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Review of Art of Balance on PlayStation 4

by Gemma Looksby Gemma Looksby photo Jun 2016
Cover image of Art of Balance on PS4
Gamefings Score: 8
Platform: PS4 PS4 logo
Released: 03 Jun 2016
Genre: Puzzle
Developer: Shin'en Multimedia
Publisher: Shin'en Multimedia

Introduction

Do you know what’s better than building with blocks as a kid? Building with blocks as an adult... with zero parental supervision and the added thrill of potential catastrophe! "Art of Balance" is the physics-based puzzle game that invites you to flex your drafting skills in a world where gravity has a sense of humor and balance is just as elusive as my will to get out of bed in the morning. Ready to stack it up?

Gameplay

Now, let’s get to the juicy stuff. Art of Balance isn’t your run-of-the-mill, stack-a-block game; oh no, dear reader! It places you on a floating platform (because where else would precarious balancing happen?) and challenges you to stack various blocks until you get a lean tower of Pisa situation. Yes, there are no architects here, just you and your questionable decisions. As you’d expect from a game that revolves around balancing precarious objects, the blocks can be rotated at 45-degree angles. You'll pile them up from different shapes—think squares, circles, and even some oddly shaped ones that’ll make you ponder the meaning of life. The goal? Get to the top without letting them take an unexpected plunge into the pixelated water below. It's like playing Jenga, but this time your parents are watching and judging your every move. The arcade mode features eight worlds with 200 puzzles, so just when you think you’ve got the hang of things, the game kicks it up a notch. There are also super puzzles designed to mock your intellect with time limits and swaying platforms, and let’s not forget the added thrill of co-op mode! Just think, now you can share the burden of failure with a friend—a beautiful bonding experience! Every time you stack the last piece and stand back to admire your Jacques Tati-esque tower of triumph, only for it to wobble like a drunkard at 3 AM, you’ll be left cursing and laughing. But fear not! The witty sounds and serene soundtrack weave a comforting blanket to cushion your misfortunes.

Graphics

Now, let’s talk aesthetics! "Art of Balance" delivers a visual feast that soothes the eyes like a hot cup of cocoa on a rainy day; everything is colorful and nice to look at, undoubtedly more appealing than that kale salad lurking in your fridge. The backgrounds are tranquil enough to make you reconsider your life choices (like binge-watching that reality show instead of picking up a real hobby). Each world features beautifully rendered environments, despite being simple and minimalistic in design. When you’re not toppling your carefully constructed towers, you’ll enjoy serene floating landscapes, tranquil waters, and vibrant colors that might make you think you accidentally walked into a Bob Ross painting. Who knew balance could be so mesmerizing? The block designs are equally charming, each one with its own look that says, 'I’m here to help you become the architect of your dreams—or your worst nightmare!' Because let’s be real—nothing says relaxation quite like a block falling into water, ruining everything.

Conclusion

In summary, "Art of Balance" successfully combines clever mechanics with the satisfying thrill of visual rewards and appropriate challenges. If you’ve ever dreamed of flexing your physics muscles (or just like playing god with pixels), then this game is worth every penny. It’s perfect for those who want a playful challenge, or for the masochistic souls who just love to see blocks tumble in slow motion. Whether you’re playing solo or with a friend, you’ll find joy in the chaos that comes with balancing absurd shapes on a rickety platform. So grab a controller (or two), stack those blocks, and get ready to say, 'Oops!'—and maybe learn a thing or two about patience and spatial awareness in the process. Because who doesn’t need to balance out their stress levels with a little gameplay? Grab your PS4, let the fun (and inevitable chaos) begin, and remember: in the art of balance, every misstep is just another opportunity to laugh it off with a friend!

See Latest Prices for Art of Balance on PS4 on Amazon

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