Binaries Reviews

Binaries is one of that growing list of games you can file under 'tough platform game with a gimmick', but it is an excellent gimmick : you control multiple characters and must ensure they get to their end zones safely. Binaries is an excellent example of a game finding an idea, sticking to it, and sucking the possibilities of that idea dry in a rather satisfying way. While Binaries has a lot of reasonably interesting elements outside of the level design, such as the colour palette and animations (which certainly do work to the games minimalistic style) and the humour and meta commentary (which often does not), the core mechanic and the levels built around it are the main thrust of the game, and it that regard, Binaries is pure excellent genius. Binaries manages that all too rare thing : somehow giving you a very reasonable difficulty curve that is tough, but rarely controller-breakingly frustrating. New elements to the gameplay are introduced at a rate that feels just about perfect, not giving the player too much too soon, while also not overusing the same puzzle element too much. As a whole, the vast majority of the levels (and their additional optional goals) were enjoyable to complete and replay. Well worth your time and money.

Doesn't work for me on Windows 11*, working fine on Windows 10 or MacOS. *Opens and instantly closes

This is a great puzzle-platformer. The core part of the game that makes for difficulty is the fact that you basically have to control two chracters at once, but with the same controls. You need to be able to either (or both) plan in advance and quickly react to dangers faced by both the characters. The art in this game is simple, and goes well with the soundtrack. The levels are easy to understand (as in, you can quickly identify where the dangers are to plan for them), but definitely not easy to beat. The addition of a timer adds to the difficulty quite well. Good game, definitely plays best with a controller, and I would say there are the right amount of levels to let you swap between if you get stuck on one in particular.

Great game, if you like a challenge for your brain (and eyes)! Funnier than the developer thinks and the music is quite chill and hectic depending on gameplay. Check it out!!!

Binaries A very good puzzle platform game its a very interesting the way the map changes and the movement is so different i havent played a game like this before 10/10 i would recomend this to everyone i like all games and its nice to dip into a puzzle platformer goodwork.

The jump feels extremely floaty and you can't properly control the jump height. I very quickly got annoyed by how difficult it is to control the 2 balls precisely. It appears you just have to find out by trial and error what the correct sequence of jumps is to get to the end of each level - and IMHO that is not how these games are suppopsed to work. This game is not for me. Buy only if you like being punished. You don't often see games were most reviewers admit they were heavily frustrated while playing but still give it a thumbs up.

This game feels like a parody of the "hardcore platformer" genre. Even then, with open-worldness and solid game mechanics, you really can't go wrong with this one. Fairly difficult time trials, too! Now featuring corny humor, lots of spikes, and BALLS.

Binaries has a good idea - control two balls at the same time and guide them to their respective exits. It actually works, too, for a number of levels, but as you get further into the game and the level design changes, it gets almost impossibly frustrating. At a certain point in the game, the difficulty switches from having to keep track of two balls to dealing with the bad hitboxes, weird visual design choices and floaty controls, the death of any precision platformer. Balls get stuck on edges very easily, get hit by projectiles they barely touch, and have very weird physics when interacting with each other, which is a pain especially in the levels where one ball has to protect the other by rolling in front of it (as orange can't get hit by blue obstacles and vice versa). Jumping is very inaccurate as well. Or, in short: you can't control both balls as precisely as the game demands, so finishing a level (especially for S times) often comes down to luck later in the game. I will say that Binaries does tickle the brain in a unique way, but the controls and level design just don't match a precision platformer, and the difficulty of having to keep track of two things at the same time becomes an illusion once you realize that it often just comes down to hoping that the wonky physics play along. If the level design was built more on the first couple levels, the game would have been a lot better imo. Unique gimmick or not, there are worse precision platformers out there, but there's also much better, especially for the original asking price of $10.

One of the tags for this game says “difficult”. Normally it would mean avoiding lightning-fast sawblades, navigating penny-sized platforms that executing pixel-perfect moves. Not here though – all jumps are easy, deadly sparks are rather slow and timing in general is quite relaxed. But make no mistake, this game IS difficult – for a totally different reason. All those jumps and dodges you’ll have to do, you do for two (or more) balls simultaneously. With only one set of controls to do it. You ever heard of how difficult it is to simultaneously “tap you head and rub your tummy” or “draw circle with one hand and triangle with another”? That’s exactly the skill this game will put to the test. This is multitasking brought to the extreme, this is the ultimate twofer, this is the stone to kill two birds with. Level design definitely deserves a praise too. With 101 levels, developers really explored the concept of simultaneous control to the fullest, finding time and time again in what particular way it goes against any instinct you had so far. Add minimalistic, but very clean design, simple, but appropriate soundtrack – and you not only swearing and breaking your keyboard, but doing it in stylish and relaxing environment. All in all – “Binaries” is puzzle platformer with rather unique twist in it for those who have seen it all. Sure, you have defeated Dr. Fetus or whoever it is the hardest platformer boss out there. This time your enemy is your own brain. Fight!

Wonderfully infrutiating and tormentingly joyful. This game is tough, but that's exactly why it is great. For those who like their puzzle games on the head-banging side of difficult then this is for you. Fantastic level design and a charming concept. Binaries is a maddening bundle of fun!