Cloudrift
Gameplay 9
Graphics 9
Sound 8

Thanks to its psychedelic visuals, great soundtrack, and addictive gameplay, we have no qualms recommending Cloudrift. Chasing your next high score is a thrill, whether you play alone or as a team, but the versus mode is what will keep you coming back for more. Anyone looking for a game that is easy to get into but hard to stop playing should not miss out on Cloudrift.

Gameplay: The game is simple to understand but has enough variables to keep things exciting and addictive.

Graphics: The visuals in Cloudrift are colorful and hypnotic.

Sound: The tunes are easy on the ears and never become repetitive

Summary 8.7 Outstanding
Gameplay 0
Graphics 0
Sound 0
Summary rating from user's marks. You can set own marks for this article - just click on stars above and press "Accept".
Accept
Summary 0.0 Terrible

Cloudrift

Developer: friendlyOctopus | Publisher: friendlyOctopus | Release Date: 2015 | Genre: Action / Casual / Indie | Website: Official Website | Purchase: Steam

Forget about a convoluted story, complicated controls, or anything beyond staying alive. Cloudrift is an arcade-style game where all that is required of you is to keep on top of a procedurally generated cloud. Fall off the cloud into the black void of space, and you lose, but the longer you stay on top of the cloud, the higher your eventual score will be. The cloud is the only thing standing between you and the nothingness below, but its ever-shifting shape and movement are also your biggest threat.

As if the cloud making its best bucking bronco impression while hypnotizing you with its changing colors wasn’t enough, there are other threats to deal with as well. You see, your “character” is a sphere, so every twist and turn of the cloud can send it rolling in different directions. Just as soon as you get used to the rhythm of the cloud, it can surprise you with holes opening up everywhere or rolling “waves” tossing you around. However, if you survive long enough, things that can assist with your survival start falling from the sky. The most coveted pick-ups are the ones that can turn your sphere “infallible” for a short period or provide you with the temporary safe haven of a “castle” that provides stable ground. These power-ups are stored and can be activated with a quick waggle of your movement buttons, so saving them for when they are needed most is vital.

Unfortunately, not everything that falls from the sky is good for your sphere. Sometimes, mines will drop down from above and, if not knocked off the cloud quickly enough, blow a massive hole in it. Friendly space worms also drop in occasionally and will cheerfully “boing” you off the cloud if you don’t avoid them. Then there are the anomalies that attract anything nearby, including your sphere, as well as wormholes, meteorites, wind, and a host of other hurdles. You can even grow or shrink your sphere with the right power-ups or agitate the cloud if you wish. All of these things, good and bad, contribute to your score as you use them to build up multipliers. Your multipliers can also include activities such as not jumping, not moving, riding peaks, hopping from peak to peak, and a bunch of other stuff. Half the fun is discovering what activities can be added to your multipliers as you chase the next high score. Watch out, though, as multipliers expire quickly if you don’t keep collecting new ones.

Visually, the game is simple but colorful and very hypnotic. In fact, it is easy to get caught up in the vibrant visuals and fall off the cloud if you are not careful. The game keeps track of the amount of red, green, and blue tiles on the cloud that you roll over, and these not only contribute to your score and power-ups but also influence the color of your sphere, which is a cool touch. The audio is another highlight, with tracks that range from relatively tranquil to nice and upbeat. The tunes complement the visuals and gameplay nicely without getting annoying, even after extended play sessions. Cloudrift is definitely best played with a controller, but with some practice, a keyboard will suffice. However, playing with a keyboard feels less intuitive when controlling a rolling sphere. You are not limited to simply rolling around on the cloud, though, as you can bounce your sphere using the jump button. Sometimes, this can be a real lifesaver, but don’t overdo it on the bouncing, or you might find yourself launching the sphere right off the cloud.

In addition to the single-player challenge mode, where your aim is to crack the Steam leaderboards on your own, there are also two other modes on offer. A second player can be enlisted for some help in getting on the leaderboards by playing the Two Player Team Galactic Challenge. Alternatively, you can go toe-to-toe with another player in the versus mode and try to be the last man standing after multiple rounds. Whether you go for an aggressive approach and try to bounce your opponent right off the cloud or hang back and stock up on items to give you the upper hand is up to you. Both the multiplayer modes are local only but very addictive. Just be sure to invest in a second controller to keep things fair. The local modes can now be enjoyed online thanks to Steam’s “Remote Play Together” feature.

