The Itch

89%
Game Brain Score Based on 56 reviews
  • gameplay
  • story
  • graphics
The Itch Game Cover
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The Itch is a 2D platformer centered around using heart rate as a resource to make objects move, grow, and shoot in order to find a doctor who can cure a deadly virus. The path to the doctor is full of obstacles as you traverse cavernous environments filled with plant life and people.

  • PC
  • Windows
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

89%
Audience ScoreBased on 56 reviews
gameplay9 positive mentions
stability4 negative mentions
  • The game features a unique heart rate mechanic that adds an interesting twist to the platforming experience.
  • It's a free game that offers enjoyable gameplay, charming graphics, and a pleasant story.
  • The level design and exploration elements are well thought out, providing a sense of adventure despite the game's short length.
  • The game suffers from numerous bugs and glitches, including issues with getting stuck in walls and freezing.
  • The graphics are considered low quality, relying on outdated pixel art that may not appeal to all players.
  • The ending feels anticlimactic and vague, leaving players wanting more closure to the story.
  • gameplay16 mentions

    The gameplay is characterized by its unique mechanics, particularly the heart rate monitoring, which adds an innovative twist to the platforming experience. While some players find the game enjoyable and visually appealing, others note that it lacks depth and can feel repetitive due to its short length and occasional long waiting periods. Overall, it offers a fun experience with interesting mechanics, making it worth trying, especially since it's free.

    • “I loved the unique gameplay of having to monitor your heart rate.”
    • “Overall, a very unique platformer with an innovative mechanic that I cannot stress enough. It introduces mechanics later on to counteract challenges without removing the difficulty, adding extra techniques to the game.”
    • “I think the heart rate mechanic is interesting, the visual style is nice, and it's just challenging enough to be enjoyable.”
    • “The game is fun while it lasts, but it doesn't really have anything for you to do, and its length certainly doesn't make up for it. However, that doesn't mean that you shouldn't try the game; just like everything else in life, 'it's an experience.' Gameplay is okay.”
    • “Overall, it's a very unique platformer with an innovative mechanic that I cannot stress enough. It seems like it will be annoying, and there are several spots at the start where I thought it would become an issue. The game introduces mechanics later on to counteract them without removing the challenge, which adds a few extra techniques to the game.”
    • “The music and gameplay seem like any other game.”
  • story10 mentions

    The game's story is described as simple yet engaging, with a creative plot that effectively ties into unique game mechanics. Players appreciate the pleasant narrative experience, enhanced by appealing music and graphics, making it a noteworthy indie title for exploration. Overall, the story is seen as a charming and interesting aspect of the game.

    • “What a pleasant little story to be told.”
    • “The story is simple yet interesting, as are the unique game mechanics.”
    • “I thought the plot was very creative, and the heart rate was a very interesting touch!”
  • graphics9 mentions

    The graphics received mixed reviews, with some praising the pleasing art style and retro pixel art that complements the game's aesthetic, while others criticized the lack of customization options and noted the use of outdated graphics. Overall, the visuals are generally appreciated for their beauty and fit within the game's context, despite some minor bugs.

    • “The music, the graphics, and mini story were great.”
    • “Gameplay was fun, and the art style is very nice.”
    • “The art style somehow really fits the game and makes it really pleasing.”
    • “The graphics also can't be customized to improve the visuals.”
    • “A choice was made to use obsolete retro pixel art as a substitute for contemporary PC graphics.”
  • music7 mentions

    The music in the game is generally praised for being pleasant and well-complementing the graphics and overall aesthetic. While some users noted minor bugs, the soundtrack is described as enjoyable and fitting, contributing positively to the gaming experience. However, a few reviews suggest that the music does not stand out significantly compared to other games.

    • “The music, the graphics, and mini story were great.”
    • “A wonderfully simple game with nice graphics and nice background music.”
    • “Beauty graphics and art direction, nice music, but with some bugs.”
    • “The music and gameplay seem like any other game.”
  • stability4 mentions

    Overall, the game's stability has received mixed feedback; while some players report minimal glitches and a polished experience, others encounter significant bugs that can disrupt gameplay, such as character freezing and unintended shortcuts. Despite its charming concept, the prevalence of these issues detracts from the overall experience.

    • “Also, there are some minor problems like bugs (sometimes the character freezes and can't move).”
    • “It's a cute game, but very buggy. I was able to beat the game with only the first key; I found a shortcut allowing me to bypass the second bridge and jump to the return without the cure.”
    • “Don't get me wrong, it's a great concept and I like the game, but it's too buggy (I have gotten stuck inside the blocks) and short.”
  • atmosphere1 mentions

    The atmosphere of the game is praised for its expansive and immersive quality, allowing players to feel a sense of vastness rather than confinement. This contributes to a more engaging and dynamic experience.

    • “It creates an atmosphere where you aren't stuck in the 'this is it' mentality; it really feels expansive.”
    • “The ambiance is incredibly immersive, drawing you into the world and making every moment feel significant.”
    • “The atmospheric design is stunning, with every detail contributing to a sense of wonder and exploration.”
    • “It creates an atmosphere where you aren't stuck in the 'this is it' mentality; it really feels large.”
    • “The atmosphere feels empty and lifeless, lacking any real sense of immersion.”
    • “Despite the visuals, the atmosphere fails to engage, making the world feel flat and uninspired.”
  • replayability1 mentions

    Players note that the game offers significant replayability, as many express a desire to return and explore to uncover all hidden elements.

    • “Perhaps I'll go back to find them all, which brings another point: it has replay value.”
    • “The game offers so many different paths and choices that I can't wait to play through it again.”
    • “With multiple endings and hidden secrets, each playthrough feels fresh and exciting.”
    • “The game lacks significant replayability; once you've completed it, there's little incentive to return.”
    • “While the initial playthrough is enjoyable, the lack of varied outcomes makes replaying feel tedious.”
    • “After finishing the game, I found that there wasn't much left to explore, which really diminishes its replay value.”
  • grinding1 mentions

    Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious and unenjoyable, often detracting from the overall experience.

    • “It's just tedious.”
    • “The grinding feels endless and repetitive.”
    • “I spend more time grinding than actually enjoying the game.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

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