I like the idea of calling Linelight an atmospheric puzzle game.
Reason being, Linelight does an amazing job of building a soothing mood. Yes there are puzzles and some of them can be a bit of a brain tickler, but ultimately I didn’t feel like they were the focus. If you look at games like Divide By Sheep and Girls Like Robots, these games are heavily focused on that puzzle element. Linelight feels more relaxed, more focused on its rhythm and fluidity of movement than mind shattering puzzles. To the point that it almost feels like a dance. Now I know that may sound odd for predominantly a puzzle game but give me a chance to explain.
The first time you load into the game you’re immediately greeted by a wonderful piano melody. This beautiful soundtrack continues and completely enhances the game stage by stage. This is one of those games where I HIGHLY recommend purchasing the Game+OST bundle. Obviously graphically, Linelight is on the simple side, but it does make use of bright colors and a colorful cloudy background. Each stage or world usually has a theme that blends into puzzles from that point forward. Whether that be red lines that move independently and can impede your progress, orange lines that move only when you do or ways to make your white line longer. These elements are all given their own world/set of stages for you to master.
Like I said before, I never really got stuck with any particular puzzle. I may have taken a couple more minutes on some, but I never felt like I didn’t know what to do. This isn’t really game you are going to need a walkthrough or a guide, as the game is pretty self explanatory. It’s not a super difficult game but more focused on a pleasant experience. Get a hot cup o’ tea, wrap up in a warm blanket and play this game. I am rather surprised that Linelight isn’t currently on any mobile device, as this would be wonderful to play on a comfy sofa. I really hope that this game is ported to the mobile market, I think it definitely would excel there.
When you’re just about to complete a world the game does a bit of a pivot.
It takes all that you have learned from the former puzzles and does what I can only describe as a dance of lines. These are quick puzzles that usually involve more than one line that you may or may not control. These moments are rather beautiful. Even with the simple graphics. You fly forward as fast as you can, twirling and crossing. It’s something you definitely have to experience to understand.
Linelight is a nice but simple experience. There isn’t really going to be much replay value. There are some hidden puzzles in there but nothing that I felt like I absolutely wanted to find. It’s there if you want it. If you do replay this game, its because you want to chill and relax. Enjoying the aesthetics more than anything else. You can probably complete this game within three to four hours at the most. Linelight currently features Steam achievements but no Steam cards.
I had a good time with Linelight, it’s a great stress reliever and it definitely does things in a unique way. The puzzles were fun, inventive, innovative and the soundtrack absolutely sold me on this game. Any gamer/family can enjoy this game as long as they know what they are buying. Coming in at £7.99/$9.99 it’s not that hard on the pocket either. Just keep in mind, that this is a bit of a short experience.
I am off to go do some lines! Wait that didn’t come off right.
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