MainFrames

All told, Mainframes is a solid recommendation if you’re after a new precision/puzzle platformer that tries something relatively fresh with its desktop-bending premise. We would have liked to have seen a few clever nods to real-world software brands to really take advantage of its setup, but with its pleasant pixel-art visuals and gorgeously laid-back soundtrack, it’s a good way to spend a handful of hours. Just watch out for those difficulty spikes; they can be a real downer.

MainFrames is one of those games that knows exactly what it wants to be—and nails it. It’s glitchy in the best way, fast without being overwhelming, and clever without being obnoxious. If you’re a fan of Celeste, VVVVVV, or Super Meat Boy, and you’re open to a few quirks, MainFrames is absolutely worth booting up. It may not change your life, but it’ll challenge your reflexes, make you laugh at a killer pop-up window, and remind you why tight, creative platformers are still one of gaming’s purest pleasures.

Mainframes leaves me with an overall impression of muddledness, albeit executed with a sincere passion. It throws in ideas about platforming, collecting, and environmental manipulation. But maybe some of the excess should've been left on the cutting room floor so the rest could be more polished and its potential better realized. While I admit a measure of satisfaction in getting past the trickiest parts, there is nearly equal amounts of relief, which is not a good ratio. The difficulty spikes (even with accessibility options) never feel "cozy."

A short and sweet platformer with tons of charm, MainFrames is excellent time all around.

Running with some unique theming, this precision platformer makes clever use of what it has to work with

Charming 2D platformer set within the windows and desktop of a PC

If you are looking for a fresh, challenging and secret-filled platformer, MainFrames is an indie gem that deserves more attention. Don't let it go unnoticed. If you are a fan of the genre, you will enjoy it.

If I was to call MainFrames a proof of concept, I would be grossly overlooking its stellar presentation of byte-sized platforming as a little floppy disk. Yes, it's difficult at times, but just about anyone can reach its end credits within a few hours. Developer Assoupi has nailed the platforming formula to a T; I can't wait for more!

Ultimately, I’m still a fan of MainFrames, and I think Assoupi and The Arcade Crew have given us a unique and charismatic puzzle platformer experience. Whether or not you can see past the inconsistent and occasionally very high difficulty to enjoying the full experience is the real question.

MainFrames is a short and sweet platformer that manages to pack plenty of challenge and fun into every stage, all while remaining visually striking, engaging, and memorable.