[b]edit:[/b] a quick patch added dark mode, on-screen level numbers, more hotkeys and mouse wheel scroll.
[b]slidetracked[/b] is a minimalist puzzler with the goal of making two connected circles bumble to their own exits. they're trapped inside a paper clip for some reason, limiting their movement capabilities and giving the game a unique selling point and a higher level of difficulty.
there are [b]60 levels[/b], progression is somewhat branching, so occasionally you'll have multiple levels to tackle. they consist of dots, the circles can move from one to another if they are connected with a line of the same color. there can only be a single connection between dots, but the path can be trodden back and forth if need be. and much like myself, the circles suffer from decision paralysis, so if they are presented with multiple possible directions (emphasis on possible, limited by the other circle), they simply won't move.
the first level has an interactive tutorial with the basics and new mechanics are introduced periodically. the local equivalent of colored keys is necessary to unlock the exit first, and level 20 brings another brief tutorial to present a neutral color that lets both circles pass, though they'll still prioritize their own. it makes things easier and more difficult at the same time, while obstacles next to later level blocking movement only provide difficulties.
[b]undo is available[/b] and line segments can also be removed, no need to get rid of the entire red path if you want to change something in the middle, and it's also possible to re-color a line without removing it. when you're done, press play to see if they can actually reach the exit. it's really satisfying when they do, but if you decide to restart, the lines remain intact, which is great for tweaking instead of resetting the whole thing.
the game [b]can be played completely with the mouse[/b], but there are a few [b]non-rebindable hotkeys[/b]. 'r' is level reset, numbers select line color ('build tools', as the game calls them, mouse wheel also scrolls between them), backspace is undo ('z' and 'u' also work), space is play/pause, 'q' is stop (resets circles, keeps lines), tab toggles movement speed. esc leaves the level without confirmation, but [b]individual mid-level progress is saved[/b]. right click removes a segment, no need to always select the gray icon.
the presentation is minimalistic and clean, the music is fitting but not that great. settings consist of separate volumes and a windowed mode toggle with a resizable window, and on-screen level numbers and dark mode got patched in fast to combat all the blinding whiteness.
as cool as the concept is, my brain simply couldn't comprehend all of it. once again, it'd be [b]foolish to expect a trivial puzzler just because smiling faces make it look cute[/b] and the first few levels are easy. still, I enjoyed it a great deal, got further on my own than I expected, and without any major issues it's [b]recommended if you're looking for something different and potentially difficult[/b].
