Volvox
- December 7, 2015
- Neotenia
Get on SteamVolvox is a puzzle game based on a triangular grid. The characters, called Trimoebas, are triangular unicellular organisms undertaking the building of the first pluricellular beings, traveling through the evolution and the 250 levels of the game. The Trimoebas bear functional properties on their sides, such glue, explosive, insulating and hooks, but they are useful only if the Trimoeba is correctl…
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Reviews
- The game features unique and challenging puzzle mechanics that are engaging and rewarding.
- Visually appealing with charming art direction and a relaxing soundtrack that enhances the gameplay experience.
- Offers a substantial amount of content with around 250 levels, providing long playtime and a gradual increase in difficulty.
- The game can become boring quickly for some players, despite its initial appeal.
- Lacks an 'undo last move' option, which can lead to frustration during complex puzzles.
- The menu navigation can be confusing, making it difficult for players to access certain options.
- gameplay11 mentions
- 27 % positive mentions
- 45 % neutral mentions
- 27 % negative mentions
The gameplay of *Volvox* is characterized by its unique and challenging mechanics centered around rotating and positioning triangular creatures called trimoebas, which create engaging and mind-bending puzzles. The level design effectively utilizes these mechanics, encouraging players to think carefully and strategize their moves, while the cute visuals and creative premise enhance the overall experience. Despite some aesthetic shortcomings, the game is praised for its depth and enjoyable puzzle design.
“The mechanic is unique and challenging to wrap your head around; the visuals are really cute, and the premise about forming the first multi-cellular organisms is unbelievably creative and fits the game really well!”
“Firstly, the main mechanic of spinning triangles around is both very enjoyable and actually quite deep.”
“[i]Volvox[/i]’s deceptively simple core mechanics (rotating and reorienting triangles by moving them around the levels and around each other) open the door for mind-bending levels that often function like brain teasers.”
“Gameplay consists of alternating control between trimoebas and rolling them so that you can line up the key on one side of the trimoeba with the door (depicted as a colored line in game) to get to the next level.”
“Gameplay is thus slow-paced and recommended to think carefully before every move.”
“The mechanics are simple: you have to correctly position a series of triangular creatures called trimoebas.”
- graphics9 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The graphics in the game are praised for their unique watercolor style and cute visuals, contributing to an aesthetically pleasing experience. While some reviews mention rough aesthetics, the overall art direction is considered creative and well-suited to the game's premise of forming multi-cellular organisms. The combination of engaging visuals and relaxing music enhances the gameplay experience.
“The mechanics are unique and challenging to wrap your head around, the visuals are really cute and the premise about forming the first multi-cellular organisms is unbelievably creative and fits the game really well!”
“What's also great about Volvox is its unique watercolor graphic style and the nice, relaxing music.”
“Volvox is a strange and fascinating experience that you have to play if you like interesting game mechanics and wonderful 2D graphics.”
“Puzzles are not my cup of tea, but I could sit through it if it has decent music and art style.”
“This review recommends Neotenia's puzzle game 'Volvox' for its excellent, challenging gameplay and puzzle design, despite some rough aesthetics.”
“Most of it is self-explanatory or explained in the visuals.”
- music7 mentions
- 43 % positive mentions
- 14 % neutral mentions
- 43 % negative mentions
The music in the game is consistently praised for its enjoyable and relaxing qualities, enhancing the overall atmosphere and player experience. Reviewers highlight the charming soundtrack and its ability to complement the unique watercolor graphics, making it a standout feature of the game.
“What's also great about Volvox is its unique watercolor graphic style and the nice, relaxing music.”
“The fantastic backgrounds and the music (composed with the hang) are shiny gems hidden in this treasure.”
“Puzzles are not my cup of tea, but I could sit through it if it has decent music and art style.”
“Same goes for the music.”
“Also, the music and the atmosphere are really charming and accompany the player pleasantly.”
- story2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The story in the game is minimal and lacks coherence, but players feel it is not a significant concern given the puzzle-focused nature of the gameplay. Overall, the narrative is considered secondary to the puzzle mechanics.
“Not much going on story-wise, but it's a puzzle game, so who cares.”
“The story doesn't really make sense, but it is not important for puzzle games like this one.”
- atmosphere1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is characterized by charming music that enhances the overall experience, creating a pleasant environment for players.
“The music and atmosphere are truly charming, creating a pleasant experience for the player.”
“The immersive atmosphere draws you in, making every moment feel magical.”
“The game's atmosphere is hauntingly beautiful, perfectly complementing the storyline.”
