Pipe Dreams

Pipe Dreams is a little more unusual than the standard pipe swivelling puzzle games out there.

Instead of facilitating the flow of water by manipulating pipes, we have the pleasure of controlling a slime like creature around the board using WASD. The goal is still to travel from point A to point B, but the slime can go anywhere on the board if there is a route ahead, and must be careful to avoid traps, whilst collecting an array of goodies to bolster score.

Getting to point B advances you to the next level, and collecting treasures earns you points and achievements, so it's entirely up to you if you want to go for these extra titbits, but the game would be boring if you didn't, as it really isn't much of a challenge otherwise. Getting the extra coins and jewels on the map provided most of the challenge, and the achievements associated with collecting them provided most of the incentive to continue.

It is quite easy to complete levels, and although they do increase in difficulty, there's not much stopping you from advancing. There is no time limit, or option for a timed game; no enemies on the board; and only a couple of pitfalls, including disappearing squares, and boiling points which will melt you. I did die a couple of times in the thirty plus levels I completed but it was only because I got a bit cocky and rushed through the level. Some pieces rotate on a timer, and some pieces are locked together, so if you turn one, it will turn the others. This doesn't actually pose as much as a problem as it may sound though.

🎬Gameplay Video🎬

https://youtu.be/yEuU6nFICwc

There is a slight challenge, as you do have to pave your way to the end, but I suspect because the levels are procedurally generated, there are too many squares with convenient pieces on, making it too easy to find a path. I never got stuck finding a route, which is surprising considering the procedurally generated squares, but I did occasionally have to leave the odd jewel behind because I couldn't find a route.

Looks are pretty basic, but they are fine for the game. The pieces are well defined and rotate nice and smoothly. The tune is quite catchy throughout, and collecting goodies awards you with a pleasant sound. Gained achievements also pop up on the screen in a satisfying way making you feel rewarded for your efforts.

The boards grow in size as you progress, and at the start of each level we have to watch each square being added to the board. This gets tiresome very quickly! Is there no way to just load the board? I found it quite unpleasant to watch.

🍳Conclusion🍳

Pipe Dreams is a different kind of pipe puzzle game which kept me entertained for a while, but I did get a little disillusioned with the easiness of the levels. I would have liked a bit more difficulty, and perhaps a little more variety in the puzzle pieces, with more dangers, and/or a timed option for those who want to feel challenged.

Otherwise, it was a relaxing experience rather than a challenging one, and that's not necessarily a bad thing.

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I bought this game within minutes of its release and within minutes of playing I was reporting bugs. The dev immediately got in and fixed the issues and I have been delighted with the game ever since. After 1 month of having been released on Steam, more than 14 hours of play and 135 levels completed I have finally joined the 1.9% of people who have actually gotten every single achievement.

My only suggestion:

Players: Great value for money, fun, cute character, no game breaking bugs, nice graphics and I highly recommend it!

DEV: I would like to see you raise the amount of collectables needing to be collected OR several other types of them due to the fact that I spent approximately 35 levels chasing those last 2 achieves with the only objective being that I needed to walk the pipes.... a tad boring and not much fun don't you think for some players. All anyone has to do is look at the global stats which is always very telling. I also noticed space for 2 more achieves ingame, so you have the slots ready to fill ;D And perhaps you could introduce some cuties also running the pipes that we need to avoid or catch and collect.

I have enjoyed playing this game and can't wait to see what the dev has planned with the next update. I am happy to give this game 10/10

My first impressions are great. There is an explanation on how to play, but I felt as though it was pretty intuitive. I went into it thinking that it would easy and simple, but it ended up surprising me in terms of how challenging it can be. I think this game has a tons of potential, and I'd love to see where it's headed in the future.