and a soothing soundtrack, Sokobond is a must-have for the serious puzzle enthusiast.”
“The clean and simplistic graphics with a chill ambient soundtrack really put you in a soothing mood.”
“The visual design is very nice as well, with a simple, understated aesthetic that is easy on the eye.”
“My real gripe with the aesthetic, however, is that it's so overwhelmingly similar to the hundreds of puzzlers already out there that I feel it doesn't do itself justice - the game deserves to stand out more!”
“While the aesthetic does little to stand out, the puzzles themselves are fantastic and satisfying to solve.”
“The idea is simple, the graphics are minimal and clean, the ambient soundtrack is inoffensive, and the puzzles are solid.”
- music34 mentions
- 29 % positive mentions
- 62 % neutral mentions
- 9 % negative mentions
The music in the game is described as minimalistic and ambient, effectively complementing the clean and simplistic graphics while enhancing the overall puzzle-solving experience. Many reviewers appreciate the soothing and relaxing nature of the soundtrack, which is fitting for the game's aesthetic, although some find it plain or lacking in depth. Overall, the music is generally seen as a positive aspect that contributes to a calming atmosphere, despite a few criticisms regarding its simplicity.
“Complete with minimalist but tasteful visuals, controls that are handy and don't get in the way, and a soothing soundtrack, Sokobond is a must-have for the serious puzzle enthusiast.”
“The clean interface, soothing soundtrack, and responsive controls create a great overall package.”
“A clever take on the classic Sokoban game with a simple, clean interface, a relaxing soundtrack, and intuitive gameplay.”
“The only 2 things bad with the game is it is 9 dollars too expensive and has lame music.”
“Music is very plain and the graphic style is very minimalist, which helps you focus on the puzzles and is relatively accessible.”
“The soundtrack is very relaxing.”
- grinding8 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players generally find the puzzles enjoyable and fun, but the requirement to mentally construct solutions before starting can lead to a tedious experience, especially in later levels. While some puzzles are too easy and solvable through trial and error, others become frustratingly difficult, contributing to a mixed perception of the game's grinding aspect. Overall, the game is seen as simple and fun, though certain solutions can feel overly tedious.
“However, the nature of the puzzle solving, especially as you get further into it, involves almost entirely constructing the entire path to the solution in your head before even beginning, and I found this more tedious and annoying than enjoyable problem-solving.”
“Not all of the mechanics clicked for me, and I feel like most levels were either too easy (and you could solve them just by trial and error) or way too hard/tedious, but it was pretty fun still.”
“A fun, simple puzzle game, but some of the solutions do get really tedious.”
- story6 mentions
- 17 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The game lacks a traditional narrative or engaging characters, focusing solely on puzzle mechanics without a storyline to enhance the experience. While it incorporates chemical concepts for context, these do not influence gameplay, leaving players with little to hold their attention beyond the puzzles themselves.
“It has a simple, intuitive UI, using chemical symbols to give this game a little bit of story to tell.”
“There is no story, no cute characters; nothing to hold your attention except the puzzle itself.”
“There is no story, no cute characters; nothing to hold your attention except the puzzle itself.”
“Although the mechanics are described as the manipulation of atoms to create molecules, the chemical concepts are only for interesting context and do not affect the gameplay; in the case of Sokobond, there isn’t even a storyline wrapping the level progression.”
- replayability4 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The game offers limited replayability, with around 10 hours of content primarily focused on revisiting the same levels, as there are no uniquely designed stages to encourage multiple playthroughs. Players may extend their experience slightly by pursuing achievements, but overall, the lack of varied content diminishes its long-term appeal.
“I certainly wouldn't pay more than that, as there is little-to-no replay value and only around 10 hours of content, tops (maybe more if you feel like hunting down that final achievement without a guide).”
“There aren’t user-designed levels, so replay value amounts to revisiting the same levels.”
- humor4 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is well-received, with players appreciating the self-aware bonuses that playfully subvert the game's premise, as well as the amusing winning blurbs and joke tidbits at the end. Overall, the comedic elements enhance the gaming experience.
“They're fine as what they are - bonuses that are totally aware of messing with the game's premise (and the winning blurbs are admittedly pretty funny).”
“The joke tidbits at the very end were funny too.”
- stability2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Users report that the game runs smoothly on Linux, showcasing good stability with various mechanics. Overall, it is praised for its performance and reliability.
“Pretty, lots of different mechanics, runs great on Linux.”
- atmosphere2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is consistently praised, with multiple users highlighting its positive and immersive qualities.
