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.
Reviews
- The game features a vast array of unique and challenging puzzles that require creative thinking and experimentation with mechanics.
- The introduction of new mechanics and rules keeps the gameplay fresh and engaging, allowing for multiple solutions to many puzzles.
- Despite its unconventional aesthetics, the game creates a captivating atmosphere with its quirky world and charming characters.
- The graphics and overall presentation may be off-putting to some players, potentially detracting from the experience.
- The control scheme can be confusing and poorly communicated, leading to frustration during the initial stages of gameplay.
- Some puzzles may feel overly complex or arcane, making it difficult for players to understand what is required to progress.
- gameplay22 mentions
- 9 % positive mentions
- 77 % neutral mentions
- 14 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized by a high density of mechanics and puzzles that often introduce new rules every few levels, creating a challenging yet engaging experience. Players must decipher obfuscated mechanics and controls, which can be frustrating due to poor communication and a lack of undo features, but this complexity adds to the game's addictive nature. The unique combination of mechanics, charming graphics, and a surreal atmosphere enhances the overall puzzle-solving experience, making it a standout in the genre.
“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.”
“A unique combination of mechanics forms the basis for a collection of quality puzzles, themselves inhabiting a surreal and mysterious world alongside characters who could be described in similar terms.”
“A block-pushing game that explains nothing while introducing new mechanics every few stages, and there are a lot of stages.”
“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.”
“Furthermore, certain core mechanics are poorly communicated.”
- graphics4 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 75 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are described as simple yet charming, with a quirky aesthetic that adds life to the levels and enhances the puzzle mechanics. While some players may initially be put off by the visuals, the unique art style and character-driven design contribute to a more engaging experience compared to typical puzzle games. Overall, the graphics are appreciated for their care and creativity, complementing the gameplay effectively.
“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.'”
- humor1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is characterized by a blend of post-modernism and absurdity, which not only adds comedic value but also serves to obscure instructions and feedback, creating a unique and engaging experience for players.
“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 a world plagued by 'noise.' 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
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game features low fidelity ambient tracks that enhance its spooky atmosphere, creating an experience reminiscent of Yume Nikki, albeit with less musicality. While there is no traditional music, the ambient sounds effectively contribute to the overall mood.
“The atmosphere of the game is excellent; there is no music but instead various low-fidelity ambient tracks that give everything a very spooky vibe, reminiscent of Yume Nikki but less musical.”
“The ambient soundscapes create an immersive experience, enhancing the overall mood and tension throughout the game.”
“The use of minimalistic sound design effectively complements the gameplay, allowing players to focus on the eerie environment.”
