Again after I reviewed Ouros ($2.99) from Michael Kamm on Steam Deck, I loved it so much, however thought it was higher suited to enjoying on iOS because it was finest with contact controls on Valve’s handheld. Quick ahead to at this time, the spline-based puzzler about forming curves has hit cell, and I’ve been having fun with replaying it on my iPhone and iPad. Though this isn’t near the identical model of puzzler, it jogged my memory of the basic Osmos and its class after I began enjoying, and Ouros is likely one of the finest cell puzzlers of the yr regardless of a couple of points.
Ouros has a really sensible method of onboarding and introducing new mechanics. You start with simply the most-basic stage of the primary chapter the place you’re taught to tug an orb to maneuver a curve on prime of numbered objects. Your intention is to have the rotating orb on stated curve observe a path in a selected order, and that’s the place the puzzle facet comes into the image. The way you work together with the orbs, the extent modifications, obstacles, and even the route of motion change the way you sort out the puzzles. Ouros isn’t a tough sport, nevertheless it does have some ranges that had me wanting hints.
Proper now, Ouros ships with greater than 120 puzzles, and I really like that you simply don’t have to resolve each single one to maneuver ahead. Some ranges introduce mechanics that fully change up the sport as nicely, however I really like the way it by no means loses sight of being a sublime and stress-free puzzle sport even when the degrees get much more advanced afterward with totally different path necessities and obstacles. There’s at all times the trace system, nevertheless it isn’t a direct reply for later ranges with you continue to having to consider forming the curve accurately.
The accessibility of Ouros isn’t simply associated to it being on the better facet with regards to puzzle options or the trace system, but in addition in its controls. Ouros is an easy sport about dragging orbs with responsive controls to accurately align totally different curves. You aren’t pressured into any pixel perfection or to fret about timers. Consider this as a pleasant sport to sit back with when you’ve a couple of minutes to kill time and wish to do one thing to maintain your mind working.
Visually, Ouros may be very pleasing. I really like the animation work, sped-up motion once you’ve solved a puzzle, and likewise the transitions between ranges. Even conditions the place you make an error are accompanied by a pleasant little animation. All of that is accompanied by excellent efficiency on each iOS gadget I examined it on: iPhone 15 Professional, iPhone 12, and iPad Professional (2020). I’ve nearly no complaints with the iOS model, however the lack of iCloud save assist is disappointing. In case you plan on enjoying Ouros on iOS, stick to at least one gadget proper now.
Since I used to be testing it on each gadgets, I ended up liking it extra on iPad than iPhone. It seems to be and runs nice on each, however I get pleasure from these sorts of video games extra on the bigger display. I had the identical feeling with World of Goo although that requires quicker inputs. In case you do have the choice to play on each, I like to recommend doing the primary three ranges and seeing how you are feeling earlier than deciding on a selected gadget. I’d additionally advocate it on iOS over Steam as a result of these video games are higher off with full contact controls, and an iPad is extra snug for a touchscreen sport than Steam Deck.
Apart from the dearth of iCloud save sync, a couple of of the later puzzles maintain Ouros again a bit, however there’s little mistaken with this in any other case inventive, elegant, and stress-free puzzle sport. Given the way it controls completely with contact controls, I didn’t hassle utilizing a controller.
Ouros was already nicely definitely worth the asking value on Steam earlier this yr, and the lower cost on cell makes it a fair simpler suggestion. In case you get pleasure from stress-free puzzle video games, Ouros is a vital. I hope we see extra from developer Michael Kamm within the puzzle area within the close to future.