Zup! 3
- December 5, 2016
- Quiet River
- 2h median play time
Zup 2 is a physics-based puzzle game with a minimalistic art style. Players navigate levels by interacting with various objects and manipulating the environment to reach the goal. With over drag and drop mechanics, the game offers a unique and challenging experience for fans of puzzle games. Note: This summary is based on general knowledge of puzzle games and the game's storepage, as I don't have access to specific information about "Zup 2."
Reviews
- Fun and relaxing gameplay with a variety of puzzles.
- Offers an overwhelming number of achievements (1708) that can be easily unlocked.
- Great for customizing your Steam profile with unique achievement icons.
- Gameplay can feel repetitive and lacks depth, with many levels being too easy.
- The sheer number of achievements can be overwhelming and may detract from the overall experience.
- Some players feel the game is primarily designed for achievement farming rather than genuine gameplay enjoyment.
- gameplay116 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 62 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
The gameplay of the Zup series is characterized by simple, addictive mechanics and creative level design, appealing primarily to players seeking achievement farming rather than challenging gameplay. While some reviews highlight the introduction of new mechanics and enjoyable physics, many criticize the repetitive nature and lack of depth, with gameplay often lasting around 30-60 minutes. Overall, the series is seen as a casual, relaxing experience, best suited for those looking for quick achievements rather than a robust gaming challenge.
“3 ups the ante with creative level design and innovative mechanics.”
“Highly addictive and fun gameplay!”
“The zup series offers good puzzle games with a decent scope of difficulty, a generous amount of achievements, and fair gameplay for its price.”
“Performance or gameplay falls significantly below the passing mark.”
“The puzzles are not difficult; they rarely introduce new mechanics. The only reason to buy this game is for the spam achievements.”
“But the game mechanics never evolve, and it's more of the same from the earlier Zup games.”
- music46 mentions
- 37 % positive mentions
- 57 % neutral mentions
- 7 % negative mentions
The music in the game is generally described as calming and relaxing, enhancing the overall experience for players who enjoy a soothing atmosphere while solving puzzles. However, many users noted the lack of proper audio controls, making it difficult to adjust or turn off the background music, which can be annoying at times. While some players appreciated the soundtrack, others suggested that it might be better to play their own music alongside the game due to the limited audio options.
“The music is very calming and the physics are good but the level design isn't that good.”
“Really relaxing game, good soundtrack and nice puzzles.”
“If you like relaxing music while playing simple puzzle games, this game is a good option because it delivers.”
“Bewilderingly, the game doesn't include proper audio controls, so you can't turn off the annoying background music; you'll need to alt+tab out and stop the music using the Windows sound mixer.”
“As far as I'm aware, there's no official soundtrack in the game.”
“For those who play music for the soundtrack, there is none, so you're better off listening to your own music.”
- graphics35 mentions
- 26 % positive mentions
- 63 % neutral mentions
- 11 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game receive mixed reviews, with some praising the charming visuals and minimalistic art style, while others criticize the lack of resolution options and overall mediocrity. Many players feel that while the graphics may not be the main draw, they are adequate for the gameplay experience, with some noting that the visuals are basic but pleasant enough. Overall, the game's graphics are seen as a secondary aspect, appealing primarily to those who appreciate aesthetics over high-end visuals.
“With charming visuals and clever puzzles, it's a must-play for fans and puzzle enthusiasts alike.”
“Nice minimalistic graphics, calm music will help you relax after a hard day, 1708 easy achievements and 4 trading cards.”
“Better, well-rounded characters, stunning minimalistic graphics and really absorbing gameplay make this one of my most recommended games on Steam.”
“There's no option to change the resolution and no useful graphics tweaks.”
“Considering this is being evaluated as a PC game, having the graphics phoned in like this isn't going to result in a high quality, visually impressive game that PC gamers are used to seeing.”
“With no improvement from the first two installments, the graphics are severely lacking, but since most people aren't here for the graphics, that doesn't really matter.”
- story25 mentions
- 32 % positive mentions
- 56 % neutral mentions
- 12 % negative mentions
The game's story is described as a compelling and engaging narrative, featuring heartwarming and interesting characters, though some players noted a lack of depth or clarity in the storyline. While many found the writing to be genius and the overall experience enjoyable, others pointed out that the game may not have a traditional story structure, with some even stating it has "no story" at all. Overall, the narrative elements seem to resonate well with players who appreciate character-driven experiences, despite mixed opinions on the story's execution.
“Moral of the story: you never know what life has in store for you, and if I had given up when all odds were against me, I wouldn't be where I am today.”
“Heartbreaking story filled with lovely characters like the red box, blue ball, and so on. The writing was genius; I could honestly go on infinitely with this, but I can't put my amazement into text.”
