Osmos

 PC
User Score
7.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 155 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 92 out of 155
  2. Mixed: 48 out of 155
  3. Negative: 15 out of 155

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  1. IsakA
    Nov 26, 2009
    9
    A peace of art that stands out in a gameworld overpopulated with aqctionpacked FPS and and melodarmatic MMOs. The indiescene is where it the innovation takes place as far as i'm concerned.
  2. JonesR
    Mar 7, 2012
    6
    Sit back, relax, and gobble bubbles. I thought it was supposed to be relaxing, but it's a stretch to classify some of the levels as casual. A great game to play when you are in an alcohol induced stuper.
  3. badrain
    Dec 1, 2011
    5
    Osmos. Look very relaxing. Nope, nothing more WRONG. All this relaxing and calm environment turn to s*it after few levels. This game is hard as hell... normally i would count it as a plus, but in Osmos difficulty level is bit too high. Well, it's all about absorbing bubbles to make bigger bubbles. It doesnt sound exciting and surely it is not. It's just... not fun. I was really hopefulOsmos. Look very relaxing. Nope, nothing more WRONG. All this relaxing and calm environment turn to s*it after few levels. This game is hard as hell... normally i would count it as a plus, but in Osmos difficulty level is bit too high. Well, it's all about absorbing bubbles to make bigger bubbles. It doesnt sound exciting and surely it is not. It's just... not fun. I was really hopeful after the tutorial, but quickly all the positive feel of the game vanished. It rapidly gets repetitive and irritating, but not in a manner "Im so angry, i will eventually beat you". The only words in my mouth sounded like "Damn this game, where's the quit button?"… Expand
  4. Mykwon
    Dec 8, 2012
    8
    A very original concept for a relaxing game. A good replay value even if you've finished all levels. If you get it at a discounted price, that's a good deal. The kind of game you play between two games, to make another part of your brain work.
  5. MusicCream
    Jul 28, 2013
    3
    Cool game with great potential... But could be done better. Very frustrating for a casual game. Can be much luck based too. But this game have a good relaxating soundtrack and cool visual.
  6. MarkM
    Nov 27, 2009
    7
    You might rate Osmos low if you haven't tried enough of it's features; or, as a Casual Gamer, possibly overated. I'm not a full-time Casual Gamer, but enjoy them occassionaly. Osmos is an Indie game. That itself should warn all buyers it's probably going to be a unique game experience. I got it for the $2 one day sale, so that might be part of the reason I purchased it You might rate Osmos low if you haven't tried enough of it's features; or, as a Casual Gamer, possibly overated. I'm not a full-time Casual Gamer, but enjoy them occassionaly. Osmos is an Indie game. That itself should warn all buyers it's probably going to be a unique game experience. I got it for the $2 one day sale, so that might be part of the reason I purchased it honestly. But the game "is" puzzle related. Some reviewers miss that it's not just about absorbing things, simply. Yes, it's the main idea, but there are different obsticles you must overcome. But, its not like your aimlessly floating around absorbing things, as some might have you think. The game isn't breakthrough, but its unique, which helps it survive. It's short to. I would only buy this if you are a fan of unique casual games. And, certianly, dont expect a storyline either.… Expand
  7. Olly
    Aug 24, 2010
    7
    Very relaxing and beautiful, but I found that each level started out really hard, and I'd have to reconstruct the level a few times to get myself off the ground. But once you have, the ball is rolling, and it's then fairly difficult to lose unless your attention lapses.
    Mainly, this is just a game good for soaking you up in its relaxing, spacey feel and I don't think it really functions    Very relaxing and beautiful, but I found that each level started out really hard, and I'd have to reconstruct the level a few times to get myself off the ground. But once you have, the ball is rolling, and it's then fairly difficult to lose unless your attention lapses.
