My ∞ Infinity Loop Addiction
This week I have not been able to drag my free time away from Infinity Loop, made by the aptly titled ∞ Infinity Games. Here is why I love it, plus what needs to be improved.
The game is simple enough that within a few minutes you have the basics down & are quickly playing through level after level. I’m not here to sell you the game, I’m here to say what it does so right. If you want to fully understand what I’m discussing, just go download it quickly before reading the below.
It’s on iOS & Android for FREE (bargain I know).
THE MUSIC
Music is such a vital tool, particularly when creating a game that essentially feels like meditation with a reward attached. The score is simple enough that looping it isn’t noticeable, you don’t become frustrated with it, instead it’s used to enhance the experience in a very simple way.
Then you complete a level.
Music reward, sounds change, it takes on an uplifting tone, reflecting… transcendence in video game format. Absolutely perfect.
REWARDING THE USER
Rewarding it’s user is something Infinity Loop achieves at all times.
Upon completing a level you get:
- A musical change/reward
- Screen change/reward
- Level number
- Ability to share where you are
These 4 changes sound tiny as I write them, but in reality they create an experience that is so different from the standard gameplay, the reward effect is enhanced.
Sometimes when rewarding a user less is more. Some people like the glitz and noise of games like Candy Crush, but give me the sweet subtle reward of Infinity Loop any day.
IT’S INTUITIVE
The game consists of only a handful of pieces. Moving them is as simple as clicking. When you start however it can seem amazing when they come together as if by magic.
When you play more though, you begin to develop an eye for the layout. You know where certain pieces should be placed or how to fix a certain layout challenge. These skills develop naturally as you play and are part of what makes the game so wonderful, even for a long term user.
IT’S BEAUTIFUL
It can sometimes get lost in playing, but every so often I’ll see a loop sequence that makes me laugh (like #6 on the left here).
Or I’ll come across a puzzle so convoluted & disjointed you think you’ll never finish it, only to eventually end with a perfect layout.
The use of symmetry, curved edges, beautiful design is shown throughout the gameplay & app is a whole. You don’t always appreciate it, but the Infinity Loop team have done wonders with limited structure.
IMPROVEMENTS
While I can’t find a gripe with the game itself, I can be annoyed by it’s monetisation strategy.
Ads are annoying. Ads that pop-up every 2–3 loops and must be clicked away really destroy the experience overall.
ADD A PAID OPTION
It’s that easy. For those who love the game, the thought of giving you $2–3 dollars for an ad-free version is an absolute no brainer. Not having this option at all feels like a waste!
I know there has been a lot of talk around whether the game should “increase in difficulty”, which I think would be unnecessary.
What I would like to see however is a reward system for replaying levels already beaten.
All it would take is:
- The opportunity to replay old levels
- A counter as to minimum number of moves required to complete
- You trying to achieve that counter
Essentially, this has you competing to complete levels with the minimum amount of moves, “perfect looping” so to say.
Not only would this extend play opportunities, but would also add a level of mental stimulation for those looking for something beyond the standard gameplay, without taking away from the bliss the game currently brings.
IN CONCLUSION
Mobile games that are enjoyable, don’t make me spend a lot of money & make me feel accomplished are a rare thing. Infinity Loop has done an amazing job with their game, full credits to the developers.
If you like what you’ve heard, make sure to download it now on iOS or Android.
