Alpha and Iota

Wow this is the definition of a hidden gem. This game does everything well: Unique gameplay, new mechanics still getting introduced after 15 hours and interesting challenges throughout The fact that this game will give you 30 hours of playtime for this price is insane Don't skip on this one, it's an absolute banger

While the occasional backtracking for lost keys and data fragments can be frustrating, the game’s innovative movement system and host abilities more than make up for it. This is a puzzle-platformer that weaves its story organically through gameplay. You take on the role of a repair core, mysteriously appearing in a system plagued by a rampant virus. Iota, your helpful companion, was awaiting assistance—but not from you. Stranger still, you weren’t dispatched by the enigmatic Company that supposedly oversees the system. So, what exactly is going on? Your mission is clear: restore the system by visiting and repairing its subsystems. The game is structured around a central hub that expands as you progress, unlocking new paths to previously inaccessible areas. Each subsystem acts as a self-contained stage, culminating in the rescue of a core that reveals more of the unfolding story. At first glance, the game might seem like a complex, high-concept experience, but the core mechanics are surprisingly simple. You don’t traverse the world in the traditional sense; instead, you hop between hosts that serve as vessels for your repair core. However, movement comes with a caveat—if you linger too long in the void between hosts, you’ll be snapped back to your last position. Death, while not punishing in a traditional sense, is a recurring obstacle. You’ll have to avoid deadly walls and hostile red threats like bullets and turrets, but failure is never final. Instead, you’ll respawn at the last visited checkpoint, though you might have to retrace some of your steps. Unfortunately, this includes recollecting any keys you previously obtained, which can become tedious over time. Checkpoints aren’t just respawn points—they’re also conduits for the system’s data streams. Simply reaching one activates it, allowing for fast travel between other unlocked checkpoints. This can be a lifesaver when navigating the ever-expanding network of subsystems. Additionally, checkpoints subtly guide you toward your next objective, though destination is always visible. Scattered throughout the world are data fragments, collectibles that add a completionist element to the game. Some are readily accessible, while others require more strategic movement to obtain. However, there’s a catch—dying while carrying a fragment means you’ll have to collect it again. While not mandatory for basic progression, data fragments are essential for repairing host systems, which in turn unlock new paths. The fun lies in the diverse abilities of the hosts you inhabit. Some glide along rails, others turn the game into a platformer, and each one brings something fresh to the table. But the most vital mechanic is auto-pilot. This allows a host to continue moving in a set direction even after you’ve left it, making for some clever puzzle-solving moments. You might set a platforming host to jump continuously, using it as a stepping stone for another, or send a rail-bound host toward its end while you jump to dodge obstacles.

Working on the post game but can't wait any longer to post a hugely positive review. This is the most underrated game I've played on Steam. Tricky and fun gameplay, a good story, and killer music. Already got a handful of folks to pick it up but I'm gonna be singing this one all over until it's an indie darling. It absolutely deserves it.

This game is incredibly well made and offers fierce challenges for any puzzle-enthusiast out there. Truly a hidden gem, and a diamond in the rough that didn't get the Alghorithm's blessing the way it deserves. Give it a try if you can!

[url=https://store.steampowered.com/curator/43083373/]Clever games curator review: 7/10[/url]. This is an interesting mixture of an arcade game and a puzzle game. While there are definitely bullet-hell-like moments, you can also try to find alternate routes that avoid most of the reflex-demanding aspects of the game. It's hard to exactly describe the gameplay, but imagine a top-down view where you have nodes you can leap off of in any direction, traveling a short distance. If you can't reach another safe point, you get pulled back to where you started. Very frequently, you unlock starting nodes that allow fast travel between them, acting as checkpoints. These nodes remain unlocked permanently, even if you quit the game and come back later. From these starting points, you gradually expand outward until you can circumnavigate the entire level. The difficulty level for me personally is a bit high, at least out of the box. However, the game graciously offers the option to slow everything down by 50%. At this speed, it becomes more of a thinking person's game than an arcade game, and I found it quite pleasurable to play this way. I salute the developer for being willing to offer modes that allow for different gameplay styles, even if they weren't the precise form intended when designing the game. The storyline is novel and well-written and not particularly overbearing. If you prefer to skip it, you can do so easily, which is nice for those who want to focus on the gameplay. Graphically, the game reminds me a lot of some of the more abstract 16-color VGA games from the mid-90s. I don't know if that's intentional, but it provides a fun retro-themed experience for me. The graphics are extremely minimalistic, with very little in terms of post-processing effects, which might feel too barren for some players. However, I enjoyed the simplicity. In summary, this is definitely an unusual game, but I think it's worth playing if you're into novelty and unique gameplay.

A very original puzzle-platformer with a surprisingly involved story deeply integrated into its gameplay. Lots of challenges and new mechanics keep the experience fresh and never stale. Don't miss this!

Fun, Challenging, and Addicting! Great music, and entertaining story. You have to give it a try to see what its all about!

Excellent controls, tons of extra challenges, built-in speedrunning modes, and a huge amount of collectibles, this is the best puzzle platformer I've ever played.

Really impressive non-standard platformer. It will take some time to re-wire your brain to the game's logic but it's definitely doable. It gets incredibly demanding in the late game, both puzzling and execution wise. There's lots of optional collectibles and secrets to find. Especially appreciate how most levels are open and essentially some loosely connected puzzles, even though there is clearly an intended path to follow you can often find shortcuts or approach some sections from multiple directions, as long as you get those collectibles it doesn't really matter how. This game is just completely packed full with stuff. I haven't even touched the completely optional puzzle gauntlet.

Awesome and fun puzzle platformer with moderate to challenging tasks, creative ideas, simple but nice and unique art style (Love this little guys looking what am i doing). And all of a sudden nearly 20 hours played (and not finished yet). Try the demo and you will get the game for a fiver. Deserves much more attention! More short reviews for hidden gems at my curator page: https://store.steampowered.com/curator/44819215-Lesser-Known-Hidden-Gems/