[h1]6/10 Ping is a decently executed game, has potential, and can be played every once in a while to kill time or to have some fun, but needs improvement in some areas.[/h1]
[b]Pros:
+ Great game concept
+ Decent soundtrack
+ Decent minimalist design
+ Colorblind modes
+ Video tutorials
+ Easy-to-learn controls
Cons:
- Somewhat implicit tutorial
- Steam Overlay problems
- Melancholy soundtrack
- Lack of content[/b]
Ping is a minimalistic arcade game where you defend a triangle against an endless horde of dots by hovering your mouse to repel dots, to collect “diamonds” and shields, and to click on small dots to create black holes to suck the dots in.
[h1]Gameplay[/h1]
Being an arcade game, the game has a relatively simple gameplay concept that is easy to learn and pick up. In the beginning, the game offers you a series of tutorials, such as hovering your mouse to move the “diamonds” and shields and implies that you to go to the “?” button to learn from short video tutorials. I especially like the fact that you can change the color of the screen in order to pop invading dots. However, since most players will skip to the game and not learn crucial mechanics such as the ability to open “black holes” to remove dots threatening your triangle by clicking on the 4 small dots seen on the screen (I had to refer to the video tutorials in order to learn this this and other mechanics, such as how the “explosion” of color is generated, as well). Hence, I suggest that there should be a tutorial for opening black holes included during gameplay.
The game also offers numerous colorblind game modes for colorblind people, which appeals to more audiences. Also, after playing for a while, I felt the lack of content in the game and the feeling of repetition, so I suggest adding more content, such as new game modes or new mechanics Overall, I feel that the gameplay and accessibility are decently executed and only needs the mentioned improvement regarding the tutorials and the lack of content.
[h1]Artwork and Graphics[/h1]
The game presents itself with minimalistic designs, which suits the game along with its triangles, dots, circles, squares, and minimalistic shields. The game also offers several graphical options; thus, even potato computers will be able to run this game. Since this game contains minimalistic designs, the graphics do not affect the gameplay much.
[h1]Soundtrack and Sound Effects[/h1]
The game has two decent soundtracks: one that plays in the menu and the game over menu, and one that plays during the game. While the one playing during the game may suit the game, the one that plays in the menu has a melancholy tone, which sometimes make me feel uneasy, especially in the game over menu when you have lost. It does not make you happy, even if you have achieved a high score, as it emphasizes on your loss. Therefore, I suggest changing the soundtrack to one with a more optimistic or neutral melody. As for sound effects, I think there is nothing wrong with it. The effects used clearly fit within the minimalistic theme.
[h1]Conclusion[/h1]
To conclude, Ping is a decently executed game, has potential, and can be played every once in a while to kill time or to have some fun, although it needs improvement in some areas.
[quote]If you found this review helpful, be sure to check out [url=https://steamcommunity.com/id/destawaits/]my other reviews![/url][/quote]
