Etherborn

So, played through the game in under 2 hours. Let's start with the good. It is a simple, short puzzle game, with pleasant graphics and amazing soundtrack now, the bad... well, less "bad" but more of underwhelming the game is very lenient on storytelling, not giving you much, while also talking WAY too much. It is clear this game was inspired in sorts of games like Journey, where there isn't set explanation for it, but more of catch-all. but it misses on making the player think, and cutscenes that explain things, ends up making you more confused than make connections. Gameplay wise, it has A LOT of potential, but the game just doesnt explore or experiment with it. Button mechanics are one-note, with VERY minor play near the end, and even then it wasn't something that affected you if you played smart. and only "obstacle" mechanic are essentially just more complex walls, but nothing more. And again, the lenght. even if there could have been easily included 2 more mechanics, the game spends first half in the first level for no reason, and then each later levels that actually is competently difficult are short as crap. Ending itself, while clear inplications, and attempt on making the story to ramp for the reveal, but like... story didn't get me involved, puzzles didn't relate to it at all, and it just feels overly cinematic, when you are just underwhelmed by what you have done so far. I will say, if devs want to expand, or make sequel to this game, i 100% recomment, and make sure to add plenty more content, but as it is right now, and at the price range. Underwhelming is just the operative word for all. also, the game has new game+ mode and i am just to question... why? like, i enjoy the aspect of harder puzzles, but you are giving them on platter of puzzles you already beat... and not like the story is notable enough on second playthrough. at best presumption, it is because Journey gave you cloak with unique marking, and white cloak on 100% to encourage replays, but like... that was optional, and had shortcuts for collectibles, but here it just makes you replay the whole game just because it wants you to. in short, the game has soul and heart put into it, but it focuses too much on being a experience, than a proper game, it starts to lose the fun. In a best, and shortest way to describe playing this game, even without expectations... it is just underwhelming. Not bad, nor good. 5-6/10 Play it if you want, but it is something you can forget about as well.

It's just a basic 8-bit puzzler but with nicer graphics. If there is a story I didn't bother following it. It's pretty much a one trick pony and that trick gets dull pretty quick. The ability to flip the direction you walk shouldn't be the sole basis of your game, or if you do, like has happened here, people will get bored of it very quickly.