Squidlit

Squidlit is overly simplistic by design, which somewhat works against it. Those that don’t mind a short adventure will enjoy inking their way through its whimsical world, but those looking for something meatier might be disappointed.

84%Game Brain Score

gameplay, graphics

95% User Score Based on 522 reviews

Critic Score 60%Based on 4 reviews

Platforms

Buy Nowfrom $0.39

Buy NowGet on Steam €1.59 Buy NowGet on itch.io Store $1.99

About

Squidlit is a single player platformer game. It was developed by Super Squidlit and was released on March 2, 2018. It received neutral reviews from critics and overwhelmingly positive reviews from players.

"Squidlit" is a humorous single-player platformer game with a standout plot and unique mechanics. Jump and ink downwards on enemies as you navigate through the 8-bit inspired world with a stunning soundtrack, designed to mimic Game Boy hardware limitations. Can you stop Skwit Skwot and save the squidlits?

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player

Skip User Reviews

95%

Audience ScoreBased on 522 reviews

gameplay18 positive mentions

Charming and cute graphics that capture the retro Game Boy aesthetic.
Simple and enjoyable gameplay that is easy to pick up, making it suitable for casual players.
Short playtime of around 30-45 minutes, which is perfect for a quick, nostalgic experience.

The game is very short, lacking depth and replayability, with no save feature.
Some players found the gameplay too simplistic and not challenging enough.
The camera mechanics can be jarring, leading to potential eye strain for some players.

