Boltzmann Brain

Boltzmann Brain is a hardcore 2D arcade puzzle game with unique mechanics.

TL;DR at bottom.

Gameplay:

Boltzmann Brain is an interesting puzzle game. The core gameplay consists of the player using their vehicle to hit a ball, launching it in a direction. The goal is to get the ball into a portal, which will complete the level. The interesting part of the mechanics is that you can control the ball by causing it to mimic your movements, or to speed up. This mechanic allows for complex level design and challenging solutions that must undergo trial and error in order to succeed.

The game is advertised as a hardcore puzzle game, and it certainly is close to the truth. The game is simple when you first start, naturally, and some solutions are easy to execute. However, some levels are very difficult and require precise timing and accuracy to be able to complete successfully, as there is a certain time limit for getting the ball to the portal. Each chapter in the single-player mode introduces new mechanics to increase the difficulty and complexity of the levels, making it a fresh challenge every few levels.

The gameplay is quite enjoyable, and it definitely makes you think about how you can solve it, and what would be the best way to do it. Some of the earlier levels were significantly more challenging than the levels surrounding it, but it adds some variety. It can get aggravating if you are trying to work out a solution and you have to get the timing just right, but can’t get it. The hitbox on the ship is strange, and it either goes vertical, horizontal, or some inconsistent diagonal direction, which makes it slightly annoying when you are trying to do something a specific way.

7/10

Graphics:

The graphics of Boltzmann Brain are in a simplistic 2D style, but it is still visually appealing. The visuals are actually very detailed and well designed, while still retaining an arcade-like feel. The levels are nice to look at, and the objects within those levels are designed and animated quite well. The portals are cool looking, as well as the ball and your ship. The graphics are very well done overall, and are a definite strong suit of the game.

8/10

Music/Audio:

The music in the game is not very expansive, but that is not an issue as it works just fine as background music while you are solving the puzzle. The music certainly adds to the atmosphere of the game, and it does match well with the space theme that is present in the game. The sound effects are good as well, with the basic sounds being pretty well done. They aren’t anything revolutionary, but they don’t need to be. This is a simple puzzle game and a simple established atmosphere is more than enough for what the game is worth.

7/10

Conclusion:

Boltzmann Brain is a great puzzle game with a unique feel and interesting gameplay. I didn’t play the multiplayer part of the game (as I had no friends to play with) but that part looked enjoyable as well. The gameplay mechanics are something I have not encountered before, and the game introduces enough difficulty and variety to be quite entertaining. The solo portion isn’t extremely long, but the puzzles are still fun to play. If there were more players available online, the multiplayer portion of the game could be a viable option for prolonged gameplay, but there aren’t many people playing right now. This game is still new, and I have hope for the future of the game and the developer. It is in great shape right now, and is lots of fun just in the solo story mode.

Overall: 7.5/10 – Recommended

TL;DR

Pros:

+Unique gameplay mechanics

+Challenging puzzles

+Great graphics

Cons:

-Inconsistent hitboxes

-Aggravating (this is a pro as well, but not everyone may like getting aggravated.)

Check out my gameplay of Boltzmann Brain below to get a better idea of the game.

Game has been provided by developer, review has been written without bias.