Etherborn Reviews
If you’re a fan of puzzle games, games with unique gameplay mechanics, interesting indie games, or even if you’re a casual gamer looking for something to pick up and play every now and again, Etherborn is waiting for you.
Etherborn is a satisfying puzzler that has some very cleverly designed enigmas, but unfortunately some awkward gameplay mechanics hold it back a bit. It’s not that anything in the game is bad by any stretch of the imagination, but the loose controls and some samey environments do make solving some puzzles feel a lot less enjoyable than it should be. Fans of puzzlers will definitely have a good time with Etherborn though, so if you fancy taking part in some brain teasers it’s certainly worth checking out. Those who aren’t too keen though might just find themselves getting a little too frustrated with some of the game’s shortcomings.
The challenging gameplay, gorgeous sound design, and stunning aesthetics all make Etherborn a worthwhile experience, even for those not fond of puzzle-platformers. Every level demonstrates a craftsmanship that encourages the curiosity to think and engage with the world. Completing puzzles is satisfying, even if the length of the game is not. Some minor issues may crop up along the way, but Etherborn is still a clever, fun game that challenges players and their perspective of the world.
For a platformer puzzler hybrid, Etherborn ticks most of the boxes in terms of having complex puzzles that are neither too easy or too difficult. The soundtrack and environment both compliment the game’s theme, but you don’t really spend enough time with it to be wowed. An interesting mechanic with the gravity-based puzzles means it’s recommendable to genre fans, but it’s not for everyone.
If you can get past the clunky controls and funny camera angles, then you can find a lot of enjoyment in this very unique puzzler.
Etherborn is something unique and making it a reference with its own name for any other similar court title that comes later. A title that no fan of puzzle and platform games should let go and places Altered Matter in that select group of studies to follow very closely ... with even higher expectations.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Etherborn defies gravity in a very elegant way and in-turn becomes relaxing especially when being accompanied by a pleasant score is placed into the mix. The story feels like one version of plenty that's been done before, pertaining to creation, but it's not necessarily bad. It's just not that engaging. The way Etherborn makes each environment one large puzzle to solve by walking on each of its so-called sides and call for your wits is done nicely. Etherborn is an artistic, environmental puzzle-solving showcase that has class and Altered Matter has expressed their creative talent.
Overall, Etherborn is a lovely title that I thoroughly enjoyed, even though the story didn't need to be included. As a result, I give it an 8 out of 10. It has some beautiful music, an interesting puzzle design, and a fantastic minimalist art style. I highly recommend this title if players are looking for a quick puzzle game that will challenge their understanding for a time.
Etherborn is now available, and it offers up some unique twists on the platforming, exploration, and puzzle video game genres. This is thanks to its brilliantly designed, and challenging levels, which are the puzzles themselves due to how gravity affects the player at each an every turn.
Whether you're walking on the ground, the wall or the ceiling, in Etherborn this is all just a matter of perspective - and the game is wonderfully built around this unique idea of shifting gravity, offering complex level design and a great sense of scale. The only question, then, is why you're doing all of this, as the overarching story doesn't explain itself very well and leaves you with more questions than answers.
Review in German | Read full review
Etherborn is a beautiful and innovative puzzle-platformer that can often be headache inducing, but even so it is very much worth your time.
The narrative and visual issues aside, the ultimate draw of this game is the complex, wonderful level designs and the intricate puzzles and they mountain over any serious concern I had with the game. Keep your head down and you should be able to crack Etherborn in around 3-4 hours, which is more than enough of this kind of gravity-puzzler for me.