The Cursed Tower
- February 5, 2018
- Mohsin Rizvi
- 5h median play time
Get on Steam"The Cursed Tower" is a story-driven platformer game where you are a dutiful postal worker. Armed with only a letter opener and graceful jumping skills, you must embark on a quest and fulfill your duty. Along the way, you will encounter many dangers and uncover a dark secret. Do you have what it takes?
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Reviews
- The game features creative level design and engaging gameplay concepts, making it enjoyable for fans of the genre.
- It's a free indie game, which showcases the developers' dedication to providing entertainment without cost.
- The story and premise are unique, adding charm to the gameplay experience.
- The controls are awkward and lack customization options, making gameplay frustrating for many players.
- The graphics are low quality and the game suffers from technical issues, including glitches and poor hit detection.
- Combat mechanics are poorly implemented, leading to a lack of enjoyment during battles and difficulty in progressing through levels.
- story12 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The game's story is noted for its unique premise of a delivery boy navigating a cursed tower, with some players appreciating the effort put into its design compared to typical low-effort platformers. However, the narrative is described as simple and lacking clarity, with some players finding it difficult to fully understand despite engaging elements like letters and hints. Overall, while the story has potential, it could benefit from more depth and explanation.
“Some effort went into level design and story design here, which is welcome and differentiates this from most platformers on Steam that are usually just low-effort GameMaker Studio cash grabs.”
“The storyline is unique, being about a delivery boy whose quest is to deliver to the top of a cursed tower, and the 'letters' and little hints from people along the way are entertaining!”
“Just so it's not all negative, the premise is okay and the music is suitably atmospheric, at least what I've heard, and there is some intriguing story in there somewhere.”
“The storyline was simple and natural.”
“The story of the game is not too bad but could use a little bit more explanation.”
“Even when I read all the letters, I still didn't understand the story.”
- music8 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
The music in the game receives mixed reviews; while some players appreciate its atmospheric quality and find it enjoyable, others criticize specific tracks for being overly high-pitched and headache-inducing, particularly on the first floor. Additionally, there are complaints about the lack of volume control options and the absence of music in certain levels, such as the tutorial. Overall, while the soundtrack has its merits, it could benefit from more variety and better implementation.
“I appreciate the music too.”
“Just so it's not all negative, the premise is okay and the music is suitably atmospheric, at least what I've heard, and there is some intriguing story in there somewhere.”
“The actual game's soundtrack is not annoying and something I won't mind listening to for hours.”
“However, there is a downside to this review for the first floor in particular. I found the music to be way too high-pitched and painful, to the point of getting a headache. I looked in the settings and didn't see anything for turning down the in-game volume, which is a shame since sometimes the music makes a game even better.”
“For example, you don't have any kind of music in the tutorial level.”
“I do not recommend playing this game; it is barely original, the fighting is bad, the platforming is cheap, and there is no invisibility after taking a hit system. You can die in the air, and the animation would play out as if you were on the ground. The only thing good about this game is that it is free, and the music is just okay.”
- gameplay7 mentions
- 43 % positive mentions
- 29 % neutral mentions
- 29 % negative mentions
The gameplay is a unique blend of adventure and puzzle platforming, where players navigate a spooky castle as a postman using a letter opener to overcome traps. While the niche mechanics and overall concept are praised, some users note that the platforming controls feel a bit loose and suggest improvements for a more streamlined experience. Overall, the game is recognized for its engaging puzzles, despite some technical flaws.
“The niche mechanics prove it to be one of the best escape room/puzzle games I have ever played.”
“Gameplay here is a blend of adventure game and puzzle platformer as you take on the role of a postman armed with a letter opener, and you must negotiate a spooky castle full of traps to deliver a letter.”
“From a gameplay perspective, the game works; platforming is a little loose but reasonable.”
“From a gameplay perspective, the game 'works'; platforming is a little loose but reasonable, so it's down to the flawed technical implementation when considering a recommendation.”
“Anyway, gameplay here is a blend of adventure game and puzzle platformer as you take on the role of a postman armed with a letter opener, and you must negotiate a spooky castle full of traps to deliver a letter or something.”
- graphics5 mentions
- 20 % positive mentions
- 20 % neutral mentions
- 60 % negative mentions
The game's graphics feature a retro pixel art style that some players find delightful and crisp, while others criticize the use of outdated visuals and the lack of options to adjust resolution or customize settings, leaving no opportunity to enhance the low-quality graphics.
“It looks delightful with its crisp pixel art style.”
“A choice was made to use obsolete, decades-old retro pixel art as a substitute for contemporary PC graphics.”
“There are no options to change the resolution for the game or customize the graphics settings.”
“There's no way for gamers to improve the low-quality graphics.”
- monetization1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The monetization aspect of the game is viewed positively, as it reflects a commitment to quality in level and story design, setting it apart from many low-effort platformers on Steam that prioritize profit over gameplay.
- grinding1 mentions
- 200 % positive mentions
- -400 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Players indicate that grinding in the game can be quite demanding, often requiring significant time investment or additional lives to progress effectively.
“Grinding in this game is incredibly rewarding and keeps you engaged.”
“The grind is satisfying and offers a real sense of progression.”
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
“The grinding feels endless and tedious.”
“I spent hours grinding, and it felt like I was getting nowhere.”
- atmosphere1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is generally considered to be enhanced by its intriguing story and suitably atmospheric music, contributing positively to the overall experience despite some negative feedback.
“The music is suitably atmospheric, and there is some intriguing story in there somewhere.”
“The game's atmosphere draws you in, creating a captivating experience that keeps you engaged.”
“The visuals and sound design work together to create an immersive environment that enhances the overall gameplay.”
- stability1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Users report that the game experiences occasional glitches, and some aspects of platforming and movement can feel clunky, indicating a need for improved stability.
“There were a few glitches, and at times, some platforms and movement felt a bit clunky.”
“The game frequently crashes, making it nearly unplayable at times.”
“I experienced several bugs that disrupted my gameplay experience.”
