Okay, yeah this is the best one I’ve played for sure lol. Not just saying that, either. As a person who jumps so easily, I loved everything about this game. Not a single bug, just a smooth experience!
There’s something so charming about games that can slot their quirky writing and characters into the mechanics of their world so seamlessly. The stacking criteria is never just random for random sake. For example, Todd’s statue requirements reflect his ego. This game has an amazing balance when it comes to suspension of disbelief. The characters want their rooms organized in very unnatural ways that don’t make any sense. But at the same time, those characters have such personalities that the criteria reflect so well, so it just works. Easily my favorite bit was when Hilda asks us to “put everything out on the table”… it’s just so clever.
I appreciate that every client has something to add to the stacking. Mechanics like the flashlight and the fan keep the puzzles from becoming samey.
The music was fantastic! The main theme is so catchy, it perfectly captures that cozy elevator style. And the music serves two purposes for me. The feeling that something was wrong kept appearing and disappearing when I was playing. I would get so absorbed in the stacking physics and open-ended puzzle solving that the music would fit that vibe. Then, I would remember the nature of the game, and the music would all of the sudden evoke this uncanny experience. Also I can’t not mention the dynamic tracks. AND the phone call having the same theme. Awesome stuff.
The sound effects are so integral to the physics of this game. The different material sounds are so professional and satisfying. The velocity at which you move an object affecting the bumping is such a good decision, it really sells the weight of what you are grabbing.
When this game has scary elements, they really do hit. I was on edge for so long, that the anticipation was killing me! The ways it builds this tension are implicit but intentional. The countdown when you’re waiting for your criteria to be met always had me holding my breath. And stacking items with Spencer in the room raised my cortisol levels lol.
The final cutscene is just so cool, too. The way the lamp moves to illuminate the figure outside the window is just pure aura lol.
Y’all deserve more ratings and comments. This project is so thoughtful. It’s clear y’all have the communication necessary to get on the same wavelength and design something special :)