Onde Review

pczone.co.uk:

Onde is a 2D Smooth sound-surfing rhythm platformer and it’s the most relaxing thing you can play or do all year. 

Drawing influences from games such as Osmos (link), Onde is unlike most other games on the market today. Rather than encouraging combat or a fast-paced narrative, this is a title which seeks to relax through abstract forms and ambient music.

At times, Onde can be challenging, as it is a platformer at heart. Therefore, it takes a little getting used to in order to glean enjoyment. However, once you get going, there is nothing quite like it. It’s the video game equivalent of taking a hot bath on a cold day.

The narrative of Onde, if one is present at all, is evocative and impressionistic at best. There appear to be references to evolution, flora, fauna and higher beings, but this is all very abstract. It all works well though, tying in with the beautiful visuals and sound. 

The developers clearly did not wish the game to have a clear narrative, stating they aimed to make a game “without ludo-narrative dissonance” – the hope being that Onde’s lack of story would allow players to not be distracted, instead focusing on the relaxing experience. 

And for the most part, this is achieved and leads to a satisfyingly tranquil experience. 

From immeasurable oceans to the furthest reaches of outer space, there are several distinctly different biomes in Onde, each overflowing with eye-popping colour. 

The world of Onde is generally non-hostile, relaxing and ripples along like spring water. It is very pleasurable to inhabit the Onde universe. 

At many points throughout, Onde will not feel like anything most players will have experienced before. While getting from A to B, the game is beautiful, but the real dazzle comes from the