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.
Today, MainFrames, a 2D platformer based around a computer screen, launched on Steam and Nintendo Switch. Play as a charmingly adorable floppy disk and jump through puzzles based on a Windows desktop. Use desktop apps to launch yourself, click and drag programs to give yourself platforms, and so much more. The level of creativity to interpret and build a world within the computer screen is utterly charming.
Play on a computer as a floppy disk in MainFrames, an indie 2D platformer out today
This is the debut game from developer Assoupi, a French studio with the goal “to create games that are small in scope but big in ideas…” from the publisher The Arcade Crew’s website. MainFrames was revealed just six months ago and released today. From the looks of it, Assoupi has achieved their goal of creating a unique, small game that has no shortage of interesting ideas.
MainFrames could have easily gone with the standard computer wallpapers, like the rolling green fields and blue sky everyone has seen, but instead each background is a gorgeous pixel-art landscape. The excellent art direction also extends to the character designs, goofy, but adorable, and the color pallet, which tends towards white, black, and orange.
What seems the most interesting is the way that the player needs to manage the character, Floppy, and their mouse. Floppy needs to jump across the platforms, but the player also needs to use the mouse at the right moments. Click and drag a platform or extend a window to reach across a gap. But also, swap between tabs while Floppy is in mid-air to swap to the right boosts. I’m curious how this duality of characters presents itself in the game, and how it will work with a controller on a console like the Switch.
MainFrames does also have some enemies here and there. I’m not sure yet what the full story will be, but Floppy does appear to be helping out other small characters, getting them safely to a sort of elevator window. But in the launch trailer, Floppy appears to be up against some kind of fly-like creature.
If you’re looking for a quick, creative, indie platformer, this might be the one for you. MainFrames is available now on Nintendo Switch and PC via Steam. The game is also on sale for 25% off as an introductory offer on both platforms for the next few days.
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