Hook
Gameplay 8
Graphics 8
Sound 8

Hook is a concise and minimal puzzle game that is worth every cent of its wallet-friendly price. It features 50 levels of “hooks” that need to be reeled in using the buttons connected to them. The challenge doesn’t kick in until late in the game, but the monochrome visuals and relaxing music make for a very meditative experience. It is not a game that will tax you too much, but completing it is still very rewarding.

Gameplay: While simple and easy to grasp, the concept is quite clever.

Graphics: The visuals are very, very minimal but still stylish.

Sound: The audio is calm and relaxing enough to make for a meditative experience

Summary 8.0 Great
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

Hook

Developer: Maciej Targoni, Wojciech Wasiak | Publisher: Maciej Targoni | Release Date: 2015 | Genre: Casual / Puzzle / Indie | Website: Official Website | Purchase: Steam

Hook is a short, minimal puzzle game about pressing buttons. Apparently, the developer published a prototype on Kongregate, and the feedback was positive enough to warrant a full release. It is easy to see why players got hooked on Hook, though. The gameplay is simple enough that anyone can instantly figure out what is expected from them without the need for tutorials. In fact, Hook eschews traditional menus and throws players straight into the first level when they start the game. Beneath the title, a round button is shown, connecting a thin line to a thick line. Press the button, and the thick line is “reeled” in, which completes the level. By level two, there are two buttons, and the thin lines are now curved. Level three yet again increases the number of buttons and layout of the lines, and by level four, it becomes clear that to prevent some lines from getting hooked on others, it is essential to press the buttons in the correct sequence. This trend continues through the levels as hooks and lines begin to overlap. Eventually, the ability to manipulate the paths of lines is introduced, and buttons connected to multiple lines make an appearance. It never feels overwhelming, though, and with a keen eye and some patience, players can complete the game in a single session.

Looking at screenshots of Hook might make it seem like a complicated game, but usually, it’s just a matter of figuring out in which order to remove the lines without them getting hooked on each other. It almost feels like Jenga at times, as some of the later levels are a jumbled mess of lines and hooks that look practically impossible to disentangle at first glance. However, the developer designed Hook to be more of a game-like experience than a challenge, so frustration rarely rears its ugly head. It wasn’t until we reached levels in the late thirties that we had to really concentrate on avoiding mistakes. From level 40 and up, we had to slow down and double-check before pressing any buttons, but by level 50, it was all over. Nevertheless, for the minuscule asking price, the 50 levels on offer never felt like a rip-off, and although we would have liked to see a few more, we walked away from the game, satisfied with the experience it offered. It doesn’t really have much replay value, and the lack of challenge might deter some players, but it was definitely fun while it lasted.

Visually, Hook makes use of a very minimal style featuring grey lines on a white background. The monochromatic graphics are a good fit for the game’s theme and make it easy to follow the paths of lines even when they overlap everywhere.

We didn’t encounter any issues, but the lack of resolution and audio settings could cause problems for some players. The audio in Hook also matches the monochrome visuals and features calming sounds and tunes. The combination gives the game an almost meditative feel, which is pretty neat. Hook can only be played with a mouse, and interaction is limited to clicking on buttons to activate them or clicking on special sections to alter the path of lines. Since the lines overlap so much, ensuring that only the hooks you want to remove are connected to the button you plan on pressing and nothing else is essential. Because of the intricate structure of later levels, you get three attempts before the level resets, and you have to start from scratch, which is more than fair.

Hook is a straightforward game, so there’s not much more to say other than we enjoyed our time completing all the levels. Each level is sufficiently different from the other to keep the experience engaging, and new elements, such as the wireless switches, make for interesting puzzles. Overall, it’s an excellent game for players who want a cheap and straightforward puzzle experience that feels rewarding to complete but won’t leave them stumped for too long. Puzzle veterans will probably find it too easy, but newcomers to the genre will appreciate the gentle difficulty curve.

