Pretentious Game

Pretentious Game is a minimalist 2D puzzle platformer that explores themes of love, loss, and emotional complexity through simple mechanics and storytelling. Players control colored blocks representing characters, navigating puzzles that intertwine with narrative text which both guides gameplay and conveys the story. The game is short, typically completing within an hour, and is often praised for its emotional impact despite its simplicity. The art style is minimalistic, reminiscent of games like Thomas Was Alone, accompanied by a melancholic soundtrack that complements the tone.

However, many players find the game somewhat pretentious and uneven in narrative quality, with the later chapters feeling forced or less engaging than the strong opening. The gameplay mechanics are generally straightforward but can become pixel-perfect and frustrating in later levels, especially the chapter involving precise platforming with two characters. Additionally, some express concerns about the game's price relative to its duration and content, noting that much of it was previously available for free online. The game appears abandoned with no new chapters released, which disappoints those hoping for continuation. Overall, it's recommended mainly for those who appreciate narrative-driven indie games and are willing to pay a modest price for a brief but emotionally resonant experience.

Highlights

Players consistently praise the game's emotional storytelling and how the narrative is cleverly integrated with gameplay mechanics. The minimalist visuals and melodic, fitting soundtrack enhance the immersive atmosphere. The first chapters are noted as particularly strong, delivering a touching and relatable story about love and loss. The puzzles, while simple, are considered thought-provoking and creative, with some levels surprising players with their clever design. The game is also appreciated for being an accessible experience, suitable for casual gamers seeking a meaningful narrative without complex controls.

Criticisms

Common criticisms focus on the game's short length and limited replay value, making its full price feel unjustified for many. Later chapters receive negative feedback for feeling forced, less engaging, or disconnected from the initial emotional impact. The gameplay can become frustrating due to pixel-perfect platforming requirements, especially in the chapter featuring two children, which some found to be a mood breaker. Additionally, some players mention that the story is somewhat clichéd and overly pretentious without delivering a satisfying conclusion, as the game appears abandoned and incomplete. The controls are occasionally described as clunky, and the soundtrack lacks variety across chapters.