SpellKeeper
- April 3, 2018
- Studio Gier
SpellKeeper is a logic game featuring over 60 challenging puzzles, where you use magic to turn Cocoons into Butterflies. The game includes various spells and elements like Energy Fields, with hand-drawn graphics, special effects, and relaxing music. As you progress, casting spells becomes more difficult, requiring strategic thinking to complete all levels.
Reviews
- SpellKeeper offers a unique and engaging puzzle experience with interesting mechanics and a variety of levels that challenge players' spatial awareness and problem-solving skills.
- The game features a pleasant visual and audio presentation, creating a soothing atmosphere that enhances the overall gameplay experience.
- It is accessible for achievement hunters, with all achievements being unlockable and a low price point making it an attractive option for casual gamers.
- The game is criticized for being too short, with many players completing it in just a few hours, leading to a lack of replayability.
- Technical issues such as poor graphics options, clunky controls, and a simplified interface detract from the overall experience, making it feel more like a mobile app than a PC game.
- The story and character development are considered weak and bland, with some players finding the writing and voice acting to be subpar.
- graphics11 mentions
- 27 % positive mentions
- 45 % neutral mentions
- 27 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game have received mixed reviews, with many users criticizing the lack of resolution options and the simplistic, cartoonish 2D style reminiscent of low-effort mobile apps. While some appreciate the colorful and pleasant artwork that suits the puzzle genre, others feel that the overall visual quality does not meet the expectations of PC gamers, especially given the potential of modern 3D graphics.
“This is a decent puzzle board game with pleasant-looking artwork and effects, and a generally soothing atmosphere.”
“I liked the game's colorful graphics and the relaxing music.”
“The graphics are really nice for a puzzle game.”
“There's no option to change the resolution and no useful graphics tweaks.”
“The game features simple, cartoony 2D graphics, of the type you normally expect to see in low-effort mobile apps.”
“Considering this is being evaluated as a PC game, having the graphics phoned in like this isn't going to result in a high quality, visually impressive game that PC gamers are used to seeing.”
- story8 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
The story in the game is generally perceived as weak and unconvincing, with many reviewers noting its blandness and lack of coherence. While some appreciate the cute graphics and music, they feel the narrative is minimal and often relies on clichéd fairy tale elements, leaving players unbothered by its absence. Overall, the writing quality detracts from the experience, with noticeable errors that further undermine the storytelling.
“The game tries hard to please with cute background graphics, music, and even a story.”
“While a story would have been nice, I wasn't really bothered by the lack of it.”
“So, there's not much of a story or plot, although there's a princess saying some things now and then.”
“The story is a bit soft and bland.”
“On the minus side, the story is not believable (if you are a legendary magic user, why does the princess have to teach you your job every step of the way?), the single character is bland, and the writing has some disconcerting English errors (such as 'lightened up' instead of 'lit up') which the voice actress reads verbatim as if it were perfectly natural.”
“There is no story, just a backdrop that doesn't make much sense, and some random references to fairy tale tropes.”
- gameplay7 mentions
- 71 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 29 % negative mentions
Gameplay in Spellkeeper is characterized by its casual puzzle mechanics, which, while engaging, lack innovation and rely on familiar concepts like "laser and mirrors." Players have noted issues with level placement and design choices that detract from the overall experience, leading to frustration rather than enjoyable challenge. The game struggles with basic elements such as control ease and visual clarity, which are essential for a satisfying puzzle experience.
“Spellkeeper is a casual puzzle game with interesting mechanics and a nice presentation.”
“The basics would be: (a) ease of use of the controls/interface and (b) a clear visual style, which leads to (c) enjoyable gameplay.”
“I found the mechanics fun and engaging, but not very innovative - it's a standard 'laser and mirrors' game that just uses different names for well-known gameplay elements.”
“A tile-laying puzzle game similar to Hade, though with a little more presentation and a little less in mechanics and levels.”
“There's a level in the wrong place; castle #13 should be in the tower where you learn about the new mechanics used there.”
- music4 mentions
- 75 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music in the game is generally praised for being relaxing and pleasant, complementing the colorful graphics and hand-drawn art. Players appreciate the ability to adjust music and sound effects separately, enhancing the overall experience without being intrusive. Overall, the music contributes positively to the game's charming atmosphere.
“I liked the game's colorful graphics and the relaxing music.”
“Lovely hand-drawn art, fully voiced, the music and effects aren't annoying and they're on separate volume sliders.”
“Music and sound effects are very nice to listen to.”
- grinding2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players feel that the grinding in the game is excessive and detracts from the overall experience, labeling it as tedious and unnecessary. However, some appreciate that the game maintains a challenging balance without becoming overly repetitive.
“This game isn't nearly good enough to put up with that kind of tedious inconvenience.”
“It's difficult without being tedious, and it doesn't wear out its welcome.”
- replayability2 mentions
- 150 % positive mentions
- -100 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The game has mixed reviews regarding replayability; while some players find it short and lacking in replay value, others appreciate that the levels are forgettable enough to encourage repeated playthroughs.
“The game has great replay value because you won't remember how you solved a level just five minutes after completing it.”
“Each playthrough offers new challenges and surprises, making it feel fresh every time.”
“The variety of choices and outcomes ensures that no two runs are ever the same.”
“However, the game is a bit short with not much replayability as far as I can tell.”
- humor1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is highlighted as unique and enjoyable, with players appreciating its amusing elements that enhance the overall experience.
“It's an amazing gem game, which is unique and funny. I like that a lot!”
“The humor in this game is top-notch, making every moment enjoyable.”
“I can't stop laughing at the witty dialogue and hilarious situations!”
- atmosphere1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is characterized by its pleasant artwork and effects, creating a generally soothing experience for players.
“This is a decent puzzle board game with pleasant-looking artwork and effects, and a generally soothing atmosphere.”