Up Left Out
- June 29, 2018
- RainbowTrain
- 1h median play time
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Get on Apple Store"Up Left Out is a single-player kids puzzle game with a stellar gameplay experience and great soundtrack. The goal is to rearrange tiles to free trapped blocks and complete levels, with increasing difficulty as you progress. Features include challenging gameplay, impressive level design, and clean aesthetics with different background colors. Playable on web browsers, iOS, and Android."
iPad
iPhone
Mac OS
PC
Phone
Web Browser
Windows
Android
Linux
Mobile Platform
Tablet
Reviews
- The game features intuitive mechanics that gradually introduce new elements, making it enjoyable and easy to learn.
- Visually appealing with a clean and polished aesthetic, the game provides a relaxing atmosphere for puzzle-solving.
- Despite its short length, the game offers a satisfying experience with a good balance of challenge and casual gameplay.
- The game lacks a level select screen and clear indicators of progress, which can be frustrating for players.
- Many puzzles feel tedious and lack a sense of accomplishment, leading to a less engaging experience overall.
- Audio issues, including a loud and annoying sound effect upon completing levels, detract from the otherwise calm atmosphere.
- gameplay132 mentions
- 21 % positive mentions
- 76 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized by intuitive mechanics that are introduced gradually, allowing players to easily learn and adapt to new challenges. While the puzzles are engaging and visually appealing, some players noted a lack of difficulty progression and a desire for more levels to explore the mechanics further. Overall, the game offers a satisfying and relaxing puzzle experience, though it may feel repetitive after extended play.
“The mechanics of the game are intuitive, and each time a new mechanic is introduced, it is done in a clear and understandable manner.”
“The mechanics are well thought out and play well together.”
“While simple to play, each new level mechanic adds a new twist and keeps the game interesting.”
“The game can get a bit monotonous after a while, but it’s not long and different mechanics help to enliven it.”
“Also the difficulty stays pretty flat, there's no real difficulty increase even with the introduction of new mechanics.”
“Those mechanics only work to slow you down, not to add a challenge or complication.”
- music34 mentions
- 41 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 9 % negative mentions
The music in the game is generally praised for its relaxing and ambient qualities, enhancing the overall gameplay experience. However, some users noted issues such as a lack of variety in the soundtrack and the absence of separate volume controls for music and sound effects, which can detract from the immersion. Additionally, there are reports of the soundtrack crashing on certain levels, impacting the enjoyment of the game.
“The relaxing music and abstract graphics really let you lose yourself in it for a while, and the animation when you solve a level is somehow really satisfying.”
“Beautiful colors, ambient music, fair difficulty (no guide needed whatsoever), 50+ stages with new mechanics being gradually introduced.”
“Relaxing puzzle game with a nice soundtrack.”
“And since there's no separate mute buttons for sound and music, I had to mute the whole game.”
“The only problem that I had was after a while the soundtrack crashes on some levels.”
“The ambient background track contrasts with the energetic noises that play after completing each level (noises which border on annoying, but aren't quite there), and the relaxing feeling the background music would provide is lost.”
- graphics28 mentions
- 36 % positive mentions
- 54 % neutral mentions
- 11 % negative mentions
The graphics of "up left out" are characterized by a minimalistic art style that is functional and clean, providing a calming aesthetic that complements the gameplay. While the visuals are generally well-received for their simplicity and smooth animations, they lack the depth and vibrancy found in previous titles by Maciej Targoni, leading some to describe the overall aesthetic as somewhat bland. Despite these critiques, the graphics serve their purpose effectively within the context of the game.
“The relaxing music and abstract graphics really let you lose yourself in it for a while, and the animation when you solve a level is somehow really satisfying.”
“Another gem by Maciej Targoni, with the usual super clean visuals and interface, simple and intuitive rules that don't require any text, and elegant puzzles that will leave you satisfied with the couple of hours you'll spend in the company of this game.”
“Animations and piece movement are smooth; everything is in shaded 3D, although the pieces move on only one surface, and again, while being simple, they're nice graphics.”
“It admittedly does lack the better style and looks of Klocki and Push, but both of those have the third dimension working for them when it comes to aesthetics.”
“They were also more visually striking in their use of color and the third dimension; Up Left Out, on the other hand, never deviates from its top-down perspective and has a bland aesthetic that I'd describe as 'business boggle' at best.”
“The graphics are fine, but there are no volume sliders (you'll want to turn off audio anyway, the level complete sound is really annoying), can only quit by pressing ESC and that was only added weeks after release, no level numbers, no level select screen, no reset puzzle button or hotkey, gotta click the top left corner, go back a level, then forward, very smooth... a rotate backwards function would've been nice too with the other mouse button to remove some of the tedium, but seeing how very basic functionality is missing, this would be too much to ask for.”
- grinding12 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Overall, players find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious and often frustrating, with many describing it as "atrociously tedious" and comparing it unfavorably to previous puzzle games. While some acknowledge that it doesn't detract from the game's overall quality, the repetitive nature of certain levels, particularly those involving the rotate-all button, contributes to a sense of grinding rather than engaging puzzle-solving.
“It is atrociously tedious.”
“For me, this one is tedious.”
“Also, the levels with the rotate-all button felt more like grinding than puzzle-solving.”
- atmosphere8 mentions
- 75 % positive mentions
- 13 % neutral mentions
- 13 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of "up left out" is predominantly described as relaxing and minimalist, complementing its engaging puzzles. However, the loud sound effect triggered upon solving levels detracts from this calm ambiance, as it cannot be muted. Overall, the game successfully creates a serene environment, though some players find the sound design disruptive.
“Just like with the other Targoni titles, Up Left Out has the same relaxing, minimalist atmosphere with some fun puzzles that build up in difficulty.”
“Beautiful little puzzle game with a relaxing atmosphere and not-too-obvious, quite engaging puzzles.”
“Another cheap atmospheric puzzle game by Maciej.”
“In the case of 'Up Left Out', my only negative criticism would be regarding the loud sound that is played whenever a level is solved, which unfortunately cannot be turned off, and works against the otherwise calm atmosphere of the game.”
- replayability6 mentions
- 17 % positive mentions
- 17 % neutral mentions
- 67 % negative mentions
Overall, the game has mixed feedback regarding replayability. While some players find it short with minimal incentive to replay, others believe it offers enough value for a second playthrough, especially after some time has passed.
“I wish it was a bit longer, but it definitely has replay value.”
“A very short game with no replay value.”
“Little replayability value, if you retry the game in a few months or more.”
“A very short game with no replay value.”
- stability2 mentions
- 150 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Users report that the game exhibits excellent stability, with no glitches or issues encountered.
“The game runs smoothly with no glitches or issues.”
“I haven't encountered any glitches or issues while playing.”
“The stability of the game is impressive; everything runs seamlessly.”