    Mainly, this is just a game good for soaking you up in its relaxing, spacey feel and I don't think it really functions too well as a puzzle game.    … Expand
  8. DRUNK-N-DENNYS
    Mar 27, 2012
    9
    Osmos is an intense yet subdued little game. Fun on every level. It could have been done with 8 bit graphics, but it wasn't. It's very polished and smooth (assuming you're not running an 8088). If you are incapable of understanding Newton's laws of motion, simple orbital mechanics, and circle packing don't bother with this game. The tutorial/demo would be insightful for those of youOsmos is an intense yet subdued little game. Fun on every level. It could have been done with 8 bit graphics, but it wasn't. It's very polished and smooth (assuming you're not running an 8088). If you are incapable of understanding Newton's laws of motion, simple orbital mechanics, and circle packing don't bother with this game. The tutorial/demo would be insightful for those of you logical enough to understand those principals but have not been introduced to them yet. This game, if applied properly, could be a great educational introduction to physics. Well done Hemisphere.… Expand
  9. tech-noir
    Apr 30, 2012
    5
    Osmos would like to make you believe that it is a relaxing ambient game, but that is mostly not true at all. The description even makes the laughable usage of the word "elegant" to describe its game play style. It couldn't be farther from the truth. The controls are clunky, obtuse, and unprecise. The music is boring, uninspired, and uneventful. It feels like you're playing a simplistic andOsmos would like to make you believe that it is a relaxing ambient game, but that is mostly not true at all. The description even makes the laughable usage of the word "elegant" to describe its game play style. It couldn't be farther from the truth. The controls are clunky, obtuse, and unprecise. The music is boring, uninspired, and uneventful. It feels like you're playing a simplistic and limited cell phone game, and for the most part, that is correct. The difficulty is simply broken. In the first five or so levels, you will become acquainted with the game's narrow mechanics, and every single level after that, you will learn lessons in what unaffluent programming looks like and experiment with poor game design. Worst of all, is that Osmos has the tendency to flicker the screen and generally display what appears to be coding garbage and fragments of menus at random and persistent times. The only way to correct this serious problem is figure out how to quit the game without being able to read the menu options due to the bugs, and restart it. This screen flickering and fragments display problem will continue incessantly, and there are many others who have tried the game who have the exact same problems. All one has to do is go to the Steam forum for the game and read about the numerous problems this poor attempt at game design has to offer. The developers have not shown any signs of life in relation to correcting the game's various serious flaws, or made any relevant commentary whatsoever. They just don't care. For a game that is supposed to be relaxing and intriguing, Osmos is the perfect antonym to those experiences, and should only be given a try by the most patient and forgiving gaming persons around. This game is yet another example of ideas being implemented lousily and in an incredibly unsound manner. It is an unbalanced and confined mess, and its value is clearly in the realm of free cell phone games. The developer's thoughts on what an adequate asking price for such a poor showing is also downright ridiculous, as for the same amount, one could make much better use of their hard earned money. Osmos is a drab cell phone game reminiscent of a screen saver.… Expand
  10. mrnice
    Jul 21, 2012
    9
    Amazingly well designed game. Very interesting. It's like an action science lesson. Did you read me? An action science lesson. Insightful, welcoming and gorgeous.
  11. impure
    Feb 19, 2012
    5
    Eat smaller things to become bigger. It's a tried and true concept with a little twist; moving makes you smaller. Although the visuals and the calming music give a good first impression, this game is just too repetitive. Maybe I'm just not good at it, but the game feels more about luck than skill. You're encouraged to go slowly, but the game punishes you if you don't grow fast enough.Eat smaller things to become bigger. It's a tried and true concept with a little twist; moving makes you smaller. Although the visuals and the calming music give a good first impression, this game is just too repetitive. Maybe I'm just not good at it, but the game feels more about luck than skill. You're encouraged to go slowly, but the game punishes you if you don't grow fast enough. Needless to say, I found myself dying multiple times in levels and just winded up rage quitting. Still, a good game, until you find out that every level is essentially the same and require next to no skill.… Expand
  12. KillJoyKJ
    Jul 14, 2012
    5
    After playing successfully completing the majority of the game within a couple hours, I can say the game feels lacking. I had hoped for a microbiological or cellular-level version of 'Feeding Frenzy' + "Spore" gameplay... however the game is very simple, with no skill-tree or perks, and graphics seem retro.
