Soulglass

Has elements of roguelite with upgrades and physics game. You get access to better upgrades after completing contracts. Moving an hourglass seems simple, but there are enemies called afflictions that will attack your hourglass or block you from moving the hourglass. [h1] Pros: [/h1] - Beautiful classical music tracks for each level. - Simple to learn game with harder contracts to challenge player. - Relaxing game to play after work or a busy day. - Player needs to be strategic with using abilities and passives to complete contracts. Using abilities that synergize is the key to winning. [h2]Cons: [/h2] - There is not much variance between contracts from chapter 1 to the contracts offered in Chapter 2 or 3. Some have more afflictions, no lifts, or other restrictions. - Add warning about failing too many contracts and specify how many failed contracts player can have. I failed on a volcano level and was forced to start a new game. This seems odd for a platformer game to wipe all progress for losing. [h3]Suggestions: [/h3] - Explain in tutorial how to get more lifts during a level and describe what a lift is. - Add a bar showing hourglass health. I failed a contract to test conditions for losing, but the only indicator of health were cracks in the hourglass. - Add a pet or companion that can auto-attack afflictions for you on harder levels. On the volcano contracts, it was somewhat overwhelming to keep attacking afflictions. - Add a way to combine certain abilities to make a stronger version of the ability. In the later levels, you bought or unlocked multiple abilities, but can only equip two attacks at one time so this would make them stronger for harder contracts. - Explain where to change your abilities and passives. I happened to check the character screen, but the tutorial should tell the player what the character menu is for. - Allow player to change music track from start menu to play a certain song. All the songs from chapter 1 contracts were the same, so it would be nice to change the song. - Nerf the affliction health in Ocean level. It felt tedious to attack enemies 5-6 times to kill them. - Add controller support. This is an ideal game for using a controller. [b] Conclusion: This game that can be played in 20-30 minute sessions since a contract takes about 5 minutes. There are still some bugs related to the Ability shop, but the dev is fixing them. The premise of the game is nice, but I wish there were other tasks/objectives while doing a contract to get additional sand or abilities. If you want a relaxing game about manipulating an hourglass, this game fills a niche and combines interesting aspects of roguelite and platformers. [/b] [quote=author][url=https://store.steampowered.com/curator/32732116-IndieGems/] Follow IndieGems for more reviews like this one.

Worth trying out! I have about 1 1/2 hours total on this game including the Demo. Some things I can greatly appreciate about Soulglass is its music, art style and sort of low-pressure environment. It's chill enough to where you can be relaxed playing it but also has a challenging feel to it. The Dev is a lovely person to speak to and I am really happy to be able to have given feedback that was implemented into the game. I played several updates and each one just makes the game better!

Soulglass is a game that stands out with its innovative physics, bringing completely new ideas to the table. Various map specific elements challenge you to find unique solutions to problems the game throws at you. There's a load of interesting perks that allows for a plethora of playstyles, always keeping your sessions feeling fresh. The different contracts will have you strategizing for hours, on what builds you run and how you want to tackle each level. The level environments add an extra layer to the overall aesthetic, each map feeling alive with various elements being both on your side and standing in your way. Each map is clearly crafted with care, with contracts tossed in the mix every maps ambience is stellar. The backdrops are visually pleasing and round off a very beautiful looking game. The movement is the best part of the game. From the way your character walks to the multitude of abilities that will have you soaring every which direction, from top to bottom there's something here for everyone. You'll be able to mix and match different modes of getting around the levels allowing you to swing, fly, glide, teleport, and if you're anything like me - fall. It poses a challenge for those so inclined, but ultimately it will lead you to hours of fun! Soulglass is a must for anyone who enjoys the genre, for the price it's an absolute steal. 10/10

[h1] Soulglass is a solid indie pick with polished mechanics and a refreshing vibe.[/h1] [list] [*]Relaxing but engaging, I sat down to play and when I blinked an hour had passed. [*]Totally accessible for a casual player like myself, I could see more experienced gamers getting a lot of joy in finding ways to optimize runs. [*]The audio, visuals, story, and physics are honestly what keep me coming back (I know that's most aspects of the game but whatever leave me alone I'm having fun). It feels very intentional and cohesive in a way that soothes my brain. [*]Super economically priced [/list]

I've found that I enjoy exploring the maps more than the core gameplay mechanic of balancing the sand. Once I was able to add a few useful "exploration" abilities such as the platform and flying, I spent a ton of time outside of a contract, just seeing where I could get to on the map. It scratched that "did the developer think they could keep me out of this area!?" itch if you know what I mean.

Soulglass is a casual 2d platformer that is fun for all ages. The idea behind the game is a very different way of playing a roguelike style, but it works in every way you wouldn't expect. The art style is beautiful and the shaders really bring everything to life. While it is easy to get into and understand, the game itself has a way to create chaos in the best manner. Every new ability brought a different way to "balance" your game play style. I hope we will see more levels in the game or maybe another chapter! I cannot wait for another update.

Very cute game. Unfortunately, I use a controller, which the game wasn't designed for, that made the otherwise very calming music glitch very badly.