The Golem
- August 18, 2020
- Dom Camus
- 5h median play time
"The Golem" is a puzzle-based adventure game that allows players to control a golem made of light. The game takes place in a mystical world inspired by Jewish folklore, where players must solve increasingly complex puzzles and uncover the story of the golem's creation. With atmospheric visuals and an intriguing narrative, "The Golem" offers a unique and meditative gaming experience.
Reviews
- The puzzles are extremely challenging and require high-level insight, making for a rewarding experience.
- The game features impeccable puzzle design that encourages players to think creatively and logically.
- It offers a unique take on Sokoban mechanics, with innovative elements that enhance the gameplay.
- The game lacks polish, with basic graphics and slow undo mechanics that can disrupt the flow of gameplay.
- It may not be accessible for newcomers to Sokoban-style puzzles, as the difficulty curve is steep from the start.
- Some players find the puzzle solutions tedious, requiring too many steps and lacking memorable insights.
- gameplay16 mentions
- 19 % positive mentions
- 63 % neutral mentions
- 19 % negative mentions
The gameplay is centered around the classic sokoban mechanic of pushing blocks, enhanced by inventive mechanics that build on each other throughout the levels. Players will encounter complex puzzles that require creative problem-solving, with each world introducing new elements that keep the experience fresh and engaging. While the aesthetic is simple, the gameplay's depth and quality make it a compelling choice for fans of the genre.
“This feels like the definitive sokoban game for me, since every mechanic in the game doesn't deviate from the idea of pushing blocks whatsoever.”
“Whenever you are stuck, and you often will be, you can rest assured that the solution does not involve any unexpected mechanics, resonates with the level title and subtitle, and that every aspect of the level has its role to play.”
“Mechanics build on each other in fresh and inventive ways, and each level presents a knotty problem that rewards sideways thinking.”
“It does not introduce any flashy gimmicks (no portals, no recursion, no time travel, …) with most of its complexity coming from its core mechanic of pushing objects that change shape when touching + or - blocks.”
“Whenever you are stuck, and you often will be, you may rest assured that the solution does not involve any unexpected mechanics, that it resonates with the level title and subtitle, and that every aspect of the level has its role to play.”
“The basic sokoban mechanic is to push blocks on a grid, but each world introduces a new mechanic.”
- graphics5 mentions
- 60 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 40 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game present a mixed bag; while some users appreciate the beautiful sleek aesthetic that enhances gameplay, others find the art style and sound design basic and somewhat sterile. Despite a janky appearance in the graphics and UI, the level design showcases significant potential beneath the surface. Overall, the focus remains primarily on gameplay rather than graphical fidelity.
“Very challenging, interesting aesthetics.”
“It has a beautiful sleek aesthetic that complements the gameplay nicely.”
“Sound design is minimal but pleasant; graphic design is serviceable, but the focus here is on gameplay.”
“The art style and sound design are quite basic, a bit sterile even.”
“The graphics and UI look pretty jank, but if you peek under the hood, there's some serious horsepower to the level design.”
- emotional1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is rooted in its simplicity and core mechanics, which evoke feelings through the transformation of objects rather than relying on flashy gimmicks. This focus on fundamental gameplay elements fosters a deeper connection and engagement with the player's experience.
- grinding1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players appreciate that the grinding aspect encourages thoughtful problem-solving rather than resorting to tedious trial-and-error, making the experience more satisfying and engaging.