VELONE

For games like this, it's important to be able to create and change your designs with as little friction as possible, but a rough control scheme and poorly tacked-on systems make doing anything a chore. Positives: - Puzzle mechanics feel like a natural expansion of Opus Magnum - Consistently great art & sound design Interface issues: - Text is extremely small & has poor contrast - Default keyboard & mouse hotkeys are obtuse with no options for rebinding - Poor use of screen space (parts palette covers half the board, no labeling on programming tray icons) - Hard to remove placed objects & instructions Game issues: - Tutorials do a poor job at teaching mechanics and interactions - Energy collection sequence serves no purpose other than to be annoying There is a legitimately great game underneath the UX disaster, and I'll certainly be following updates to see how it improves in the future, but I can't justify purchasing this in its current state.

The game is reasonably fun except for a clunky interface and some bugs. In my case, the game froze twice and stopped "catching" thrown stones in certain circumstances. Opus Magnum is cleaner and more fun.

Figured I'd take a risk on this game, because sometimes, a game gets bad reviews just for being the wrong game for some people. But it has a number of issues that mean I cannot recommend this. 1. The tutorial is TERRIBLE. You step through it by doing the exact things it tells you to do, and then it gives you one to do on your own, and the previous levels have been utterly useless. 2. All the tools are shown by picture, without any words. I *think* they all have names, but you have to flick between multiple screens to try to figure out what things are. Makes it very hard to figure out what's happening. 3. The writing is.... bad. But that's forgivable if the gameplay is good. 4. The game description promised to be a "creative automation game", which interested me, but automation actually has nothing whatsoever to do with the gameplay. Maybe it would if I stuck at it until later levels, but there's a limit to my patience and hope. This game managed to exhaust that. Am seeking a refund for this game. It is simply not worth keeping in my library.

Does need some work. More graphics options and, definitely VOLUME CONTROL. Customizable UI would help too. But overall a good game.

The worst tutorial I have ever seen in a game and I have seen a lot. You do exactly what the tutorial tells You to do, but the game does not proceed as it obviously isn`t what is expected of You. The actions that are used during the "programming", are not explained and You need to guess what they do. That is not how tutorials work...

This game exhibits a thoughtfull and artistic design and graphics. The challenges are well accomplished and fun. There is something nearly meditative in this game. Although it is not a game for everyone, it is a game many should consider as an alternative to "orthodox games" and a fitness center for the brain.