  13. suneater
    Dec 17, 2012
    3
    You know that first level of Spore where you're floating around in prehistoric goop or whatever their story is? Well it's like that, but the whole game. It's ok for relaxing but the randomization leads to impossible maps or spawnkilling. With a bit of tweaking and more maps I could really get into this but there's not much depth to it; eat or be eaten and eat the sentient blobs before theyYou know that first level of Spore where you're floating around in prehistoric goop or whatever their story is? Well it's like that, but the whole game. It's ok for relaxing but the randomization leads to impossible maps or spawnkilling. With a bit of tweaking and more maps I could really get into this but there's not much depth to it; eat or be eaten and eat the sentient blobs before they get too big to eat.… Expand
  14. rasLivity
    Mar 30, 2013
    3
    i really dont get it, how always games, which should "relax me into a trance and beyond that". Become out as the games, which will frustrate me to death Game devs. should REALLY check what relax means! But yes, OST and graphics are 10/10. Though, don't think those are the most important things in a game...so i have to give a 3 for Osmos.
  15. aigor
    Feb 27, 2013
    10
    Beautiful graphics, good and realxing sound themes and, especially, SIMPLY DIFFICULT! If you like that kind of brainy games and you like some more stress caused by repeating levels, this is your game.
  16. AWG
    Jul 7, 2013
    7
    Characterized by some great concepts and a really good implementation, Osmos has nice graphics and compelling musics too. Perfect to kill half a day.
  17. markwhitton
    Nov 20, 2013
    5
    Maybe this game isn't for me; but from a constructive standpoint there are many that may enjoy this title… It’s challenging, pretty and quite a chilled soothing experience… It’s also annoying as hell! But maybe that’s just my incompetence at such fiddly titles! The object of the game is simple morph with shapes smaller than yourself to grow in size while avoiding the enemy, whom you alsoMaybe this game isn't for me; but from a constructive standpoint there are many that may enjoy this title… It’s challenging, pretty and quite a chilled soothing experience… It’s also annoying as hell! But maybe that’s just my incompetence at such fiddly titles! The object of the game is simple morph with shapes smaller than yourself to grow in size while avoiding the enemy, whom you also must grow larger than to be able to “EAT” before he gets you… It may sound a simple concept but it truly irritates me on every level. I really hate these strategy luck based games! That aside it is a very pretty game and I understand why people may enjoy this!… Expand
  18. AliciaY
    Nov 26, 2009
    10
    It's incredibly addictive, a little difficult to master, but a price and a gem for an incredible good deal. Now we have to wonder... What if Spore had been this good? >.>
  19. Coeco
    Oct 13, 2009
    3
    One of the most overrated puzzle games there is, To begin with, it isn't even a puzzle. Get bigger. Yes, Bigger.Yup. That's your ONLY goal over every annoying level that is in this terrible game. Either they add more opponents, or bigger startingballs. There's absolutely nothing inbetween. Music and graphics are probably the only "good" thing about this game since the fact One of the most overrated puzzle games there is, To begin with, it isn't even a puzzle. Get bigger. Yes, Bigger.Yup. That's your ONLY goal over every annoying level that is in this terrible game. Either they add more opponents, or bigger startingballs. There's absolutely nothing inbetween. Music and graphics are probably the only "good" thing about this game since the fact that you have to sacrafice size to gain size just makes it bland.… Expand
  20. kay2
    Jan 9, 2012
    2
    What could be a great game of careful physics control is ruined by spastic stress levels with realtime enemies, and poor feedback and controls so it's quite difficult to tell what the result of your actions will be, and how hard you are pushing.

    All in all, far more frustrating that it should have been.
  21. Stormlake
    Jul 9, 2011
    1
    Good graphics and relaxing music (a bit repetitive though). The game is unfortunately not relaxing at all when you reach higher levels. Make one or two mistakes and it's over... you have to start the level from the beginning. Very frustrating. In advanced levels you'd better count on your luck.
  22. VL
    Dec 27, 2009
    3
    I give it a 3 because of it's nice soundtrack and graphics. Obviously a lot of work has been put into them. The sad part is that the game is virtually unplayable. It's incredibly hard and annoying. I don't know about you, but I don't like being frustrated. Skip this game.
  23. HansWurst
    Aug 24, 2009
    2
    It's not fun. The handling of the orb that you are controlling is like flying the airplanes in GTA3. It's often a rush against the clock because when another orb gets to big you can't assimilate it anymore and you have to restart. No action, no skill, just luck. That's what this game is all about!
