This is the review for the Windows PC version of the clever physics platformer iO by Dutch developer Gamious (Briquid Mini).
iO is about size, speed and momentum. You control a ball that can grow and shrink. Use these mechanics to solve physics puzzles (inverted gravity, portals, tricycles and more) in 150 challenging levels and reach the exit as fast as possible.
Graphics
The graphics of iO are very simple and pleasing. We found the screens moving perfectly and without any glitches as the ball rolled from one point to another. Nothing fancy here, just a perfect combination of rolling ball and visuals. If we could change one thing, it would be the ability to view the entire screen once the ball starts rolling. Once you shrink, you tend to lose the rest of the puzzle and you have to remember where to go. Since you are also competing with yourself for speed, you don’t have much time to study the puzzle before you begin. For this reason, we gave the graphics a 4.5/ 5.
Sound
The sound of iO fits perfectly with the rolling of the ball. Since you should expect to spend several hours playing the game, the sound is highly important and is very pleasing. For this reason, we gave the sound a 5 / 5.
Gameplay
The gameplay of iO is all about speed, size and momentum. Expect to manipulate each level several times in order to complete the ever-growing challenges even faster. We found our hearts beating faster and faster as we were nearly at the green goal and yet one wrong move, and we had to start all over again! We gave the gameplay a 5 / 5.
Controls
Controls are very easy to manipulate. Simply press Right Arrow to move right, Left Arrow to move left, Upper Arrow to grow in size, and Lower Arrow to decrease your size. We would like to see the developer add a Jump button (to be activated after a certain amount of tries to prevent total frustration) for those of us who just can’t seem to get the ball to the right size at the right moment (forgive us!) We gave the controls a 4.5 / 5.
Overall
Overall, iO is a highly addictive brain challenging game that will make you feel smarter as you finish each stage. At times, you’ll have to play stages several times in order to complete them or just beat your previous time. Expect to spend several hours at one sitting as it’s difficult to accept the fact that some puzzles are just too hard for you to complete! Highly enjoyable – we recommend iO wholeheartedly and look forward to this developer’s next game.
4.5/ 5
iO is set to release on Steam and other leading PC digital download retailers today, December 5, 2014.
I'm a published author and proud US Army veteran who happens to be a gamer, so I decided to combine the two and love every minute of it! Feel free to contact me with any questions or comments and I'll be sure to get back to you.
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