Straima Reviews

Definitely not for everyone. If you like dying repeatedly and don't mind if the game intentionally makes dangerous things and goal objects difficult to discern, this game is great fun. And it's multiplayer in every mode, so that's awesome. So if you have one to three friends nearby that are hardcore like you, get this game.

Really cool game. A modern simple classic. Has a fun sense of humor. Played with friends for a couple worlds without issue, then went back to the game a year later and the game crashed several times for us. We were using 2 xbox 360 controllers and 1 newer xbox bluetooth controller that was directly connected via USB as well. At seemingly random spots, an abort error would pop up saying things like missing spawn animation. I will try to replicate it and get a screenshot.

The first of caisy's s-type games and it's not even a roguelite. It's a platformer and I am surprised at how much I enjoyed this as I'm not much of a platformer guy.The graphics are a ton of fun and knowing that most of the enemies and powers from Immortaly are ported straight from this game is one part interesting[they are integrated into the second game very well] but also [slightly] reduces the latter game's uniqueness. The levels are confined to a single screen which limits the frustration factor very well as most levels can be completed in under a minute. 7.5/10.

[h1] DISCLAIMER: This is a first impressions review, and NOT a full review [/h1] Straima is a game developed and published by caiys The game offers some nice graphics and a beautiful aesthetic which is pleasant all the same and has some amazing attention to detail even though it is a little rough around the edges The game does suffer with some repetitiveness at certain areas of the game but a fun game nonetheless and ends just at the right time Straima overall, however, is a fun game to play, yet sometimes repetitive and it does get boring if being played for a long time, but is a good platformer game to play in short bursts! [h1] RECOMMENDED :) [/h1] [b] REVIEW SOURCES: [/b] [list] [*] None

Somebody concisely described Straima as Super Meat Boy on LSD, but I think it's also more than that. It's an aesthetic fever-dream, but it's functionally very similar to other platformers: You navigate a map for each of the 5 worlds (not unlike a classic Super Mario map), unlocking paths by beating levels; there are also multiple ways to reach the boss at the end of each world without completing every level. There are even roaming "enemies" on each of the world maps, and you'll be forced into a mini-game if you cross paths with one of them. Don't be fooled by the initial levels (which are deceptively easy)--before its end, Straima ramps up the difficulty with harder enemies, obstacles, and novel level design. Fortunately, you'll unlock additional items and abilities as you get further into the game, so if you find yourself hitting a "brick wall" on a particular level, you can usually try different strategies in overcoming a tough map. Additionally, the game never reaches the extreme difficulties of, say, Super Meat Boy's harder zones. Regardless, the fundamental goal always remains the same every level: Stomp the shit out of every "pinky" (a little pink glob) in sight. Sometimes that will be done in a room with low-gravity. Sometimes that will be done in a dark maze filled with traps. Sometimes that might even be done while being chased by enemies who freeze as long as you look at them. But the objective will [i]always[/i] focus on destroying those helpless, weird little globs. Items include consumables that allow you to "clear" a level without actually beating it (useful for particularly troublesome maps); abilities include the option of temporarily turning invisible, destroying all projectiles around you, and melting through solid floors. Not all of these items and abilities are created equal, however, and several of them will likely sit in your menus, untouched. Mechanically, Straima definitely sits on the slower, floatier side of platformers. Whereas a game like Super Meat Boy has tight, responsive controls, the player moves ponderously in Straima. I suppose it gives it that "slowly trying to run away in a nightmare" feeling, but I still wish the game was more responsive. Overall, Straima seems to be a solid option for somebody who likes platformers, but still wants something a little novel. A little strange. It's not a perfect game by any means, but at its price point (and especially if it's on sale), fans of platformers will likely find some enjoyment in its ~100 increasingly weird levels. [b]PROS:[/b] + Excellent difficulty curve, with a fair number of options to help players progress (like taking an alternative path on the world map, or using limited consumable items to clear levels) with minimal frustation + Consumable items and optional abilities give you more options on how to approach a level...although they're not all equally useful + The implementation of both Co-op [i]and[/i] Level Editor features are not something you often see in these types of games [b]CONS:[/b] - I got used to the player physics, but I never really [i]liked[/i] them--they're too floaty and lethargic, like I'm swimming through the air. - This game has one of the worst, clunkiest "wall jump" maneuvers of any platformer I've played in recent years; it's a liability more than an asset, and I wish it worked more similarly to games like DYE or Super Meat Boy

It's okay. The developer responds nicely to comments, and gameplay is solid. The only thing that needs improvment is the tutorial. It is a bit confusing and odd. Game was not for me though. Played it with a sibling of mine and we didn't understand what to do. Other people might like this game though, but if psycedelic colours aren't your thing, don't buy this. If you have elipisey, don't get this. I didn't like this title much, but appreciated Anthony Case's try.

I really wasn't enjoying this, so I masochistically pushed through to 100% completion. I did every level getting the deathless requirement and the time requirement at the same time, not realising I could do them in 2 separate runs until later. My biggest problem with the game is the lack of explanation for what's going on, and the rare requirement for very specific moves. A level around 70% of the way through requires you to throw boxes directly beneath you by pressing down while holding one, something that might be taught in the tutorial but this was the first and only time you needed to do it in the game. A level right at the end left me completely stumped as to how you reached the targets in the top corners, until I remembered you could grab ledges (this was the only level I ever needed to, and it was so awkward to pull off I never used it elsewhere). There's a couple other mechanics specific to single levels that are never taught and never used again, which is terrible design. Another major gripe is how player-unfriendly the game is. If you jump a pixel too late off of a platform, it'll use your double jump and you'll die. It's impossible to push a box off a ledge consistently because the second it's off the ledge it gains a hitbox and kills you. There are blue platforms you can dive down through, except this is fiddly and trying to dive and LAND on a blue platform will almost certainly end in an unfair death. If these had been replaced with forgiving, in favour of the player game logic, the game would have been a LOT more enjoyable. For a solo-dev first game the visuals, music and honestly the game overall is impressive, but there's just so many blunders I wouldn't recommend it. Anyway, onto the sequel.

Buy this game. A great combination of platformer, speed runner, and puzzle. Yes puzzle. This game hearkens back to the days of C64 games like Jumpman, Lode Runner, Very hard, but completely fair. I don't even get upset when I die and have to restart the map run again because I often see different routes as I push my way through and try to figure out the best way. What I find when I play is that I always feel that victory is just in sight if I adapt my skill or play a little. As a result Straima pushes me to be a better gamer. I love this game so much but it is super-intense and I can only take it in short bursts. My biggest criticism, not really a criticism just a reality is that due to the pixel nature of the graphics and perhaps my age, I find it very hard to play on screens that aren't right in front of my face. I can't play this on my 50" TV with my Steam Link because I can't see anything. Sitting in front of my PC monitor, no problem.

Edited review: I complained about some features of this game, and the dev actually reached out and made some changes to the game based on my feedback! Very cool. Original review below with the conversation thread for context. A fan of a developer that cares about their audience! Be warned though: This game has a big learning curve, and is VERY hard! Original review below: While I enjoyed the idea of this game, the controls were not precise enough to accomplish the tasks it was asking you to do. It did not strike a balance between challenging and fair, you were often left feeling that the deaths were the fault of the control scheme and lack of movement options rather than your own failings. Play N++ or Super Meat Boy instead.

A pretty sweet puzzle-precision platformer where you got to get food things for your monster queen thingy and well it's just a bunch of thingies doing things to other things but its fun trust me. And the colors... wowie!