Review – MainFrames – Gamerview

The world of programming, software and hardware is sometimes full of indescribable mysteries. Your code may be perfectly indicated and written correctly, but do absolutely nothing to be expected. On the other hand, a code written in a disorganized way can work perfectly. It tells a story that takes place within this amazing world of technology.

Through challenging, the player explores computer worlds connected to a LAN system, browsing each PC connected to the network in search of information about its function. At first I believed it would be just a simple platform game, but Mainframes surprised me with an interesting and captivating story about computing and an adventurous floppy disk.

Pathway

Mainframes brings an unconventional protagonist. After all, here we control a small floppy disk, which initially appears in one of the computers of the company Mainframes. By exploring some of the machine’s screens (frames), we find one of the secondary characters that will help the player and the protagonist on his journey. It does not have a name itself, but let’s say it is a very famous penguin in the computing world!

After talking to him, he says the only way to find out what his true function is is to travel through computers linked to the network, rescuing the Daemons (process executed in the background on the computer) operating on machines, hoping that any of them can help you. This way, floppy disk can also reach your developer’s computer, which may have answers to all your questions.

Thus begins the floppy disk adventure through the virtual world within computers, where its universe exists within VMs (Virtual Machines) windows. Each computer hides challenges, surprises and different interactions with hardware and software parts. We always return to the router after completing each machine, a place that acts as a species of centers for floppy disk and its companions.

Even though many want to help her, there will be enemies that will do everything to stop floppy disks, as well as corrupted bugs and files that destroy it to the smallest touch. Therefore, all care is little in this cyber space. The player remains to guide our heroine to his source code and discover his functionality.

Two dimensions, infinite possibilities

Mainframes is a game with a balanced difficulty curve. The initial levels and worlds are simple to cross, focusing on jumps and springs that help the player navigate the scenarios while dodging the red bars representing bugs in the system. These bars can be small, large, horizontal, vertical, static or mobile, but a rule is clear: don’t touch them!

The game challenge is to explore each machine as much as possible, visiting all screens and rescuing the scattered mini-daemon. Each of them has a challenge related to the player’s skills, such as scenario control, platform, patience and strategy. Some challenges are simple, others extremely demanding, so be prepared.

Each new machine implements an unprecedented mechanics that will be progressively incorporated into the next worlds. At first, floppy disk use only double jumps to cross. In the next world, we use more long heels platforms. Then, hidden windows appear that can be alternated, each with distinct structures or dangers, as well as mobile and expansible windows. These changes become increasingly frequent, increasing the challenge and demanding more skill.

Around the fourth world, Mainframes becomes much more challenging, with waterfall windows that alternate gravity and throw floppy disk in the direction they point out. This requires good preparation, reflexes and precise control of the player. It is not impossible, but it is extremely challenging.

I love my virtual friends

Diskette will have the help of several allies during his journey in mainframes, such as the previously mentioned penguin, as well as others scattered throughout the machines. Some are only easter eggs of computational functions, such as the spam filtering system, which protects the company’s emails and prevents mainframe overloads.

Others have more relevant roles, such as helping the sound system control their volume, which is locked at most, or providing power to a machine section. Helping these characters does not guarantee new skills, items or rewards, but offers educational interactions on parts of a computer. This can arouse the interest of children and adolescents who are unaware of computer science.

The duo Deane & Dann, which inhabits the network system, always shares curiosities and historical facts of computing, keeping the mood fun and didactic. Floudness, on the other hand, speaks little. By the way, I only saw her talk once as she bathed in a cup of Java.

Soundtrack and art style make the adventure of mainly inviting mainframes most of the time. However, in boss challenges, such as the bee that attacks us with a shower of mouse pointers, music becomes more intense. Its only weaknesses are in the last worlds, which can be quite difficult for children, and on moving expandable windows that can irritate some players.

Debuguing to note

Mainframes is a fun and challenging adventure for all ages, either for computing aficionados or for those who want to learn more about machines. The movement reminded me of Super Meat Boy, especially because of the amount of jumps needed, the protagonist’s shape and its mechanics of sliding down the walls. If you are looking for a good platform full of challenges, mainframes is an excellent choice. It begins slowly and gradually accelerates, becoming a dynamic and energy adventure!