UltraNothing
- January 21, 2024
- snorillaka
Get on Steam
Get on itch.io Store"UltraNothing" is a 2D Puzzle Strategy Platformer that challenges you to escape from the noise and achieve divine Nothing. With multiple stages and skill-based gameplay, players must use their critical thinking and quick reflexes to progress. The game offers a unique twist on traditional puzzle games, with its minimalistic design and emphasis on achieving Nothing.
PC
Steam Deck
Windows
Reviews
- Ultra Nothing features a vast array of cleverly designed puzzles that encourage experimentation and discovery, making it a rewarding experience for puzzle enthusiasts.
- The game successfully blends various mechanics and genres, creating a unique gameplay experience that feels both fresh and engaging.
- Despite its unconventional presentation, the game has a charming aesthetic and a surreal atmosphere that enhances the overall puzzle-solving experience.
- The game's controls can be clunky and poorly communicated, leading to frustration, especially for new players trying to grasp its mechanics.
- Some players may find the graphics and overall presentation off-putting, which could detract from their enjoyment of the game.
- The lack of clear instructions and the introduction of new mechanics can make the game feel overwhelming and confusing at times.
- gameplay24 mentions
- 13 % positive mentions
- 75 % neutral mentions
- 13 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized by a high density of mechanics and puzzles, with new rules introduced frequently, creating a challenging yet engaging experience. While the game lacks direct explanations and can be difficult to navigate due to its cryptic design and control scheme, players appreciate the flexibility in solving puzzles and the unique atmosphere. The combination of charming graphics and a variety of mechanics contributes to a captivating puzzle platformer that rewards exploration and discovery.
“Even if little is explained directly, there are focused tutorial puzzles to gently introduce each new major mechanic.”
“And I mean there is a new seemingly random rule or mechanic introduced every 5 levels or so, but it never feels unnatural because, unlike other games, the mechanics are made to fit the puzzles instead of the other way around.”
“This combination of high mechanic density and very intentionally rough and cryptic design makes for a very addicting game, as I'm at the point now where almost every level I enter starts with me taking pause and trying to parse what is going on with the mess laid out before me.”
“A block-pushing game that explains nothing while introducing new mechanics every few stages, and there are a lot of stages.”
“This, combined with a lack of any undo features, can make some of the mechanics pretty annoying to use.”
“Furthermore, certain core mechanics are poorly communicated.”
- graphics5 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 60 % negative mentions
The graphics feature a surreal cartoon aesthetic that, while initially off-putting to some, ultimately adds charm and life to the game. The simple yet carefully crafted visuals enhance the gameplay by incorporating character-like elements that help players understand mechanics at a glance. Overall, the art style is well-received, contributing positively to the game's unique puzzle experience.
“The graphics, while simple, have a lot of care and life put into them. Many level elements take the form of characters, which adds a large amount of charm (when many puzzle games of this type can end up a little sterile) and helps the player determine at a glance the various mechanics in play in the level.”
“Love the art style; the puzzles are decent, and a world map to explore is great.”
“While the graphics might turn you off, it has some genuinely great puzzles; it just takes a bit to get to them, and you are going to have to accept that they won't be designed in a traditional way like other puzzle games.”
“The trailer and screenshots might show a quirky sokobon-platformer hybrid with a very strange aesthetic, but what it doesn't fully capture is the extreme breadth of this game.”
“The graphics, while simple, have a lot of care and life put into them; many level elements take the form of characters, which adds a large amount of charm (when many puzzle games of this type can end up a little sterile) and helps the player determine at a glance the various mechanics in play in the level.”
- atmosphere3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -67 % neutral mentions
- 67 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is highly praised for its unique and immersive qualities, transcending typical gameplay mechanics. The absence of music, replaced by low-fidelity ambient tracks, contributes to a spooky vibe reminiscent of titles like Yume Nikki, while the lack of hand-holding enhances the overall experience and satisfaction of solving challenges.
“That might sound like a negative, but I honestly think it creates an atmosphere that ascends beyond 'just another block-pushing game with a mechanical twist.' If any of this sounds interesting, you should definitely check it out.”
“The game does not hold the player's hand, which often adds to the experience, both in the satisfaction of working out a level feature and in the general atmosphere the game is going for.”
“The atmosphere of the game is excellent; there is no music, but instead various low-fidelity ambient tracks, which give everything a very spooky vibe. Think Yume Nikki but less musical.”
“The game does not hold the player's hand, which most of the time adds to the experience, both in the satisfaction of working out a level feature and in the general atmosphere the game is going for.”
“That might sound like a negative, but I honestly think it creates an atmosphere that ascends beyond 'just another block-pushing game with a mechanical twist.'”
- humor2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is characterized by a quirky blend of gameplay styles and a post-modern, nonsensical approach that enhances the comedic experience while cleverly obscuring instructions and feedback. This unique combination creates a playful atmosphere that feels cohesive despite its chaotic elements.
“It's a funny blend of turn-based and real-time, top-down and side-view, all simultaneously in the same space, but oddly it feels like it makes perfect sense in play.”
“There's a layer of post-modernism and nonsense on top of everything, used for a mix of humor and to help obscure instructions and feedback.”
- story1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The story is described as loose and somewhat disjointed, with a central theme of purging 'noise' from a troubled world. NPC interactions often lack coherence, contributing to an overall sense of confusion in the narrative.
“In terms of story, everything is fairly loose; the world is plagued by 'noise' and you must purge it. NPCs do appear, but their ramblings make little sense.”
“The narrative feels disjointed and lacks coherence, making it difficult to engage with the characters or the world.”
“There is a lack of depth in the storyline, leaving players feeling disconnected from the events and characters.”
- music1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game features low fidelity ambient tracks that create an excellent and spooky atmosphere, reminiscent of Yume Nikki, but with less emphasis on musicality. The absence of traditional music enhances the immersive experience.
“The atmosphere of the game is excellent; there is no music but instead various low-fidelity ambient tracks, which give everything a very spooky vibe. Think Yume Nikki but less musical.”
