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The Bridge

Crossing it seems simple, but can be challenging...
The Bridge Game Cover
76%Game Brain Score
graphics, gameplay
grinding, optimization
84% User Score Based on 1,750 reviews
Critic Score 70%Based on 10 reviews

Platforms

Playstation 3Nintendo SwitchXbox 360Playstation 5Playstation 4XboxSteam DeckWindowsPlayStationPlaystation VitaLinuxXbox Series X|SPCWii UMac OSXbox One
The Bridge Game Cover

About

The Bridge is a single player casual platformer game with a fantasy theme. It was developed by Ty Taylor and Mario Castañeda and was released on February 22, 2013. It received mostly positive reviews from critics and positive reviews from players.

"The Bridge is a single-player fantasy platformer game, known for its great plot, amazing mechanics, and hand-drawn, black-and-white graphics. Players manipulate gravity and explore increasingly complex puzzles in M.C. Escher-inspired worlds, with 48 unique levels and an alternate version of the game available after completion."

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84%
Audience ScoreBased on 1,750 reviews
graphics237 positive mentions
grinding28 negative mentions

  • The hand-drawn art style is beautiful and reminiscent of M.C. Escher's work, creating a unique and immersive atmosphere.
  • The puzzles are cleverly designed, gradually increasing in difficulty and requiring creative thinking to solve.
  • The ability to rewind time allows for experimentation and reduces frustration when mistakes are made.
  • The controls can feel sluggish, making precise movements and timing frustrating at times.
  • Some puzzles rely more on trial and error rather than logical reasoning, which can detract from the overall experience.
  • The game lacks a compelling narrative, leaving players without a strong motivation to progress beyond the puzzles.
  • graphics
    450 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics of "The Bridge" are widely praised for their stunning hand-drawn, black-and-white art style, reminiscent of M.C. Escher's intricate designs. Players appreciate the timeless quality of the visuals, which create an immersive atmosphere that complements the game's unique puzzle mechanics. While some find the aesthetic captivating, others note that the monochrome palette can become monotonous, but overall, the artwork is considered a standout feature of the game.

    • “The game's hand-drawn graphics create an immersive and atmospheric experience that will keep you hooked from start to finish.”
    • “The hand-drawn black-and-white artwork is gorgeous and the visual design leads to some very interesting (and physically impossible) levels and mind-bending puzzles.”
    • “The art style is fantastic and goes well with the Escher-like puzzles and level design which are also well crafted.”
    • “Graphics are... well... graphics.”
    • “I appreciate the art style of this game as a pencil drawing, but unfortunately the black and white and lack of character in the levels makes it very bland.”
    • “The puzzles just aren't that enjoyable to solve; it takes too much time to do things once you know the solution, and the art style is not really for me.”
  • gameplay
    425 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay of "The Bridge" is characterized by its unique mechanics, primarily revolving around gravity manipulation and world rotation, which create mind-bending puzzles that challenge players' spatial reasoning. While the game introduces new mechanics gradually, some players find the explanations lacking, leading to frustration and a reliance on trial and error. The overall experience is visually captivating, but the gameplay can feel slow and tedious at times, particularly in later levels where precision becomes more critical, potentially detracting from the enjoyment for those who prefer logical problem-solving over mechanical repetition.

    • “The game's use of gravity manipulation and perspective shifting provides a fresh and challenging twist on traditional puzzle mechanics.”
    • “The mechanics are simple yet create enjoyable and unique challenges.”
    • “The gameplay mechanics start pretty simple: you can move your character left/right, you can rotate the screen clockwise/counter-clockwise, you can interact with an object, and you can undo your actions.”
    • “However, in the second half — especially during the 'mirror' chapter — the gameplay shifts away from logical problem-solving and leans more toward precision-based trial and error.”
    • “I appreciate this type of game where each new mechanic is taught by example rather than loads of text, but here the examples are not good enough to really drive home what's going on.”
    • “The gameplay was also very slow.”
  • story
    209 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The story in "The Bridge" is often described as minimalistic and vague, with many players finding it difficult to engage with or understand. While some appreciate the subtlety and philosophical undertones, others criticize it for being nearly non-existent and lacking depth, making it feel more like an afterthought to the puzzle mechanics. Overall, the narrative is seen as a backdrop that may resonate with those who enjoy interpretation, but it does not provide a compelling reason to continue playing for most.

