OpenCritic
Steam
A 2D platformer, in which we end up in a world looking like a classic operating system. In MainFrames we play as a Floppy disk icon, exploring the world of windows, icons and programs. Our protagonist can jump on obstacles and fight various opponents. We change sizes and positions of some of the windows and also unlock Floppy's new skills.
MainFrames is a platforming game that takes place entirely on the virtual screen of a computer monitor. The game was developed by the independent French studio Assoupi, and its release was handled by The Arcade Crew, which has in its portfolio such titles as The Last Spell, Blazing Chrome and Infernax.
Story
In MainFrames we embody a computer program named Floppy, eager for adventures, looking just like a floppy disk icon. The protagonist traverses a digital world where demons maintain balance. While trying to find a place for themselves, our protagonist discovers more secrets of virtual reality and gets to know the characters inhabiting it, as well as unlocks new features.
Gameplay
In MainFrames we watch the action from the side. During the game, we explore levels consisting of windows, icons, and other elements of the computer interface. Floppy is capable of jumping between them and moving around them. We can also use them in other ways, like for gaining speed in specific directions.
We often have to avoid traps and also face opponents. Additionally, the fun is diversified by the ability to change the size and position of some windows, which comes in handy in certain situations. As our character progresses, they gains skills, which allows them to face bigger challenges.
Graphics
The two-dimensional graphics of MainFrames were created using pixel art technique. The whole thing is maintained in a style reminiscent of the first visual operating systems, like Amiga's Workbench.
Videos and Screens
[0:30] MainFrames - Release Date Trailer
Console Creatures: 10 / 10 by David Pietrangelo
MainFrames is a quirky, tightly packed precision platformer with a ton of personality and unique ideas. It's challenging and rewarding to create what could be one of the best byte-sized experiences of 2025.
Gameffine: 92 / 100 by Uphar Dutta
Mainframes is an extremely creative, masterpiece in its art-style and soundtrack and a fairly difficult platformer about a floppy disc on a mission of finding its purpose all the while rescuing overworked daemons. This charming platformer set inside your grand-mothers Windows 98 can immediately hook you in with its amazing polish and challenging platforming sections. TLDR: GO GET THE GAME NOW!
VDGMS: 7 / 10 by Darren Andrew
Precision platformers don’t necessarily need stories, but once you have experienced them with deeply engaging plots, it’s hard to fully enjoy them without. What MainFrames lacks in story and cohesion, it certainly makes up for in other areas though. On a precision platformer level, Mainframes was challenging, unique and competes with the best in the genre. The controls were spot on, the pixel aesthetic was very nice, the score was charming and there was hints of a relevant story about corporate downsizing, but unfortunately remained largely unexplored. If you are just looking for a demanding precision platformer, MainFrames is only about ten bucks and will give you those endorphins you are looking for. Unfortunately, living in a post Celeste world, just being a hard as nails precision platformer isn’t enough anymore.
The main pros of the game
- Unique Concept: The game creatively combines typing mechanics with survival horror, reminiscent of "Typing of the Dead" and classic Resident Evil games, which many players found refreshing and engaging.
- Co-op Gameplay: Playing with friends enhances the experience, making it more fun and chaotic. The game is designed for multiplayer, and players noted that it significantly increases the enjoyment factor.
- Adjustable Difficulty: The game allows players to adjust both typing and gameplay difficulty separately, catering to various skill levels. This feature is appreciated as it makes the game accessible to both fast and slower typers.
- Atmosphere and Design: The horror ambiance, character designs, and overall art style received positive feedback, contributing to an immersive experience.
- Regular Updates: Players noted that the developers are responsive to community feedback, regularly addressing bugs and improving the game.
The main cons of the game
- Game-Breaking Bugs: Some users reported significant bugs, especially in multiplayer, where combat words would not appear, rendering the game unplayable. These issues detracted from the overall experience for some players.
- Limited Content: Many reviews mentioned the game feels short, with only a few scenarios available. Users expressed a desire for more levels, characters, and varied objectives to enhance replayability.
- Clunky Controls: While some found the typing controls innovative, others found them clunky, particularly during combat or when switching targets. This could lead to frustration in intense situations.
- Voice Chat Issues: Several players experienced delays or problems with the in-game voice chat, which affected communication during co-op play.
The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users
- More Content and Scenarios: Players want additional scenarios, characters, and varied objectives beyond just collecting red tapes to fix the elevator, which they found repetitive.
- Achievements and Unlockables: Many users expressed a desire for achievements or unlockable content to enhance replayability and provide a sense of progression.
- Custom Word Lists: Some players suggested the ability to add custom word lists, similar to what was available in "Typing of the Dead: Overkill," to personalize the typing experience.
- Improved Save System: Users noted a lack of save points within levels, making it challenging for those who cannot commit to longer play sessions. A more robust save system was suggested.
- Enhanced Combat Mechanics: Suggestions included the addition of unique boss enemies and improvements to combat targeting mechanics to make encounters more dynamic and less frustrating.
Summary
- Overall, "Blood Typers" is praised for its innovative blend of typing and horror gameplay, though it faces challenges with bugs, content limitations, and some control issues. Players are optimistic about future updates and expansions.
Summary generated on:
MainFrames Summary
Platforms:
PC / Windows
Switch
Developer: Assoupi
Publisher: The Arcade Crew
Age restrictions: none
MainFrames System Requirements
PC / Windows
Minimum: (60 fps, 1080p) Intel Core 2 Duo E6750 / AMD Athlon 64 X2 6400+, 4 GB RAM, graphic card 1 GB GeForce GT 320 / Radeon HD 6570, 2 GB HDD, Windows 10
MainFrames, a 2D platformer set in a computer screen, launches today
MainFrames launches today. Play as a floppy disk and traverse a computer screen in this creative indie 2D platformer.
video games
Matt Buckley
March 6, 2025