GENRE: Adventure

PLATFORMS: Android, iOS

Galactic Slice, LLC’s latest release, OneBit Adventure, has successfully compressed the essence of a full-fledged RPG into a compact, pocket-sized experience. Drawing inspiration from classic GameBoy Advance games, this charming and whimsical adventure captivated me from start to finish.

OneBit Adventure is a turn-based roguelite RPG that takes players on an endless journey filled with discovery, fantasy, and treacherous encounters. Its gameplay mechanics are reminiscent of Frogger, offering only one direction to traverse: upwards. With intuitive one-hand controls, players can effortlessly maneuver their characters, perform actions such as attacking enemies or unlocking doors, and immerse themselves in the captivating world of OneBit Adventure. The turn-based system ensures that each move and action affects the game’s dynamics.

In the face of adversity, players have the option to start anew or restart from a checkpoint, a task easier said than done. However, any weapons, upgrades, armor, and coins collected persist between lives, progressively enhancing subsequent attempts. In my initial playthrough, my score reached an impressive 358, and by the second run, I surpassed 590.

The scoring system in OneBit Adventure adds an intriguing element to the gameplay. The primary objective is to accumulate as many “steps forward” as possible. Collecting coins, upgrading abilities, utilizing armor and items—each endeavor contributes to surviving longer in the wilderness and achieving a higher score. These achievements are registered in the rankings, allowing players to compete against their previous scores, friends, and fellow gamers worldwide.

Furthermore, daily quests and achievements offer players secondary incentives to embark on new challenges and push their boundaries. Among these challenges, the most daunting one arises when players enter a dark cave, where a formidable boss lurks at the end—a true test of skill.

Nonetheless, the game does exhibit a few quirks. Notably, the user experience (UX) of the user interface could benefit from further refinement in three areas: the buttons, visuals, and font.

For individuals with larger fingers like mine, tapping on certain buttons can prove challenging, particularly when the control scheme involves a digital joystick, urging players to swipe across the screen.

Although OneBit Adventure offers various color palettes to customize the visual theme, I noticed a lack of support for color-blindness. The use of one-bit pixel art can quickly hinder readability, especially for players who struggle with differentiating colors.

Moreover, the game would greatly benefit from additional font options. It would be desirable to have a sans-serif font that isn’t overly tied to the visual theme, ensuring legibility and accessibility for all players.

VERDICT: OneBit Adventure effortlessly transports players back to the nostalgic GameBoy gaming era while incorporating subtle adjustments to cater to contemporary audiences. I wholeheartedly rate it a solid nine out of ten, making it a must-play experience.