  24. beene
    Dec 30, 2011
    2
    No skill is required to play this game, it is all about random chance, chance and luck are the only things required to play this game. If you can't beat a level in a couple of tries just remake it and try again. Not only is the game a game of luck but it is too simple a concept to hold ones attention for any matter of time. Overall just stay away.
  25. JasonV
    Jan 6, 2010
    5
    I'd say it's worth $2 if it's ever on steam for that cheap again, but I'd feel pretty ripped off if I got it for 10... It's not like it's a bad game, it's just not very expansive. And you can forget about sipping your coffee while you relax in front of a soothing game where you are absorbing other essences because if you just sit around and let your I'd say it's worth $2 if it's ever on steam for that cheap again, but I'd feel pretty ripped off if I got it for 10... It's not like it's a bad game, it's just not very expansive. And you can forget about sipping your coffee while you relax in front of a soothing game where you are absorbing other essences because if you just sit around and let your being float across the screen, you will get swallowed up in 20 seconds... Nope, you have to be active if you want to win on most levels. I give this game a 5 because it is a $10 game. If it was permanently $2 this would be changed to a 7.5 to 8… Expand
  26. olivern
    Dec 3, 2009
    9
    Relaxing and relieves tension, just what i need!
  27. Zelakon
    Dec 2, 2009
    9
    Ignore Coeco's limited and impatient account of this game; it's the equivalent of saying your only goal in an FPS is to shoot things. Osmos, from start to finish, is excellent.
  28. DimaN
    Jan 2, 2010
    8
    This game has a charming atmosphere,and uncommon style.Gameplay isn't genius,but it works so it's enjoyable to play this game!
  29. ToddM
    Jan 7, 2010
    9
    The only thing that keeps this from being one of the most addictive and engaging games I've ever played is the fact that you cannot save the game mid level. While no level takes more than 15 minutes, dying more than once towards the end can easily turn a single level into an hour. Other than that, this is an amazing game, and you should buy it. It's like the bacterial stage of The only thing that keeps this from being one of the most addictive and engaging games I've ever played is the fact that you cannot save the game mid level. While no level takes more than 15 minutes, dying more than once towards the end can easily turn a single level into an hour. Other than that, this is an amazing game, and you should buy it. It's like the bacterial stage of Spore finally done right.… Expand
  30. JasonMartin
    Aug 28, 2009
    7
    The game had a ton of potential, and it IS one of a kind, but it's maddenly frustrating a LOT of the time, which takes away from the supposed "Ambient" nature it was promoted under.

    Worth picking up, but we warned, this game is incredibly frustrating. I think had the game included a time mechanic, ALA Braid, to allow you to go back and fix a mistake, it would have lowered the    The game had a ton of potential, and it IS one of a kind, but it's maddenly frustrating a LOT of the time, which takes away from the supposed "Ambient" nature it was promoted under.

    Worth picking up, but we warned, this game is incredibly frustrating. I think had the game included a time mechanic, ALA Braid, to allow you to go back and fix a mistake, it would have lowered the frustration level a bit. 7/10 generously.    … Expand
  31. Demigod
    Nov 26, 2009
    7
    This game is incredibly difficult. While it is very "zen" and "relaxing", it is also very taxing on your patience. It's not necessarily a bad thing, but if you don't feel up to a challenge, you won't make it far in this game. That being said, the gameplay is very polished and there are some cleverly designed scenarios. Music and background create a very soothing mood. Pick This game is incredibly difficult. While it is very "zen" and "relaxing", it is also very taxing on your patience. It's not necessarily a bad thing, but if you don't feel up to a challenge, you won't make it far in this game. That being said, the gameplay is very polished and there are some cleverly designed scenarios. Music and background create a very soothing mood. Pick it up if you have a couple extra bucks.… Expand
  32. JackK
    Dec 1, 2009
    9
    For me, this is the most addictive game since i bought BF2 back in 2005. I spent from 8pm-3am playing this, it has an excellent soundtrack, good ideas and the small game size is also good so you dont have to download for 8 hours. Something that is somewhat tricky to review is difficulty; the game got very difficult on some levels, which is good as it makes an EXCELLENT gaming experience, For me, this is the most addictive game since i bought BF2 back in 2005. I spent from 8pm-3am playing this, it has an excellent soundtrack, good ideas and the small game size is also good so you dont have to download for 8 hours. Something that is somewhat tricky to review is difficulty; the game got very difficult on some levels, which is good as it makes an EXCELLENT gaming experience, but also bad because sometimes I want to throw my PC out the window. THe only real complaint I have is that there was a somewhat limited level choice. For how good this game is, I would've liked a greater level choice and/or custom levels to help imrpove the replayability of this. TL;DR VERSION: Addictive, loads of fun, hours of infuriation and some decent replayability, not enough levels, I would definately reccommend it to anyone. 9/10… Expand
  33. seant.
