MainFrames Reviews
All told, Mainframes is a solid recommendation if you’re after a new precision/puzzle platformer that tries something relatively fresh with its desktop-bending premise. We would have liked to have seen a few clever nods to real-world software brands to really take advantage of its setup, but with its pleasant pixel-art visuals and gorgeously laid-back soundtrack, it’s a good way to spend a handful of hours. Just watch out for those difficulty spikes; they can be a real downer.
Outside of its standout aesthetics, MainFrames is a novel pixelated take on precision platforming and a love letter to both platforming and retro PC
MainFrames is, simply, a lovely retro-themed puzzle platformer with humour, challenge, and some brain-straining mechanics to master. While not easy, the satisfying controls and charming world will make it hard to put down.
So it’s probably pretty weird that I am going to recommend this game with one big fat caveat. If you’re a fan of the genre, there are a lot of cool and original things happening in MainFrames. If you’re not already comfortable in the space it’s probably not going to work as shining introduction to the world of indie platformers.
Mainframes is an extremely creative, masterpiece in its art-style and soundtrack and a fairly difficult platformer about a floppy disc on a mission of finding its purpose all the while rescuing overworked daemons. This charming platformer set inside your grand-mothers Windows 98 can immediately hook you in with its amazing polish and challenging platforming sections. TLDR: GO GET THE GAME NOW!
MainFrames stands out for its creativity in transforming a digital environment into a charismatic platform and puzzle adventure. The mechanics of manipulating windows and icons are well explored, bringing varied challenges and keeping the experience dynamic. On the other hand, the irregular difficulty and moments of trial and error can make progression frustrating, especially in the more advanced stages. Still, for those looking for an enjoyable experience and willing to overcome some barriers, MainFrames delivers an original concept with very creative moments.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Precision platformers don’t necessarily need stories, but once you have experienced them with deeply engaging plots, it’s hard to fully enjoy them without. What MainFrames lacks in story and cohesion, it certainly makes up for in other areas though. On a precision platformer level, Mainframes was challenging, unique and competes with the best in the genre. The controls were spot on, the pixel aesthetic was very nice, the score was charming and there was hints of a relevant story about corporate downsizing, but unfortunately remained largely unexplored. If you are just looking for a demanding precision platformer, MainFrames is only about ten bucks and will give you those endorphins you are looking for. Unfortunately, living in a post Celeste world, just being a hard as nails precision platformer isn’t enough anymore.
Mainframes is beyond doubt an impressive game that looks terrific, sounds fantastic, and handles like a dream.
A cute and short platformer about a nostalgic time, the game efficiently entertains and pays tribute to simpler times with a very charming visual style, even with a slight pacing issue.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
MainFrames is a quirky, tightly packed precision platformer with a ton of personality and unique ideas. It's challenging and rewarding to create what could be one of the best byte-sized experiences of 2025.
After finishing MainFrames, I felt satisfied. The game doesn't reinvent the wheel, but it's entertaining, and at the end of the day, that's what matters. With incredible pixel art, challenging platforming sections, and great jokes localized in our language, MainFrames is highly recommended. If you're looking for fast, fun gameplay with a unique retro aesthetic, you've found the answer.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
MainFrames is a delight to look at, but less enjoyable to actually play. The charming and cute aesthetics can't save MainFrames from its simplistic gameplay which struggles to capitalise on its strong ideas.