There really is little to fault about Cloudrift, and while it looks too simple at first, it is a game that you will return to again and again. The gameplay is straightforward enough to grasp right off the bat, but keeping the multipliers going and dealing with the “wibbly, wobbly” cloud takes practice to master. Since the cloud is procedurally generated, it keeps things fresh, as you never know what will happen next. The single-player mode is a lot of fun, but take on a friend in multiplayer to experience just how addictive the game can be. Cloudrift is essential for anyone who loves playing with friends or relishes the thrill of chasing a high score.

System Requirements

  • OS: Windows 7
  • Processor: Intel Core 2 Quad CPU Q6600
  • Memory: 2 GB RAM
  • Graphics: GeForce GTX 560
  • DirectX: Version 9.0c
  • Hard Drive: 200 MB available space
  • Additional Notes: **** A gamepad controller (or two) is required to play Cloudrift! In case of emergency, Player One: WASD and Space, Player Two: Cursor keys and Enter ****

Related posts

Death’s Hangover

Death's Hangover

Help Death take back the souls stolen by Bastard Dracula in this Breakout-style game by Retro Army Limited. It features plenty of different levels, useful power-ups, and some big bosses. The game is easy to pick up and play, but finding all the souls can be challenging. The eighteen different endings, two-player mode, and level editor boost the replay value, though, and overall, the game is a decent choice for fans of the genre. Gameplay: The game is challenging and entertaining. Graphics: The pixel art visuals of Death's Hangover look great. Sound: The audio features decent sound effects and music.

Peggle™ Nights

Peggle™ Nights

While this is basically just a glorified expansion and not a full-blown sequel, it's hard to argue with the at 60 more Peggle levels. The new master is pretty cool, and the new levels are nice but try and get it as a combo pack with the original Peggle if you want value for money. Gameplay: Exactly the same as the original game with just one new master. Graphics: Very nice hand-drawn artwork. Sound: Sounds virtually the same as the first game.

Jamestown

Jamestown

Jamestown is a great top down shooter with a really interesting setting and some gorgeous pixel art visuals. It is best enjoyed with three other friends crowded around the computer, but even solo players will enjoy the challenge. The fact that it only features five levels is disappointing, but they are all very good and there are plenty of other challenges and unlockables to keep you busy. Overall, this is a title that we can wholeheartedly recommend to fans of the genre, but it is worth mentioning that there appears to be no more support from the developers for this PC version of the game. Gameplay: Challenging and addictive, especially when played with friends. Graphics: The pixel art visuals look great and really captures the classic feel of the genre. Sound: The soundtrack is incredible, although the sound effects could have been better.

Go! Go! Nippon! 2015

Go! Go! Nippon! 2015

Fans of the original game will love the new locations, enhanced visuals and expanded story of Go! Go! Nippon! 2015, but newcomers are also in for a treat. The game is packed with information and offers a unique way to experience Japanese culture and tourist attractions without hopping on a plane. The lack of voice acting is a letdown, but overall this expansion lives up to expectations. Gameplay: Lots of information about Japan and a lighthearted love story as well. Graphics: The new animations are great and the widescreen visuals are a step up from the original game. Sound: Still no voice acting, but the audio is very upbeat and fitting.

Unwording

Unwording

Unwording sees players help a lonely man named Tom to overcome the negative self-talk that is holding him back in life. This is done over the course of three days as Tom begins to see the world from a new perspective. The game starts out strong with some interesting puzzles on day one. Unfortunately, while the shift from 2.5D and finally full 3D over subsequent days looks good, the puzzles are less fun. Unwording is also a very brief experience that will leave most players wanting more. Gameplay: Players must use three types of word puzzles to guide Tom from his apartment to work and back every day. These puzzles start fun but are less engaging on the second and third days. Graphics: The first day in Unwording features stylish 2D visuals, which then turn into 2.5D and 3D on subsequent days. Sound: The game lacks dialog, but the soundtrack by Trevor Kowalksi sets the mood of the game perfectly.

Cloud Chamber

Cloud Chamber

Cloud Chamber is more of an experience than a game in the traditional sense, but this doesn't make it any less compelling. The story might be fictional, but includes plenty of references to real science which makes for fascinating viewing depending on how keen you are on the subject. Due to the massively multiplayer aspect of the game your experience will depend on the other players, but even if you opt not to take part in the discussions you can still enjoy the story on your own. Gameplay: No gameplay in the traditional sense, but still plenty to see and discuss with other players. Graphics: The videos are believable and the 3D landscapes quite impressive. Sound: Good acting and a brilliant soundtrack help immerse you in the experience.

Leave a comment

nineteen + nine =