Refunct

Steam Page || Official Site

Games get labeled as various types of ‘pure experiences’ far too often, but Refunct really is about as close as a game can probably get to providing a pure platforming experience. With no enemies, hazards, nor any other source of danger, Refunct allows players to run, slide, swim, and crawl through its single play area at whichever pace they choose. Stepping on platforms transforms them from dull grey pillars into vibrant columns of grass and dirt and collectible cubes are scattered about, but the columns and cubes are entirely optional objectives. The only concrete goal within the game is to step on the large red buttons, marked by vertical lines of light, which leads to making the next set of platforms rise up from below the water’s surface. There is a great sense of smoothness to the platforming, which is created in no small part by a very generous wall jumping system and the ability to automatically slide up onto a platform when near its top. Pipes, jump pads, and elevators add some variety to the platforming, though players also have a good amount of freedom in picking out their own paths. Refunct is a short game which is fully focused on the relaxing, somewhat hypnotic, and seamlessly smooth experience of navigating an environment and I only wish there were more games like it.

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