Ugly
A puzzle platformer with very detailed, atmospheric backgrounds.
Where Ugly comes up1 episode or test
- 1Detail-heavy backgroundsHighly detailed, atmospheric art fills the screen
- 2Puzzle pieces blend inImportant elements look like set dressing
- 3Players can't read puzzlesHard to tell what matters from decoration
From Game Maker's Toolkit on Ugly
What was said about Ugly
Ugly's very detailed backgrounds make it hard to tell puzzle elements from decoration. Ugly is a puzzle platformer with highly detailed, atmospheric backgrounds. Game Maker's Toolkit cites it as going too far, because players can't easily tell which elements matter and which are set dressing.
The principle behind the criticism: background art is only there for visual interest, so important puzzle pieces must stay readable. In Mark Brown's words, backgrounds "should never compete with the actual important puzzle elements."
How I polished my indie magnet puzzle game (Developing 12)
Cited as going too far with background detail, making it hard to tell which elements matter and which are set dressing.
Ugly's very detailed backgrounds make it hard to tell puzzle elements from decoration. Ugly is a puzzle platformer with highly detailed, atmospheric backgrounds. Game Maker's Toolkit cites it as going too far, because players can't easily tell which elements matter and which are set dressing.
The principle behind the criticism: background art is only there for visual interest, so important puzzle pieces must stay readable. In Mark Brown's words, backgrounds "should never compete with the actual important puzzle elements."
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