Thank you to Octagon Game Studio for a copy of OctoMaze in exchange for an honest review.
Greetings, friends, and welcome to Mobile Game Monday, where we chat about games you can play on the go. If you like gaming on a phone or tablet, this is the place for you. Join us every week as we go on all sorts of adventures.
OctoMaze
OctoMaze is an innovative 2D puzzle game created by Octagon Game Studio inspired by classic puzzle games. Although the game is currently in early access, it is fully playable. The developers are hoping for a full launch, including iOS, sometime next year.
Long ago, parasites stole sacred artifacts from the octopus tribe and have been infecting the realm since. Aristotle is a young octopus dedicated to retrieving priceless artifacts, eliminating parasites and saving his tribe.
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Gameplay
Play as Aristotle, the young octopus looking to save his tribe by collecting their precious artifacts. Use your finger (and big ol’ octopus brain) to drag a slippery tentacle through labyrinth-like levels. Be careful to avoid enemies, fire, spikes, or anything that could cause you to lose a tentacle. Each level has a specific goal, such as pushing buttons, collecting coins, or destroying a set number of parasites.
Wiggle your way through six themed worlds from the inner city to outer space. Each stage features its own ambient soundtrack and 15 challenging levels. Just when you get the hang of things, a totally new mechanic is introduced.
For example, in the city stages, you must learn to use boxes and portals to your advantage. These constantly changing mechanics keep the game interesting while never becoming overwhelming.
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Unlock All the Things
Fortunately, in OctoMaze, there are no annoying microtransactions. Once you purchase the game, everything else is bought with coins earned in the game. Stack up your coins and use them to buy new skin and eye color variants for Aristotle.
Or, if you like a challenge, use your coins to purchase more difficult levels in each stage. We love a game that doesn’t take you to the bank for every little thing.
Our Adventure Ends Here
OctoMaze features clever and original gameplay that never gets boring. Although controlling the slithery tentacle can be a bit frustrating at times, in a way, it adds to the fun of the game. I imagine it wouldn’t be easy to control a tentacle so precisely. The graphics are nicely done, and the artwork is easy on the eyes.
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This sparkling little gem also features some of the best music I have heard in a game like this. Each level has its calming soundtrack with atmospheric music and nature sounds. It sounds a lot like something I would put on at night to get some good sleep. My husband said the music balances out any anxiety the game may give you, and I agree.
Additionally, I love that you can play a quick level when you get a moment. There is no limit to the number of lives you have, and you can restart a level easily if you need to. This creates a casual, pressure-free environment to challenge your brain and think outside the box. However, the levels can be challenging, and I wish there were some sort of hint system (perhaps that will be in the final version). Overall, OctoMaze is a great indie puzzle game, and I recommend it to anyone who loves a fun challenge.
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Take it easy, and play it safe, gamers.
OctoMaze is now available (early access) for $3.99 in the Google Play Store. Keep an eye out for an iOS release in the future.
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