Infinity Sweeper is one of those games that will appeal to a large audience. It’s not because of the crisp and modern graphics or the deep and insightful lore. Instead, it is the simplicity and the classic Minesweeper mechanics that will appeal to many gamers. On top of this, it is relatively easy to pick up and play. Therefore, it is ideal if you are short of time or you don’t like complex experiences.
This rogue-like twist on a classic game was developed by Longshot Studio and published by Yogscast Games. It is a single-player title that offers almost endless replay value. However, I found it most enjoyable when I tackled it in short bursts. Although I could have easily played it for hours, things could have become quite repetitive. Accordingly, it is ideal if you want a quick fix between bigger and more complex games.
Infinity Sweeper delivers a modern edge.
I can sit and play Minesweeper for hours, but the one mistake and game-over design is enough to drive me insane. Instead, Infinity Sweeper delivers a life system alongside some pleasant modern mechanics. With different abilities, traps, tricks, and boss stages, this game doesn’t like to serve things up on a platter. Gamers will find their minds and their patience tested as they search for the enemy hidden beneath every tile.
I can’t believe I’m going to explain the core concept of Minesweeper, but here we go. The gameplay revolves around a board that is loaded with square tiles. There are enemies hidden beneath selected tiles, and you must avoid them if you wish to live to fight another day. As you select a random space, a number will appear. This indicates the number of enemies connected to that zone, and you must decide which tile is safe to select as you work your way across the board. If you avoid every foe, you’ll complete the round and move on to the next stage.
What’s different?
So far, it sounds exactly like its dated counterpart. However, there are some obvious differences. First, you earn coins as you clear each stage. The faster you get to the finale, the more gold you earn. The money can be spent on special cards to help you on your way. Maybe you’ll want another heart, or maybe some extra time during the boss rounds. Either way, there are plenty of options available, and you must work out which ones work for you.
Moreover, there are negative effects that affect the simplicity of each stage. These punishing tiles reduce the logical element of the gameplay and may annoy purists. I liked the twist of the relatively straightforward approach. Furthermore, it made things more challenging, and that is always a plus point in my book.
Infinity Sweeper isn’t a visual spectacle.
I wasn’t expecting Infinity Sweeper to look great, and I wasn’t blown away by the end product. It is clean and working, my way around each board was fun, but it’s neither fantastic nor poor. In fact, it’s perfectly serviceable without being memorable. The animation is simple, and the contrasting colours work. However, don’t expect it to have a modern edge.
The audio won’t stick in your mind either. This isn’t to say it’s poor, because it isn’t. Simply put, it is forgettable, and I can’t recall any true highs and lows. The sound effects were more noticeable, but they didn’t blow me away either. Consequently, it isn’t an aesthetic masterpiece.
Simple controls.
Infinity Sweeper is easy to pick up and play. The control system is easy to follow, and you’ll master the controls in no time. I played the daily run, and this offers no tutorial. This didn’t matter because everything flows nicely. However, if you want a tutorial, simply play the main game, and every key mechanic is explained.
This will not have you hooked like Minesweeper. Instead, it is nice in a take it or leave it sort of way. I like the gameplay and the different modes on offer. Furthermore, the twist to classical mechanics was pleasant. Subsequently, it casually offers a lot.
Infinity Sweeper is good, but not a modern classic.
It was always going to be tough to beat an all-time classic. Minesweeper will always be a great game, and Infinity Sweeper doesn’t quite hit those heights. I like the rogue-like elements, the modern edge, and the casual gameplay. However, it won’t appeal to purists. It tries too hard to forge its own identity, and this was a mistake. Despite this shortcoming, I like it, and I recommend buying it here! Can you clear every board? Click some tiles, devise a plan, and stay alive.