    • “Every scene resembles a charcoal sketch, richly textured and evocative of old storybook illustrations.”
    • “The bridge is a stylistically beautiful game that combines clever puzzles with a curious story.”
    • “The art is terrific, very appropriate for the game/story, and wonderfully reminiscent of M.C. Escher.”
    • “There's basically no story here...”
    • “What little story there is in this game is not nearly enough to push you to want to finish the game; it's barely noticeable and had no impact on me.”
    • “The story is non-existent, and the ending is anticlimactic.”
  • music
    203 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The music in the game is generally described as calming and ambient, effectively complementing the art style and puzzle mechanics, though it often becomes repetitive and uninspired over time. While some players appreciate the soothing atmosphere it creates, others find it dull and prefer to listen to their own music instead. Overall, the soundtrack is seen as a fitting but underwhelming aspect of the game, contributing to its immersive experience without standing out significantly.

    • “The calm, understated soundtrack reinforces this mood, offering soft ambient tones that leave room for thought.”
    • “The soundtrack is subdued and melancholic, complementing the sense of quiet introspection that defines the experience.”
    • “The music complements the game perfectly without overshadowing it even at the more intense puzzles.”
    • “The music is extremely repetitive and sleepy and dull.”
    • “The only thing that detracted from the experience was a completely avoidable lack of non-repetitive music.”
    • “The music gets you in the mood to solve the puzzles and the perspective art style was masterfully executed.”
  • atmosphere
    70 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's atmosphere is consistently praised for its immersive qualities, combining hand-drawn art styles, calming soundtracks, and unique visual identities to create a captivating experience. Players appreciate the introspective and sometimes eerie ambiance, which enhances the puzzle-solving mechanics and overall gameplay. While some find the atmosphere engaging and thought-provoking, others feel it can be monotonous or lacking depth, yet it generally succeeds in drawing players into its surreal world.

    • “The game's hand-drawn graphics create an immersive and atmospheric experience that will keep you hooked from start to finish.”
    • “The atmosphere and graphics, and story.”
    • “The game's minimalist presentation, accompanied by a hauntingly atmospheric soundtrack, creates an immersive experience that draws players into its surreal world.”
    • “Whereas here, the only dialogue is just the main character thinking about the mathematicians he met - just as bland as the rest of the atmosphere!”
    • “However, the atmosphere is too thin and too monotonous to really persuade me to come back to it.”
    • “And I really don't like the atmosphere of this game, even if it is well drawn.”
  • grinding
    28 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The grinding aspect of the game is frequently described as tedious and time-consuming, with many players feeling that the puzzles often rely on trial and error rather than genuine problem-solving. While some enjoy the meditative quality of the slow-paced mechanics, others find the sluggish controls and repetitive nature of the puzzles frustrating, leading to a lack of engagement and enjoyment. Overall, the game is seen as a mixed bag, appealing primarily to those who appreciate puzzle games despite its grinding elements.

    • “It becomes tedious and time-consuming, without offering much mental reward.”
    • “The weakest points are the tedious repetitive puzzles that on occasions have nothing to do with figuring things out, and everything with mindless trial and error and copious use of the rewind button.”
    • “It feels so tedious that I quit halfway, when I noticed that the next chapters were the same as before, but mirrored.”
  • replayability
    21 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's replayability is mixed, with some players noting high replay value due to clever puzzles, mirrored levels, and achievements, while others find it limited due to its short playtime and lack of additional content. Many agree that once the initial excitement fades, the game may not hold much replay value, making it more suitable for a single playthrough unless players actively seek out challenges. Overall, while there are elements that enhance replayability, such as inverted missions and hidden secrets, the game is often seen as a one-and-done experience.

