Super Magbot
- June 22, 2021
- Astral Pixel
Super Magbot's unique magnet-based platforming and constant new ideas are well worth experiencing, if you can handle the challenge.
"Super Magbot" is a challenging 2D platformer that forbids jumping. Players control a robot who can only move and land using its magnetic boots. With over 50 levels filled with obstacles, traps, and puzzles, players must master precise movements and control to complete each stage. The game offers a unique twist on platformers, focusing on strategy and skill.
Reviews
- Super Magbot features a unique magnet mechanic that adds depth to the platforming experience, making it both challenging and satisfying.
- The game boasts excellent level design, vibrant pixel art, and a catchy soundtrack that enhances the overall gameplay experience.
- It offers a fair difficulty curve with assist options for accessibility, allowing players of varying skill levels to enjoy the game.
- The controls can be confusing, especially with the dual magnet mechanics, leading to frustration during gameplay.
- The final boss fight is often criticized for being tedious and not matching the quality of the rest of the game.
- Some players feel that the game lacks a compelling narrative and that the assist options do not adequately address accessibility needs.
- gameplay53 mentions
- 42 % positive mentions
- 53 % neutral mentions
- 6 % negative mentions
The gameplay of "Super Magbot" is centered around a unique magnet mechanic that requires players to master polarity-based movements, offering a satisfying blend of precision platforming and puzzle-solving. While the controls and mechanics may feel challenging at first, they become intuitive over time, supported by well-designed levels that introduce new elements at a balanced pace. Overall, the game is praised for its engaging mechanics, tight controls, and creative level design, making it a standout title in the platforming genre.
“The gameplay is simple, yet brilliant.”
“The precision-based mechanics with the different colors make for not only really challenging, satisfying, fun, and intense platforming, it also adds a form of puzzling to every single level.”
“Super Magbot has beautiful pixel art, charming music, and an excellent core mechanic which is built on through solid level design.”
“The 'magnet jump' mechanic is too one-note and quickly became stale despite my short playtime.”
“For example, whereas Celeste would introduce new movement mechanics and obstacles that radically altered gameplay, Super Magbot fails to expand on level traversal in any meaningful way.”
“Apart from aesthetic changes in the scenery, the only notable changes in gameplay come from the inclusion of newer magnet platforms which introduce very predictable secondary effects but are traversed no differently than standard platforms.”
- music19 mentions
- 68 % positive mentions
- 16 % neutral mentions
- 16 % negative mentions
The music in the game is widely praised for its vibrant and nostalgic qualities, reminiscent of classic Game Boy and SNES titles, enhancing the overall experience. Reviewers highlight the soundtrack as both enjoyable and fitting, contributing to the game's polished feel and engaging gameplay. Overall, the combination of catchy tunes and charming pixel art creates a joyful atmosphere that keeps players coming back for more.
“With vibrant art and a soundtrack that keeps you wanting to try one more time.”
“This simple concept gets explored throughout the game, and the level design, clean graphics, and fun music all create a thoroughly joyful experience.”
“Super Magbot has beautiful pixel art, charming music, and an excellent core mechanic which is built on through solid level design.”
“The soundtrack is a joy to listen to as you die over and over again until you finally get it right and feel like a king.”
“This game has a feel reminiscent of SNES games with the art style and music (which has some bops, by the way).”
“Nevertheless, the music reminds me of old Game Boy Color games, which I love.”
- graphics16 mentions
- 56 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 19 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are widely praised for their polished and charming aesthetic, featuring clean visuals and a nostalgic art style reminiscent of classic platformers like Super Meat Boy and Mega Man. Reviewers highlight the effective level design and the integration of fun visuals with an engaging soundtrack, contributing to an overall joyful gaming experience. Scores for graphics range from 9 to 9.5 out of 10, indicating a strong appreciation for the game's artistic presentation.
“Super polished experience, with great level design, cool graphics, and nice soundtrack.”
“The controls are tight, the art style is gorgeous, and the music is awesome.”
“Nice and inspiring art style, reminiscent of that of old Mega Man games and Super Mario Bros.”
“Apart from aesthetic changes in the scenery, the only notable changes in gameplay come from the inclusion of newer magnet platforms which introduce (very predictable) secondary effects but are traversed no differently than standard platforms.”
“This game has a feel reminiscent of SNES games with the art style and music (which has some bops, by the way).”
“The graphics are adorably cute.”
- story11 mentions
- 18 % positive mentions
- 55 % neutral mentions
- 27 % negative mentions
The story in the game is generally considered weak and underdeveloped, serving primarily as a backdrop rather than a meaningful narrative. While some players find it charming in a simplistic way, it lacks the depth and emotional resonance seen in other titles like Celeste. Overall, the gameplay is praised for its originality, but the story is often viewed as a minor aspect that doesn't enhance the experience significantly.
“There's normal levels, challenge levels, and a cute, corny, basic story that made me smile.”
“Celeste manages to weave a touching and emotional story, whereas Magbot's backstory is very basic.”
“The story is almost nonexistent, but what's there can be annoying.”
“The story is mostly fluff for set dressing, since cutscenes rarely translate to gameplay other than setting up world themes and boss battles.”
“The game isn't without its weak points, like story and bosses.”
- replayability3 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 67 % negative mentions
Players highlight the game's high replayability, noting that it offers significant value with collectibles and achievements to pursue. Many feel that even after completing the main objectives, the game remains engaging enough to warrant multiple playthroughs.
“The game has lots of replay value.”
“In regards to length and replayability, I got every collectible and decided not to go for the 'no death' achievements in 8 hours.”
“20/10, infinitely replayable.”
- grinding2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 150 % negative mentions
Overall, players find the grinding aspect of the game to be manageable, with most levels designed to flow well and keep the experience enjoyable. However, some bosses and specific challenges can feel tedious, particularly towards the end, which may require more patience and precision. Despite these occasional rough patches, the majority of the gameplay remains satisfying and engaging.
“The final boss is a bit tedious, and if you aren't using a controller, you'll probably have a significantly worse experience.”
“Some of the star fragments in the first half of world 4 are stupid, and two of the four bosses are long, tedious, and unfun.”
“It can get a bit nitpicky with your magnet angles towards the end in a kind of unfun way.”
- optimization1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Overall, the game is well-optimized, offering smooth performance and an enjoyable visual experience, complemented by a non-intrusive soundtrack.
“The game looks and plays nicely, the OST never got on my nerves, and the game runs smoothly.”
- atmosphere1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is praised for its beauty, contributing to an engaging experience alongside its original mechanics and interesting levels.
“This is a great game with original mechanics, interesting levels, and a beautiful atmosphere.”
- emotional1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Celeste is praised for its touching and emotionally rich narrative, while Magbot's backstory is considered simplistic and lacking depth.
“Celeste manages to weave a touching and emotional story.”
“The emotional depth of the characters left a lasting impact on me.”
“I was genuinely moved by the heartfelt moments throughout the game.”