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-based mechanic that adds depth and strategy to the platforming experience, making it both challenging and rewarding.
- The game is visually appealing with charming pixel art and a captivating soundtrack that enhances the overall experience.
- The level design is well-crafted, introducing new mechanics at a satisfying pace, which keeps the gameplay fresh and engaging.
- The controls can be unintuitive, especially with the need to remember which button corresponds to each magnet action, 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, making it a disappointing conclusion.
- Accessibility options are limited and do not adequately address the needs of players with slower reaction times, which can hinder the experience for some.
- gameplay107 mentions
- 41 % positive mentions
- 56 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
The gameplay of Super Magbot is centered around a unique magnet mechanic that replaces traditional jumping, offering a fresh take on the platforming genre. Players find the controls tight and responsive, with well-designed levels that introduce new mechanics at a satisfying pace, although some feel the core mechanic can become repetitive. Overall, the game is praised for its engaging and challenging platforming experience, reminiscent of titles like Celeste and Super Meat Boy, with a strong emphasis on precision and dexterity.
“Superb level design, every world adds new mechanics that are satisfying to use.”
“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.”
“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.”
- music38 mentions
- 68 % positive mentions
- 24 % neutral mentions
- 8 % negative mentions
The music in the game is widely praised for its vibrant and charming qualities, reminiscent of classic Game Boy and SNES titles, enhancing the overall joyful experience. Reviewers highlight the soundtrack as a standout feature, describing it as catchy and enjoyable, contributing to the game's polished feel and engaging gameplay. Overall, the combination of great music and appealing pixel art creates a delightful atmosphere that keeps players coming back for more.
“Super Magbot has beautiful pixel art, charming music, and an excellent core mechanic which is built on through solid level design.”
“It feels so nice to play, looks gorgeous, and has a fantastic soundtrack.”
“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.”
- graphics32 mentions
- 56 % positive mentions
- 34 % neutral mentions
- 9 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are widely praised for their polished and charming aesthetic, drawing inspiration from classic titles like Super Meat Boy and Celeste, as well as retro SNES and Mega Man styles. Reviewers highlight the clean visuals, creative level design, and a vibrant art style that enhances the overall joyful experience, often rating the graphics between 9 and 9.5 out of 10. The combination of fun visuals and an engaging soundtrack contributes to a delightful platforming experience.
“The controls are tight, the art style is gorgeous, and the music is awesome.”
“Verdict: a lovely, inspired and challenging platformer with graphics that are easy on the eye.”
“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.”
- story22 mentions
- 9 % positive mentions
- 77 % neutral mentions
- 14 % negative mentions
The story in the game is generally considered weak and underdeveloped, serving primarily as a backdrop rather than a meaningful component of the experience. While some players find the basic narrative charming, it lacks depth and emotional resonance compared to standout titles in the genre like Celeste. Overall, the gameplay is praised for its originality and mechanics, which overshadow the story's shortcomings.
“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.”
“It's short and unfortunately some levels have cycles that stop you from going as fast as you otherwise could, and the story is just there for the sake of not having nothing.”
- replayability6 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The game is praised for its high replayability, with players noting that it offers significant value through collectibles and achievements. Many users report completing the game in around 8 hours while still finding reasons to replay it, highlighting its engaging content and infinite replay potential.
“The game has lots of replay value.”
“20/10, infinitely replayable.”
“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”
- grinding4 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players generally find the grinding in the game to be manageable, with most levels designed to flow well and minimize downtime. However, some bosses and specific challenges can feel tedious and unfun, particularly towards the end, which may detract from the overall experience. Despite these occasional rough patches, the majority of the gameplay remains enjoyable and satisfying.
“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 frustrating, 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.”
- optimization2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game is praised for its smooth performance and visual appeal, with users noting that it runs well without any frustrating issues related to the soundtrack.
“The game looks and plays nice, the OST never got on my nerves, and the game runs smoothly.”
- atmosphere2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is consistently praised for its beauty, enhancing the overall experience alongside its original mechanics and engaging levels.
“This is a great game with original mechanics, interesting levels, and a beautiful atmosphere.”
“This is a great game with original mechanics, interesting levels, and a beautiful atmosphere.”
- emotional2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Celeste is praised for its touching and emotionally rich narrative, effectively engaging players on a deeper level. In contrast, Magbot's backstory is considered basic and lacks the same emotional depth.
“Celeste manages to weave a touching and emotional story.”