What's Inside the Box?
- May 9, 2016
- Bart Bonte
- 2h median play time
Get on Apple Store"What's Inside the Box?" is a puzzle game that offers around 2 hours of playtime, but can be very grinding and is disturbed by ads. The game involves solving 100 puzzles within a wooden box, with the ultimate goal of discovering its hidden contents. While the premise is intriguing, the overall experience may be short and repetitive for some players.
iPad
iPhone
Phone
Web Browser
Android
Mobile Platform
Tablet
Reviews
- Great logical puzzles that challenge the mind.
- Minimal ads that only appear when using hints, making for a smoother experience.
- Creative mechanics and a variety of puzzles keep the gameplay engaging.
- Some puzzles can be frustratingly difficult or confusing, particularly level 43.
- Repetitive sliding tile puzzles detract from the overall experience.
- Hints are often vague or unhelpful, leading to confusion rather than assistance.
- monetization67 mentions
- 9 % positive mentions
- 4 % neutral mentions
- 87 % negative mentions
The monetization strategy of the game is generally well-received, with users appreciating that ads only appear when requesting hints, and these ads are short and skippable. Many players commend the developers for avoiding intrusive ads and not implementing microtransactions, although some express frustration with the usefulness of the hints provided. Overall, the integration of ads is seen as a fair compromise for a free game, allowing players to enjoy the experience without constant interruptions.
“For everyone who reads reviews for the same reason I do: there are only ads if you ask for them with hints, and even then they are short and skippable, which is a straight 10/10 on game making in my book.”
“Highly appreciate that there were no ads except for hints.”
“I encountered 0 microtransactions in my playthrough.”
“The only reason for not giving 5 stars is ads.”
“First hint is absolutely useless every time, so you are watching a bunch of ads for nothing.”
“Way too many ads and repetition.”
- grinding14 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Many users find the grinding aspect of the game, particularly the sliding block puzzles, to be tedious and repetitive, detracting from the overall enjoyment. While some puzzles are entertaining and challenging, a significant number are viewed as trivial and frustrating, leading to a decline in fun as players progress. Overall, the game suffers from a lack of variety in its puzzle design, resulting in a grind that feels more like a chore than an engaging challenge.
“Usually Bart Bonte gets a 5, but there are only so many 'solve this multi-layered slider puzzle' levels I'm interested in playing before it becomes more tedious than fun.”
“Pretty good concept with some interesting puzzles, but the sliding block puzzles become very tedious and boring.”
“But as the levels go on, it becomes more tedious puzzle matching rather than an actual challenge.”
- gameplay8 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 38 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized by a variety of puzzles that encourage players to discover unique mechanics at each level, balancing familiar and thought-provoking challenges. While the minimalist design and intuitive mechanics make it accessible, some players find it lacking in excitement, with mixed opinions on its overall engagement and challenge level. The inclusion of hints and a substantial number of levels adds to the experience, though it may not appeal to everyone.
“A good balance of easy-to-solve and thought-provoking puzzles.”
“This game, like others, has a minimalist design and easy-to-understand mechanics (no instructions required).”
“This game is boring; it didn't have the best gameplay.”
“Puzzles are about discovering the mechanics specific to that puzzle.”
“A good balance of easy-to-solve and more challenging puzzles, but overall it lacks depth.”
- graphics8 mentions
- 63 % positive mentions
- 13 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
Overall, the graphics of the game are generally praised for their clean, minimalistic, and relaxing design, enhancing the gameplay experience. While some users found the aesthetics appealing and fitting for a puzzle game, a few expressed disappointment with the visual presentation, indicating a divide in opinions on the game's artistic style.
“Beautiful clean graphics.”
“Relaxing game with nice graphics, lovely.”
“Minimalistic graphics were perfect (so as not to distract).”
“The game has very unappealing aesthetics, but the puzzles themselves seem to be good, though.”
“Great game, need more levels though... puzzle game with basic graphics, kept me engaged, I was a little disappointed to find out what was in the box.”
- humor4 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game's humor is widely praised, with players appreciating the designer's clever wit and comedic elements throughout most of the gameplay. However, some users noted that the humor diminishes at higher levels, particularly at level 52, where frustrating mechanics overshadow the fun. Overall, the game is considered entertaining and funny, especially in its earlier stages.
“I really love this game! I think the designer is a genius; obviously, he has a great sense of humor too.”
“I loved it! Hahaha, it's so funny.”
“The game is very funny until level 52, where you have to complete a square which you can't see because it's behind an incomplete circle which you also have to complete.”
- music3 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- -67 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The music aspect of the game receives mixed feedback; while some players appreciate the absence of irritating background music and enjoy the fun theme, others find the lack of a compelling soundtrack disappointing and express a desire for more engaging audio to enhance their gaming experience.
“No irritating background music and a fun overall theme.”
“I really like the design, but it does lack a cool soundtrack.”
“It's super annoying... all I want to do is listen to music and play puzzle games.”
“The music is repetitive and lacks variety, making it hard to stay engaged.”
“I found the soundtrack to be bland and forgettable, which detracted from the overall experience.”
- stability3 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game is generally stable, with users noting it is free from excessive ads and major glitches; however, some players have experienced occasional bugs that can affect gameplay.
“It's an alright mental game, but sometimes the game can be buggy.”
“Bad and buggy.”
- replayability2 mentions
- 150 % positive mentions
- -150 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game offers limited replayability, typically taking only 1-2 hours to complete, with most players finding little incentive to revisit it unless pursuing speed runs. However, its thoughtful design may appeal to those looking for a challenge.
“The game offers a surprising amount of replayability, with different choices leading to unique outcomes each time.”
“Each playthrough feels fresh due to the variety of paths and strategies you can explore.”
“The dynamic gameplay elements encourage you to return and try new approaches, making every session feel distinct.”
“The game can be beaten in 1-2 hours and there is no replay value.”
“Not much replay value unless you're on a speed run, but it's a well-crafted game that makes you think.”
- emotional2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players report a mixed emotional experience, initially feeling frustrated or inadequate, but ultimately finding satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment upon completing the game.
“The ending made me feel good for finishing!”
“It made me feel so stupid at first, but it was a powerful experience.”
- story1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -500 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The story is appreciated for its simplicity and accessibility, allowing players to enjoy it without the pressure of remembering intricate plot details or their previous progress.
“The story is captivating and allows you to immerse yourself without the pressure of remembering every detail.”
“I love how the narrative unfolds at a comfortable pace, making it easy to enjoy without feeling lost.”
“The plot is engaging and offers a refreshing break from the usual demands of complex storytelling.”
“The story feels disjointed and lacks a coherent narrative, making it hard to stay engaged.”
“Character development is shallow, leaving me with little emotional investment in their journeys.”
“The plot twists are predictable and fail to deliver any real surprises or excitement.”