    Aug 24, 2009
    9
    Easily one of the most addictive games I've played since Alpha Centauri was released ever so long ago. Osmos is addictive, arty, trippy, exhilarating and breezy at all of the same time. What sets Osmos apart from any other game is that it respects time and patience; time-warping to absorb a mote with finesse is an artform in and of itself. For me the games most entertaining mode was Easily one of the most addictive games I've played since Alpha Centauri was released ever so long ago. Osmos is addictive, arty, trippy, exhilarating and breezy at all of the same time. What sets Osmos apart from any other game is that it respects time and patience; time-warping to absorb a mote with finesse is an artform in and of itself. For me the games most entertaining mode was the "Impasse" mode where the player starts off as a little mote in a sea of non-moving motes of all sizes. If the player plays wisely and... patiently, they could grow their mote exponentially in a few minutes. It's very satisfying and very much a balancing act. The soundtrack is also pretty grand, though nothing here will match up to any one of the classic Brian Eno "Ambient Series" records but for a game the soundtrack is a cut above the rest. To end this brief review I think it's worth mentioning that the very small team at Hemisphere had previously worked on larger franchises & projects such as Splinter Cell and have obviously refocused their efforts on creating indie games and more specifically this new genre of "ambient gaming". It's very exciting and they deserve many props for that alone. Here's to the blobiverse!… Expand
  34. Tubie
    Oct 9, 2010
    8
    Really good game to kill time and just relax while remaining pretty entertaining. I hope more people support indie games and their developers. It's not a full priced game and it will probably be on sale during the holidays so keep an eye out!
  35. nb2000
    Feb 2, 2012
    10
    Osmos has great music, looks great, and is very fun. The price is unbelievable for the quality of the game. If you are thinking of buying this game, get it. You won't regret it.
  36. TheFiddler
    Jul 2, 2012
    8
    Something about the atmosphere created by this game is really enchanting. I load up the game and quickly feel like I've entered its world. The object of the game is simply to absorb cells smaller than you and avoid the larger ones that can attack and shrink you. It's very physics based and the controls are very smooth. Really great game to play on the PC. I enjoy it thoroughly.
  37. NCODER
    May 21, 2020
    9
    Great game! Very relaxing! Has an amazing soundtrack. It does get pretty hard as you go on though so that's why I give it a 9/10.
  38. FRIST_008
    Jun 14, 2021
    8
    Хороший логический симулятор бактерий, вдохновлённый Spore. Если вы из этих, то вам надо это попробовать
  39. VickKiang
    Jan 17, 2022
    7
    Played the demo version, which is reasonably fun and relaxing. The gameplay is similar turn to turn and devoid of minigame options, and incontrovertibly engagement is not superb, but the ambience is outstanding with the unique graphics and the sound effects. Overall, the demo rating for me is a 7/10, but likely 7.5/10 with the full version.

Awards & Rankings

35
#35 Best PC Game of 2009
55
#55 Most Discussed PC Game of 2009
54
#54 Most Shared PC Game of 2009

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 22 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 22
  3. Negative: 0 out of 22
  1. IGN
    85
    The small team at Hemisphere has crafted an alluring, captivating experience that is a nice change of pace from the frantic action videogames often provide.
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  2. GameSpot
    70
    This crafty and calming puzzle game won't addict you, but it will lull you into the occasional trance.
    Read full review
  3. GamingTrend
    84
    In the end, however, $10 is a bargain for such a creative and addictive puzzle title.
    Read full review
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