This game was everything it needed to be, and more than I expected it to be. A short but sweet 3D puzzle platformer, with no combat and relatively tight controls, it was an enjoyable experience that did not outstay its welcome. The world was a joy to wander through, and the design of each of the 'levels' was done with an intelligence of game design that provides the opportunity for players of varying levels and experience to engage with. It doesn't take an intricate knowledge of how games work to see that sloped collapsed pillar will eventually lead into the orb collectible, but it was just enough to give me pause as I look for the next step in my journey.

The world itself felt vibrant and alive, as if an ecosystem was already doing its own thing before my character wandered past a peaceful habitat. The encyclopedia entries that we get for each new creature gave a small reward for exploring and trying to find out more at every turn. Omno did some of my favourite things I love to see in games, especially towards the latter end as a puzzle required you taking the time to stop, take a moment to breathe, and observe some flying creatures make slow, lazy loops around what would soon turn out to be the answer to the puzzle. There were no quest markers, no answers handed out, the answer itself was taking the time to relax, breathe in, and observe the gorgeous world as it has been laid out in front of us.

An enjoyable experience that was exactly what it needed to be - which in itself is part of the difficulty in rating this game. No matter what however, this has lead me to wanting to keep an eye out for the next game from Studio Inkyfox.

Omno doesn't really stand out in the world of indie puzzle adventure games but I think it does everything it sets out to do pretty well. The puzzles are far from mind bending but they are satisfying to solve. You unlock new abilities as you go that give a decent escalation to navigation. That said, even with its short play time, I already felt that I was growing tired with it before finishing. It has a nice look and decent visual variety among the levels. I didn't find much to hang onto with the story but it had an effective melancholic atmosphere to it. I finished this game a couple of weeks ago and not much has really stuck with me but I do think it was worth the playthrough.

a really relaxing and artistic indie game with beautiful imagery and music.

coulda done with one more type of traversal tool and wish everything was put on map after meditating, but otherwise it was a fun quick play, even with some platforming jankiness.

7/10

Honestly I’ve never heard of anyone talk about this game but I was looking for games to play on PS extra before sub runs out and I found this to be the definition of a hidden gem. Nothing crazy but what this game sets out to do which is an atmospheric simple puzzle platformer adventure it succeeds in spades. Just the right length, super breezy, good variety in puzzles and platforming, good music. Honestly hard to ding this game other than being easy which is a plus in my books. Great palette cleanser. Took <4 hours to platinum very natural play through too.

I'm glad I started playing through my backlog of PS+ titles because it means I can find gems like this. I would classify this as a Journey-like game. Beautifully crafted art style and environments, gripping puzzles and gameplay, and that sense of exploration and adventure further amplified by a wonderful soundtrack. I don't have many problems with it, some platforming was a little frustrating, but none of this game was overly difficult and it played rather smoothly. This would be a good starter game for those wanting to get into video games.

Fun, short platformer that has charm and calm vibes. The puzzles aren't difficult; the platforming (while not the best control) is fairly simple. However, it's easy to overshoot your dash and the float messes with your camera. You unlock new abilities after progressing through the different portals.

You can freely explore the large scale maps. I love the environments and interacting with the creatures. The world is beautiful and it looks like the studio is carrying that same style over to their next project, Kibu. I will be looking forward to that.

it's fine. the closet thing that i can compare it to is Journey (2012), but while Journey is visually striking with diverse areas and garners a deep emotional connection with the player without using any words, this game comes nowhere close.

Omno looks "nice" but on the whole is pretty bland to look at and explore. it's formatted as a pilgrimage across the world, but several of the many areas in the game are just repeats thematically. when i got to the final segment of the game in the sky, i thought "wow, this area is neat and goes beyond just being a desert or a cold biome like the previous areas" but then the game proceeded to make the two following areas the exact same visually. nothing is really special about this game, and while i feel there was an attempt to make this world feel diverse and novel with its inclusion of 41 different unique species, they don't actually do much of anything in terms of gameplay or story outside of giving you "energy" which you need to get one singular collectible in each area. of course, there's a couple exceptions to this rule, but for the most part, they're inconsequential. also, there's 'glyphs' which are tablets with some lore on them, but they all felt faux-deep and pointless.

puzzles aren't anything special, and the movement is serviceable. i appreciate that you gain new abilities as you progress, so there is more freedom of movement, but it doesn't feel particularly satisfying. i don't think there's really anything worth playing here, but it is wholly playable, and i did get some enjoyment out of it, so i can't in sound and fair mind give it anything less than 3/5.

🕗 Total time played (approx.): 5h
🏆 Completion: 100% (22/22 Trophies)

REVIEW:

"Omno" beckoned me with its promise of exploration, discovery, and a tranquil journey through captivating landscapes. The initial moments were undeniably enchanting, as I set foot in a world teeming with lush beauty and seemingly limitless potential. The ethereal atmosphere and serene ambiance succeeded in evoking a sense of calm and wonder, setting the stage for a promising escapade.

Venturing deeper into "Omno", I found myself immersed in an array of captivating environments, each offering unique challenges and puzzles. The game's traversal mechanics, such as gliding and dashing, added a layer of dynamism to the exploration, allowing me to traverse the breathtaking vistas with a sense of fluidity and grace. These moments of mobility were undoubtedly the game's highlights, providing a sense of empowerment that resonated deeply. However, despite the promising start, "Omno" began to exhibit signs of monotony as I continued my journey. The pacing, which initially felt deliberate and purposeful, gradually devolved into a sense of sluggishness that hindered my engagement. The serene atmosphere, while initially captivating, began to lose its impact as the absence of variety and new challenges detracted from the experience. The game's penchant for exploration, while commendable, sometimes bordered on aimlessness, leaving me yearning for more engaging objectives.

The puzzles, though engaging at times, often failed to evolve beyond their initial novelty, contributing to a sense of repetitiveness. While some challenges offered moments of intellectual satisfaction, others felt predictable and formulaic, failing to provide the depth and variety needed to keep me fully engaged throughout the journey.

It's important to note that "Omno" does have its redeeming qualities. The minimalist narrative, while subtle, offers a sense of purpose and intrigue that kept me invested in uncovering the mysteries of the world. The art style and design deserve commendation for their aesthetic appeal and the tranquil ambiance they evoke. Moreover, the seamless integration of traversal mechanics adds a layer of excitement to the exploration. In conclusion, "Omno" is a game that embraces serene beauty and simple pleasures, providing fleeting moments of enchantment and tranquility. While the initial allure of the lush landscapes and graceful traversal mechanics is undeniable, the experience falters over time due to pacing issues and a lack of variety. Despite its shortcomings, "Omno" manages to offer occasional glimmers of enjoyment, making it a title that might resonate with players seeking a meditative escape.

⭐ Rating: 2.5/5