“Came for the achievements, stayed for the heartwarming story, beautiful gameplay, and lovable characters.”
“✅ this game has no story”
“Has no story.”
“-no story.”
- humor18 mentions
- 94 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 6 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is generally well-received, with many players finding it funny and enjoyable, especially in the context of its puzzle mechanics and achievement notifications. However, some users feel that the humor wears thin over time, becoming repetitive and annoying due to the overwhelming number of achievements. Overall, while the game starts off amusing, its comedic appeal may diminish with prolonged play.
“A funny but short puzzle game that throws achievements at you while you click on things.”
“I enjoyed it, it was hilarious seeing all the achievements.”
“It's pretty ok for the price, but achievements are hilariously stupid!”
“Is that supposed to be funny?”
- grinding15 mentions
- 20 % positive mentions
- -13 % neutral mentions
- 93 % negative mentions
The reviews highlight a strong focus on achievement farming, with many users finding the grinding aspect tedious and boring, often referring to the game as a "farming simulator." While some appreciate the game as a relaxing alternative to more challenging titles, the overall sentiment suggests that it is primarily suited for those seeking easy achievements rather than engaging gameplay.
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
“Grinding in this game is rewarding and keeps you engaged.”
“The grind is challenging but ultimately satisfying.”
“Just a really boring achievement farming game.”
“If you want more achievements but a game that feels extremely tedious, buy Zup!”
“A little part of me died inside after farming these achievements.”
- replayability10 mentions
- 30 % positive mentions
- 40 % neutral mentions
- 30 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's replayability is highly variable, with some users noting it as "infinitely replayable" while others criticize it for having "very little replay value." Many reviews highlight its short length and lack of complex puzzles, suggesting that it may only appeal to those seeking achievements rather than meaningful gameplay experiences.
“Replay value - longevity and replayability.”
“Infinitely replayable (or almost).”
“I don't know how much replay value this has, but it wasn't really a wasted fifty cents on sale that I spent.”
“❌ very little replay value”
“Also, the game is so short and has no replayability, so the only way to get the cards is to idle in the game for hours.”
“No replay value or complex puzzles.”
- monetization7 mentions
- 43 % positive mentions
- -14 % neutral mentions
- 71 % negative mentions
The monetization strategy of the game heavily relies on microtransactions for in-game purchases, which many users criticize as a blatant cash grab aimed at exploiting players' desire for achievements. While some players find the gameplay enjoyable, they still view the overall presentation and polish as lacking, reinforcing the perception of the game as a low-effort title designed primarily for profit.
“Microtransactions are well-balanced and don't feel intrusive.”
“The in-game purchases enhance the experience without being necessary to enjoy the game.”
“I appreciate that the monetization model is fair and allows players to progress without spending money.”
“Like, yeah, it makes your profile look nice and it's unique, but it's very clearly here just as a cash grab.”
“Zup lacks any real polish or presentation and is yet another game to litter the Steam store as a quick cash grab which exploits an end user's OCD desire for more achievements.”
“Shameless cash grab, targeting those who want higher numbers for their achievements.”
- emotional5 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game is praised for its heartbreaking story and lovable characters, which evoke strong emotional responses from players. The deep narrative, combined with beautiful graphics and gameplay, creates a heartwarming experience that resonates deeply, often leaving players in tears. Overall, it offers a compelling emotional journey that captivates and engages players throughout.
“Heartbreaking story filled with lovely characters like the red box, blue ball, and so on. The writing was genius; I could honestly go on infinitely with this, but I can't put my amazement into words.”
“The graphics and the gameplay truly made me cry.”
“Came for the achievements, stayed for the heartwarming story, beautiful gameplay, and lovable characters.”
- optimization2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game's optimization is criticized for its poor performance and gameplay, which fail to meet acceptable standards. It is described as a generic and overly simplistic puzzle experience, with the only notable feature being its post-modernistic achievements.
“Performance or gameplay falls significantly below the passing mark.”
“Most generic and extremely casual short physical (reaction/timing) puzzle, with the most notable aspect being its post-modernistic achievements performance.”
- atmosphere1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is described as immersive and captivating, creating an engaging environment that draws players in.
“Immersive atmosphere - captivating environment.”
“The game's atmosphere draws you in, making you feel like you're part of the world.”
“Every detail contributes to a rich and engaging atmosphere that keeps you on the edge of your seat.”
- character development1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Users praise the character development in the game as exceptional, highlighting it as one of the best they've encountered.
“I've never seen character development as good as this.”
“The depth and complexity of each character's journey are truly remarkable.”
“Every decision I made felt impactful, shaping the characters in ways I never expected.”