MainFrames Review – Byte-Sized Brilliance

When I previewed MainFrames last year, I was surprised by how delightful this fast-paced side-scrolling platformer is. Despite the demo only lasting for 30 minutes, I was fully sold on the concept and anxious to continue Floppy’s fascinating journey of self-discovery.

After completing the short and sweet 3-hour campaign last week, I applaud Assoupi and The Arcade Crew for creating a wildly fun game full of personality. Here are more thoughts on MainFrames and why it’s one platformer that shouldn’t be missed.

A Fun Cyber Adventure

MainFrames tells the story of Floppy, an inquisitive disk program searching for answers about its origin and meaning. Floppy must navigate across various browser windows and desktop icons within a PC’s operating system. This gameplay loop involves jumping from one browser window to another, solving mini-puzzles, and avoiding daemons restricting access to certain areas.

References to computer terminology and functional commands serve as the basis for creative ideas throughout this adventure. For example, Floppy meets a character named Key early in the game who grants permissions to other browsers and restricted areas. Any and every computer term you can think of is accounted for in this game by characters full of wit and charm. This made the story even more fun and will keep you wondering how they would depict other terms as you continue playing.

Another fun aspect of exploration resides in puzzle-solving and rethinking certain paths on your journey. Floppy can jump off the sides of browser windows and use different tools to rearrange other windows. Every new screen you enter for the first time requires looking closely at the obstacles and what it would take to get from one side to the other.

These puzzles are fairly easy from the beginning and evolve as you get deeper into the game. Solving some puzzles can also help other characters who might be stuck. Every path I took in this playthrough led to the same destination but I’m curious to see if this would be different in future playthroughs.

An Immaculate Art Style

MainFrames has a cool graphic art style that aligns with the playful characters and comical tone established by the game. Anyone who has used a computer will easily identify with the familiar symbols and icons. The personality added to these characters makes things even more playful and guarantees a relaxed experience from start to finish.

I reviewed MainFrames on PC and didn’t experience any crashes or performance issues. This game also runs on the Steam Deck and is available on the Nintendo Switch. This is a perfect title for mobile players looking for an engaging platformer.

A Great Soundtrack

MainFrames has a chill and laid-back soundtrack. The music matches the playful tone of the game and keeps the vibe mellow in every way. If you like cozy games, you’ll get a similar feeling from this experience and shouldn’t be disappointed.

At $12.99, MainFrames is well worth the price of admission. It’s remarkable what a team of four developers have created and I look forward to seeing what they do next.

Final Verdict

MainFrames is a smart and charming side-scrolling platformer that makes exploring a PC’s operating system fun. If you’re looking for a captivating adventure with entertaining characters and intricate puzzles, this game is for you.

This review was written based on a digital review copy of MainFrames for PC provided by The Arcade Crew.