JamG is a marble game, which is a real commodity these days. It cites Marble Madness and Ballance as inspirations, and the easiest comparison is to the latest. It has almost the exact same gameplay style, uses very similar graphics and view, and uses a simple yet very dinamic core game mechanic, which is in this case changing the size and mass of the marble on the spot. Based on the trailer, after hours of gameplay I still haven't seen half of the game.
I put together a quick pro/con list, but keep in mind that the game is still in Early Access, so all of the bellow can change in the future.
+ PROS:
Very challenging (might not be a good thing, but works for me)
Easy to pick up and play
Constant updates
Bugs are few and minor, mostly with the UI
Dev seems to actually be paying attention to what people say
Fast paced but gives you time to catch your breath
Hard challenges are always after a checkpoint, so you won't lose much progress
Smooth controls
- CONS:
Very challenging (not everyone likes tougher challanges)
Single player
Early Access
No background, basic textures, simple graphic design
Still has an alpha bug
After a couple levels, challange difficulty becomes hectic
No soundtrack or sound effects yet
No linux compatibility
A word on the puzzles. Sometimes it is hard to find the good solution, which is part of the fun for me, and the game mixes dexterity and wit based challenges in a very good ratio. Thats being said, sometimes the solution seems trivial, other times it feels like my brain is slowly spanked with a sack of lukewarm goat cheese.
I think this review was probably about as much good than bad, but honestly, that's mostly just because I like to complain. The game is engaging, frantic, and frankly hard to put down. For $10 it's not cheap, but if you are a marble game fan you're getting a really good game. I've not even given half the levels a go yet, so I'm sure I will get my money's worth and some. With the promised features and additional levels and content likely to come, i likely to come, it's easy to recommend this game for it's hectic, challenging, and borderline mind-melting fun.
