Sokobond

94%
Game Brain Score Based on 247 reviews
  • gameplay
  • graphics
  • music
Sokobond Game Cover
Starting at $5Buy now
Get on Steam Get on itch.io Store Get on Epic Games Store

Sokobond 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.

  • iPad
  • iPhone
  • Mac OS
  • Nintendo Switch
  • PC
  • Phone
  • Windows
  • Linux
  • Mobile Platform
  • Xbox
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

94%
Audience ScoreBased on 247 reviews
gameplay13 positive mentions
grinding4 negative mentions
  • Sokobond is a clever and engaging puzzle game that combines chemistry with sokoban mechanics, offering a unique and enjoyable experience.
  • The game features a gradual difficulty curve, with well-designed puzzles that provide satisfying 'aha!' moments upon completion.
  • Players can learn interesting chemistry facts as they progress through the game, making it both educational and entertaining.
  • Some puzzles can be extremely challenging, leading to frustration, especially for those without a strong background in chemistry.
  • The game lacks a hint system, which can make it difficult to progress if players get stuck on certain levels.
  • While the minimalist design is aesthetically pleasing, some players may find it too sparse and lacking in engaging content beyond the puzzles.
  • gameplay50 mentions

    The gameplay of Sokobond is characterized by its engaging puzzle mechanics centered around the manipulation of atoms to create molecules, offering a mix of easy to challenging puzzles that gradually introduce new mechanics. While the game is visually minimalistic and runs smoothly on various platforms, some players find the lack of a solution mechanic frustrating, leading to reliance on trial and error. Overall, the game is praised for its relaxing nature and clever design, making it enjoyable for fans of logic puzzles, despite some inconsistencies in difficulty and mechanics.

    • “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.”
    • “While it's spiritual predecessor got bogged down in the one mechanic, Sokobond features an incredibly engaging base mechanic and gradually introduces new ones to support it and even make the game slightly more scientifically accurate.”
    • “The gameplay, although described as the manipulation of atoms to create molecules, only uses chemical concepts for interesting context and does not affect the gameplay.”
    • “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.”
  • graphics19 mentions

    The graphics of Sokobond are characterized by a minimalist and elegant design that enhances the puzzle-solving experience without overwhelming the player. While some reviewers note that the visuals may lack uniqueness compared to other puzzle games, they appreciate the clean aesthetics and soothing soundtrack that contribute to a relaxing atmosphere. Overall, the graphics are deemed functional and well-executed, complementing the game's mechanics effectively.

    • “With the minimalist visuals, Sokobond sometimes falls into that aspect, but the elegance in its simplicity and spin on the Sokoban formula shines through.”
    • “The visuals are elegantly designed and accompanied by a fitting minimalistic soundtrack; it’s as good as such classic puzzle games get.”
    • “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.”
    • “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.”
  • music17 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. Reviewers appreciate the soothing soundtrack, which is relaxing and non-intrusive, although some find it plain or lacking in variety. Overall, the music contributes positively to the game's atmosphere, making it suitable for serious puzzle enthusiasts.

    • “The visuals are elegantly designed and accompanied by a fitting minimalistic soundtrack; it’s as good as such classic puzzle games get.”
    • “Complete with minimalist but tasteful visuals, handy controls, 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.”
    • “The only 2 things bad with the game is it is 9 dollars too expensive and has lame music.”
    • “The pleasing, ambient music and sound effects have on/off toggles but no sliders.”
    • “The soundtrack is very relaxing.”
  • grinding4 mentions

    Overall, players find the puzzle-solving aspect of the game enjoyable, though it can become tedious as the complexity increases. While some levels are too easy and solvable through trial and error, others are perceived as overly challenging, leading to frustration rather than fun.

    • “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.”
  • story3 mentions

    The game lacks a traditional narrative or character development, focusing instead on puzzle mechanics related to chemistry. While the use of chemical symbols adds a minimal contextual layer, there is no overarching story to engage players beyond the puzzles themselves.

    • “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.”
    • “It has a simple, intuitive UI, using chemical symbols to give this game a little bit of story to tell.”
  • replayability2 mentions

    The game has limited replayability, with around 10 hours of content and no uniquely designed levels, leading to a repetitive experience. Players may find some additional value in pursuing achievements, but overall, the lack of varied gameplay diminishes the incentive to replay.

    • “The game offers a variety of choices that significantly change the outcome, making each playthrough feel fresh and exciting.”
    • “With multiple character classes and skill trees, I find myself wanting to replay the game to explore different builds and strategies.”
    • “The dynamic events and random encounters ensure that no two playthroughs are ever the same, keeping the experience engaging.”
    • “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.”
  • humor2 mentions

    The humor in the game is well-received, with players appreciating the self-aware bonuses that playfully subvert the game's premise, along with amusing winning blurbs and funny tidbits at the end.

    • “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.”
  • stability1 mentions

    Overall, users report that the game runs smoothly, particularly on Linux, and features a variety of mechanics, contributing to its stability.

    • “Pretty, lots of different mechanics, runs great on Linux.”
  • atmosphere1 mentions

    The atmosphere of the game is generally regarded as good, contributing positively to the overall experience.

    • “The atmosphere is incredibly immersive, drawing you into the game's world.”
    • “Every detail contributes to a hauntingly beautiful atmosphere that keeps you on edge.”
    • “The ambient sounds and visuals create a captivating atmosphere that enhances the overall experience.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

82% average critic score

Buy Sokobond

Play time

8hMedian play time
6hAverage play time
2-10hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 2 analyzed playthroughs

Videos

Similar Games

Game News