gameplay
76 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
24%
72%
4%
The gameplay of the game is characterized by its simplicity and charm, appealing to nostalgia with its Game Boy-inspired design. While some players appreciate the straightforward mechanics and variety in enemy types, others find the gameplay lacking depth and challenge, leading to a mixed reception. Overall, it offers a short, enjoyable experience that may not fully realize its potential but remains entertaining for those who appreciate its cute aesthetics and humor.
- “Good sense of humor, simple aesthetics that do their job, straightforward gameplay with no noticeable bugs or issues. Reasonably priced, everything considered, worth it if this is your kind of deal.”
- “The gameplay is fairly relaxing, with just enough of a challenge to make you have to put in some effort.”
- “Squidlit is a platforming game very obviously inspired by the Game Boy days, not just in visual design but also in the way the levels and gameplay are structured, and it does what it sets out to do quite well, providing a cute (if somewhat meme-y) storyline, fun characters, and an entertaining if not all that challenging half-hour of gameplay.”
- “Unfortunately, Squidlit completely fails to deliver on any gameplay potential.”
- “It's not a very long or mechanically deep game.”
- “It's less than 30 minutes worth of gameplay.”
graphics
76 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
42%
54%
4%
The graphics of Squidlit are widely praised for their charming and nostalgic homage to the original Game Boy aesthetic, featuring simple yet effective pixel art that captures the retro feel. While some players appreciate the cute visuals and the overall design, others criticize certain aspects, such as eye strain from the gameplay and occasional indistinct character sprites. Overall, the graphics contribute positively to the game's appeal, especially for fans of retro gaming.
- “Squidlit is a super cute, super cozy indie platformer with fun retro Game Boy graphics and a neat chiptune soundtrack.”
- “The visuals are pretty nice and do capture the look and feel of the original Game Boy, which is nice.”
- “The graphics are very well made, simple and effective.”
- “Ugly graphics with characters whose sprites are nigh indiscernible.”
- “From the grating and repetitive chiptune, to the eye-searing and annoying visuals; this game tries to be anything but good.”
- “1 problem I did have with the game is that due to the nature of the graphics and the fact that you're constantly jumping around, you can experience a little eye strain.”
music
72 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
47%
45%
8%
The music in "Squidlit" has received mixed reviews, with many praising its nostalgic chiptune soundtrack that evokes classic Game Boy titles, while others find it ear-piercing or annoying. Overall, the retro-inspired sound design is appreciated for its charm and fitting aesthetic, though some players noted that it can be slightly overpowering or forgettable at times. Despite the criticisms, the music is often highlighted as a key element that enhances the game's overall appeal.
- “The soundtrack is absolutely amazing, and the nostalgia hit hard with every beep and boop.”
- “Come for the totally-not-squids-if-you-watch-jim-sterling, stay for the fantastic music.”
- “The game hits it right out of the park with the Game Boy aesthetic with the music incredibly close to actual Game Boy titles like Super Mario Land 1 + 2 and the Mega Man world series.”
- “Terrible ear-piercing music.”
- “Oh, and the music grates on me.”
- “My only objection is the annoying music which does not turn off or down.”
humor
50 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The game is widely praised for its charming and humorous elements, featuring witty dialogue, cute characters, and a lighthearted aesthetic that enhances the overall experience. Players appreciate the simple yet engaging gameplay, which is complemented by comedic moments and references, making it a delightful and fun platformer. While some find the game short, the humor and creativity invested in its design leave a lasting positive impression.
- “Such a fun and cute little game, it's far from being an AAA production and that's what makes it so great; you can really feel the love that went into creating the characters, the funny dialogues, and the charming art style.”
- “I love this cutesy little platformer, the visuals, sounds, characters, and third wall breaking humor.”
- “The game has great humor, just saying, and everything is adorable.”
story
50 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
28%
66%
6%
The story of "Squidlit" is a straightforward and whimsical quest where players control a squid-like creature on a mission to thwart the evil skwit skwot. While the narrative is simple and reminiscent of a child's storybook, it is infused with charm and humor, complemented by well-written characters and engaging visuals. Overall, the game offers a nostalgic experience with a cute storyline, though it lacks depth and complexity.
- “In Squidlit, you play as a squidlit on a quest to journey to the local castle and stop the evil skwit skwot (god emperor) from whatever evil things he has planned.”
- “Anyway, there is actually a story as well, and it is perfectly in keeping with the overall whimsical nature of the game.”
- “And that is it for the story.”
- “Nothing new or unique, just the minimum stuff to make a story.”
- “The story, characters, and settings are presented in this simplistic and childlike manner that is straight out of a first grader's storybook.”
replayability
22 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
27%
59%
14%
The game's replayability is mixed; while some players find enjoyment in pursuing achievements and speedrunning, others feel that the short playtime limits overall replay value. For achievement hunters, there are challenges that can extend gameplay, but those uninterested in achievements may find little incentive to replay. Overall, the game offers a modest level of replayability, primarily driven by achievement goals.
- “They definitely offer a touch of replayability, and there's even something for casual speedrunners in there.”
- “This game is very short but a very fun and adorable short experience that I find enjoyably replayable.”
- “If you really aren't convinced about the length of the game, there are achievements you can go for that add some replayability and challenge after you're done with the main story.”
- “Normally I wouldn't care, but since most of the intended replay value is in the goals set by the achievements themselves, it's hard not to be let down.”
- “If you're not an achievement hunter or bought it on another platform, Squidlit is devoid of replayability.”
- “There isn't any replay value either - you see absolutely everything the game has to offer in those 30 minutes.”
emotional
10 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted by its nostalgic and wholesome qualities, evoking fond memories of classic Game Boy titles. Players appreciate its straightforward charm and the way it serves as a heartfelt tribute to the simplicity and innocence of childhood gaming experiences.
- “It really comes across as a love letter to these old, simple, wholesome games you used to play as a kid.”
- “It’s a cute and utterly wholesome little platformer that perfectly emulates the old Game Boy aesthetic to a fault, even giving it a choppy 40 fps frame rate.”
- “Love how straightforward and wholesome the game is.”
character development
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Reviewers highlight the game's charming character design and nostalgic elements, emphasizing its adorable aesthetic and enjoyable levels. While the focus is primarily on visual appeal and overall experience, there is a desire for deeper character development in potential sequels.
- “The character design is incredibly cute, and the music complements the levels perfectly, creating a nostalgic experience.”
- “The level and character design are very nice, making this the most adorable game I've ever played.”
- “A sequel would be great to further explore the charming character development in this game.”
stability
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The game is praised for its stability, with users reporting that it runs smoothly without any significant issues, contributing to an overall positive experience.
- “I have no real negatives with this game: runs great, looks and sounds good, everything is adorable, and is a great game overall.”