Nightgate

There aren’t enough adjectives to describe how gorgeous and beautiful these minimalist graphics look. Gameplay is also incredibly easy to pick-up and play, bringing a serious challenge for reflex fans. Nightgate is over far too quickly, with you burning through the 50 levels in no-time, and with no current way to extend overall app longevity. I wish the in-game speed was much faster, making for a harder challenge.

I like that Nightgate is mostly an accessible game that can be completed with a bit of perseverance and elbow grease, but I'd love to see the concepts taken to their extremes in some future content, if any is coming.

The one drawback is that the game is on the easy side to the point that you can just be going through the motions at times. The main reason is because the game emphasizes the exploration idea of allowing you to flow through the world. It would be nice to see a little more challenge, but it’s clear to see that doesn’t go with the design idea. It’s a bit bland, but a neat journey, none the less.

Nightgate is an pretty cool mixture of laid back and frantic; plain and pretty; varied and repetitive. It might not be action-y enough for some, or relaxing enough for others, but I think it’s worth checking out regardless. It’s a fun, sort of unique mash-up of puzzles and survival, set in a post-apocalyptic computer world. And it’s pretty!

You will die a lot in this game, but you only learn from your mistakes, since there are noticeable movement patterns for all of the obstacles. If you like to test your reflexes, this game will be right up your alley. I recommend giving Nightgate a try if you enjoy reflex arcade games, or are just fans of Semidome.