Solar Flux
- July 28, 2013
- Firebrand Games
Get on Steam"Solar Flux" is a puzzle strategy game where you pilot a ship through space, collecting and delivering plasma fragments to dying suns to prevent their extinction. Overcome challenges such as solar flares, asteroids, and force fields in 80+ progressively difficult missions across 18 themed sectors and 4 distinct galaxies. With full controller support and an ambient soundtrack, choose between mouse or controller-activated gameplay while competing for achievements, statistics, and leaderboard rankings.
iPad
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Mac OS
Nintendo Switch
PC
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Windows
Android
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Mobile Platform
Tablet
Reviews
- Solar Flux features beautiful graphics and a well-designed physics engine that enhances the puzzle-solving experience.
- The game offers a variety of challenges that increase in difficulty, keeping the gameplay engaging and preventing it from feeling repetitive.
- Controls are precise, and the game is easy to learn but hard to master, making it enjoyable for both casual and dedicated players.
- The game can be frustratingly difficult, especially for casual gamers, with some levels requiring perfect timing and precision.
- There are design flaws, such as a poor difficulty curve and slow UI, which can detract from the overall experience.
- Some players find the gameplay lacks depth and can feel one-dimensional once the mechanics are understood.
- gameplay9 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The gameplay of Solar Flux features good graphics and smooth controls, but opinions are mixed regarding its engagement level. While some players appreciate the well-thought-out mechanics and physics, others find the core gameplay lacking in depth and rewarding challenges, feeling that it relies too heavily on delicate maneuvers rather than stimulating puzzles. Overall, the game may benefit from additional mechanics and more intellectually challenging levels.
“Solar Flux has good graphics and its gameplay is fun.”
“The mechanics are well thought out and the physics play as you would expect.”
“Gameplay is smooth on either the mouse or the gamepad.”
“Like Gravity Ghost, Solar Flux is a game that I was surprised to not enjoy the gameplay of.”
“Maybe it's the way that orbits in Solar Flux are mechanically expressed as rigid states or that gravity-based slingshotting isn't really possible.”
“Core gameplay is not very engaging (again, to me) because it's about delicate swoops and fast reaction times.”
- music7 mentions
- 43 % positive mentions
- 14 % neutral mentions
- 43 % negative mentions
The music in the game receives mixed reviews; while some players find it relaxing and enjoyable, others feel it lacks the atmospheric quality they expected, leading them to prefer their own soundtracks. Overall, the soundtrack is described as nice but not particularly memorable or impactful.
“Nice relaxing music though, and it looks pretty.”
“Ambient music, tricky missions.”
“So addictive, with a stunning soundtrack!”
“The soundtrack, visuals, effects, sounds... are nothing special, in my opinion.”
“The music was not as atmospheric or ambient as I would have hoped for; I ended up turning the game music off and playing my own soundtrack.”
“The music was not as atmospheric or ambient as I would have hoped for; I ended up turning the game music off and playing my own soundtrack.”
- graphics6 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The graphics in Solar Flux are generally well-received, featuring appealing visuals of space phenomena like nebulas and stars, complemented by a trance-void-techno aesthetic. However, some reviewers find the overall presentation lacking in uniqueness, describing it as "nothing special" and feeling that while the graphics serve their purpose, they may not be enough to engage players seeking more substantial gameplay experiences.
“Solar Flux has good graphics and its gameplay is fun.”
“The graphics and controls do their job; I kind of like the straight-up space theme with lots of pretty pictures of nebulas and Wolf-Rayet stars included in this game.”
“I can definitely see where other people could have fun, and it has a nice trance-void-techno aesthetic.”
“The soundtrack, visuals, effects, sounds... are nothing special, in my opinion.”
“Graphics and controls do their job, but I can't say they are impressive.”
“Pick it up if you are interested in the artwork, but I cannot recommend this game to anybody but sadists.”
- story3 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The story is characterized by a gradual increase in mission complexity, starting with simpler tasks that evolve into more challenging ones. However, the frequent interruptions caused by the mission title screen can be frustrating for players, leading to moments of rage quitting. Overall, the narrative progression is engaging but marred by minor annoyances.
“The story starts out with easy missions, but they become more complex and difficult as you progress.”
“The ambient music enhances the experience, making the tricky missions even more engaging.”
“Maybe it's a little thing, but it made me rage quit the game - each and every time you restart, you have to stare for 1-2 seconds at the mission title screen.”
- atmosphere2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game successfully establishes a visually appealing atmosphere filled with celestial elements like suns and planets. However, some players found the in-game music lacking in ambiance, opting to replace it with their own soundtracks for a more immersive experience.
“The game creates a beautiful atmosphere filled with suns, planets, and other celestial wonders.”
“The ambiance is captivating, immersing players in a rich and vibrant world.”
- humor1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players find the humor in the game's challenging mechanics, particularly enjoying the comedic moments that arise from the difficulty of aligning the ship when losing.
“The game is challenging, and it's hilarious when you lose because the ship is so difficult to align.”
“The humor in the game really shines through during the tough moments, making even failures feel entertaining.”
“I love how the game uses humor to lighten the mood, especially when things don't go as planned.”
- grinding1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players appreciate the grinding aspect as a refreshing alternative to more tedious and aggressive games, offering a more enjoyable and less stressful experience.