    • “The challenge lengthens the game and the achievements give it replay value.”
    • “The mirrored levels provided after the base game is completed, as well as numerous little challenges and hidden secrets keep the game very replayable, but only if you actively look for them.”
    • “The game is short but satisfying, and mirrored mode offers a good replay value, with some really mind-twisting levels.”
    • “This game really needs control speed customization and a map editor; it would really up the replay value and actually get my recommendation.”
    • “The game is quite short, which can be finished within a day, and there's not much replay value.”
    • “I think one of the driving factors against it would be its limited playtime, which many puzzle games suffer from - there's not a lot of replayability here, so it's more-or-less a one-and-done game.”
  • emotional
    9 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The emotional aspect of the game is characterized by its subtlety and ambiguity, with players experiencing a range of feelings driven by the narrative's vague text and symbolic imagery. While some find the background plot touching and well-presented, others feel a lack of emotional connection due to the game's abstract nature and challenging puzzles. Overall, the game evokes a unique emotional response, blending beautiful visuals with a sense of frustration and discovery.

    • “That restraint sets the tone for an experience in which subtle shifts in perception drive both the gameplay and the emotional response.”
    • “There is a plot in the game which is more in the background and you don't have to pay attention to, but if you do it is actually quite touching and well presented, especially for being such a small part of the game!”
    • “A touching story and beautiful visuals.”
  • humor
    9 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The humor in the game is described as quirky and entertaining, with a mix of absurdity and playful mockery from the narrator that enhances the experience during monster invasions. While some users find it hilarious and reminiscent of classic cartoons, others note that it may not reach the comedic heights of other titles like "Portal." Overall, the humor contributes positively to the gameplay, often eliciting laughter from players of all ages.

    • “Absolutely hilarious stage because it uses a tune that makes me think of a cartoon about two mice who want to take over the world, while the narrator mocks you between waves of monster invasion, cacodemon fireballs thrown around like fireworks, what a joy.”
    • “Had my 8-year-old grandson and I laughing.”
    • “Some puzzles are hard but funny to achieve.”
    • “I know you smile now, but if you liked it, please mark this review as useful, not funny. :) Thank you.”
    • “The humor fell flat and often felt forced, making it more cringeworthy than entertaining.”
    • “I expected clever jokes, but instead, I got tired clichés that didn't land at all.”
  • optimization
    3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Overall, the game is technically well-optimized, running smoothly thanks to its minimalist design, which enhances the user experience. However, some players have noted performance issues, indicating that while the game performs well in general, there are occasional complaints regarding optimization.

    • “Technically, it runs smoothly, its minimalist design ensuring a distraction-free experience.”
    • “I also love that while some of the achievements are completion-based, some are performance-based and require clever puzzle-solving skills, along with a bit of luck!”
    • “My final complaint is performance.”
    • “I also love that while some of the achievements are completion-based, some are performance-based and require clever puzzle-solving skills, along with a bit of luck.”
  • monetization
    3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The monetization strategy of the game has received criticism for its heavy reliance on ads, which slow down gameplay and lead to player frustration. While there are elements of replayability through inverted missions and achievements, the frequent ad interruptions detract from the overall experience.

    • “There are penalty points for ads and requests for reviews in-game.”
    • “The game is so slow and filled with ads.”
    • “There is some replayability with inverted missions, but don't forget that achievements always come with ads in this game!”
  • character development
    2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Character development in the game is minimal, with limited story progression and depth, making it less suitable for those seeking quick action. However, the thoughtful design of the environment and characters adds a layer of consideration, complementing the game's focus on puzzles and mechanics.

    • “The environment and character design are simple yet thoughtful.”
  • stability
    1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Overall, users report that the game's mechanics and physics are well-designed, contributing to a stable experience with no significant bugs or glitches encountered.

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6h Median play time
5h Average play time
4h Main story
8h Completionist
2-8h Spent by most gamers
*Based on 6 analyzed playthroughs
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Frequently Asked Questions

The Bridge is a casual platformer game with fantasy theme.

The Bridge is available on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Steam Deck and others.

The main story can be completed in around 4 hours, while the entire game is estimated to take about 8 hours to finish. On average players spend around 5 hours playing The Bridge.

The Bridge was released on February 22, 2013.

The Bridge was developed by Ty Taylor and Mario Castañeda.

The Bridge has received positive reviews from players. Most players liked this game for its graphics but disliked it for its grinding.

The Bridge is a single player game.

Similar games include Braid, The Pedestrian, LIMBO, Closure, FEZ and others.