System Requirements

  • OS: Windows XP/Vista/7/8
  • Processor: 2 Ghz Dual Core
  • Memory: 2 GB RAM
  • Graphics: Graphics card supporting DirectX 9.0c
  • DirectX: Version 9.0c
  • Storage: 100 MB available space
  • Sound Card: Any
  • OS: Mac OS X 10.7+
  • Processor: 2 Ghz Dual Core
  • Memory: 2 GB RAM
  • Graphics: Graphics card supporting DirectX 9.0c
  • Storage: 100 MB available space
  • Sound Card: Any
  • Processor: 2 Ghz Dual Core
  • Memory: 2 GB RAM
  • Graphics: Graphics card supporting DirectX 9.0c
  • Storage: 100 MB available space
  • Sound Card: Any

Related posts

My Friend Pedro

My Friend Pedro

My Friend Pedro is a violent platform shooter with an emphasis on stylish action. Taking down enemies in slow motion is a lot of fun and the game has no shortage of props like frying pans, skateboards, glass panes, zip-lines and more to make it look even more impressive. The last half of the game skews perhaps a bit too much towards puzzles and platforming instead of stylish mayhem, but apart from this the game is a blast to play. Gameplay: Violent, over the top and lots of fun. Graphics: A few wonky animations and generic backgrounds, but overall good. Sound: Decent sound effects and a great soundtrack.

Primal Light

Primal Light

Primal Light is a linear 2D platformer with great pixel art and punishing gameplay. It is very much an old-school title, so you can expect limited lives, checkpoints, and having to redo the entire level with each continue. Most platformers have eased up on these things, which means Primal Light can be enjoyably challenging or frustratingly difficult, depending on your skill level. However, the game was updated after its release, making the easiest mode more accessible to less skilled players. Gameplay: The game can be brutal at times, but it's nothing that can't be overcome with some patience or playing on the easiest mode. Graphics: Primal Light captures the 16-bit aesthetic perfectly. Sound: The soundtrack for this game is moody and eerie.

Bullet Soul Infinite Burst

Bullet Soul Infinite Burst

Bullet Soul: Infinite Burst is an upgrade of the original game that adds a couple of new features to an already enjoyable title. The Combination Burst mode really opens up a whole new style of play, and even the existing modes have been rebalanced and improved with new enemy patterns. While it is not going to change the minds of those who are not fans of the genre, Infinite Burst is surprisingly newcomer-friendly and offers an enjoyable experience with plenty of game modes. Gameplay: The game features no new levels compared to the original Bullet Soul, but the new modes are definitely worthwhile. Graphics: The visuals show their age but still look decent enough for the genre. Sound: The soundtrack is great, but the sound effects are a little feeble.

Scarlet Hood and the Wicked Wood

Scarlet Hood and the Wicked Wood

Scarlet Hood and the Wicked Wood is a great story-driven adventure with plenty of puzzles and beautiful visuals. The game also incorporates some action elements, such as evading enemies and hiding from a big bad wolf. However, its stand-out feature is how each area of the game can be completed in different ways, each with its own unique puzzles. This boosts the replay value considerably and provides extra incentive to unlock the different endings. It's not the most challenging game on the market, but it is a lot of fun and we enjoyed it from start to finish. Gameplay: An interesting combination of point & click adventure, visual novel, and side scroller. Graphics: Beautiful hand-illustrated visuals with vibrant colors and detailed backgrounds. Sound: The soundtrack is good, but only the cut-scenes feature voice-overs.

Nightmares from the Deep: The Cursed Heart

Nightmares from the Deep: The Cursed Heart

Rescue your daughter from the clutches of an undead pirate in this enjoyable hidden object game. Or, if hidden object hunting is not your thing, do so instead by playing a couple of solo Mahjong rounds. The Cursed Heart features an interesting storyline, great locations and plenty of puzzles to solve. The only thing holding it back is the low resolution cut-scenes and less than stellar voice acting. Gameplay: Rather easy, but very enjoyable. Graphics: The locations look great, but the cut-scenes plays at a very low resolution. Sound: Nice music and sound effects, but the voice acting could have been better.

PowerWash Simulator

PowerWash Simulator

PowerWash Simulator does precisely what the name says, with players handed a power washer and unleashed on various dirty locations and vehicles. Different upgrades, as well as a variety of game modes, will keep players busy for ages, but the game can become quite repetitive. However, it is a very relaxing and casual experience that is great for enjoying while listening to something else in the background. Gameplay: Very simple and straightforward, but quite fun and relaxing. Graphics: There are lots of different levels and plenty of variety in the vehicles that need cleaning. Sound: No music, but the ambient noises and effects add to the relaxing atmosphere of the game.

Leave a comment

one × one =