Kalimba

 Xbox One
Kalimba Image
Metascore
81

Generally favorable reviews - based on 26 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.4

Mixed or average reviews- based on 35 Ratings

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  • Summary: Kalimba plays in solid 60 fps full HD. It feels both retro and new at the same time and its puzzle design and twitch gameplay present challenge for the experienced gamer.

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 26
  3. Negative: 0 out of 26
  1. Official Xbox Magazine UK
    Dec 23, 2014
    100
    This game oozes perfection in its simplicity. Its ideas are well-executed and spot-on, the dialogue is witty and clever, and though it's often tricky, you're always willing to hop in for another blast.
  2. EGM
    Jan 15, 2015
    90
    I only wish Kalimba were a bit longer, because its inventive puzzles, charming art style, and tight controls equal a winning combination for this quaint puzzle-platformer.
  3. Games Master UK
    Feb 22, 2015
    90
    With excellent ideas throughout, Kalimba is a brilliant way to reinvigorate XO's indie credentials. [Mar 2015, p.75]
    All this publication's reviews
  4. Xbox Achievements
    Dec 17, 2014
    80
    A bold and smart Xbox One indie platformer, Kalimba takes a simple and clever idea, transforming it into something that's equal parts tough and rewarding.
  5. Everyeye.it
    Jan 12, 2015
    80
    A notable puzzle platformer, one that you could easily overlook, but that really deserves praise. It's all about good level design, and although it can get frustrating at times, it can also offer some quality entertainment.
  6. We Got This Covered
    Dec 29, 2014
    80
    While it could have used a handful of additional levels, Kalimba's challenging gameplay, humorous story and colorful visuals help it stand out from the crowd.
  7. Joystiq
    Dec 31, 2014
    60
    Push through its uneven beginning and you'll be rewarded with clever level layouts that stretch a solid mechanical framework to its limits. Getting to that point may be more frustrating than you'd like, though, thanks to its sharp difficulty curve.

See all 26 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 5
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 5
  3. Negative: 0 out of 5
  1. Caeuas
    Oct 3, 2018
    10
    Joguinho viciante para jogos com os amigos, puzzles intrigantes e desafiadores.
  2. coip
    Jun 26, 2016
    9
    One of the best 2D, cooperative puzzle platformers I've ever played. Press Play Games did a brilliant job crafting a challenging yet enticingOne of the best 2D, cooperative puzzle platformers I've ever played. Press Play Games did a brilliant job crafting a challenging yet enticing game in this crowded genre.… Expand
  4. SL36
    Jan 30, 2015
    9
    Kalimba is awesome. Great concept and execution. Very unique and fun with a great sense of humor. If you like indie platform puzzlers thisKalimba is awesome. Great concept and execution. Very unique and fun with a great sense of humor. If you like indie platform puzzlers this is a great little game. Had a blast playing it and good replay value, especially if you're trying to get achievements. 2p mode is a nice feature too, and its one of the few games I could actually play with my wife.… Expand
  5. TheMaxWall
    Dec 21, 2014
    9
    What a nice little surprise to finish the year in beauty.

    I was not expecting to buy another game until next year but after watching the    What a nice little surprise to finish the year in beauty.

    I was not expecting to buy another game until next year but after watching the trailer for this one, I got curious and boy am I glad I got curious about this one.

    It's a puzzle-plateformer with a heavy emphasis on both timing and desynchronization. You always play two characters at the same time and you need to time everything that you are doing in order for both of them to survive the level. However, their paths are not always symmetrical, so this is when your desynchronization skills will come in handy.

    The artstyle is gorgeous, and the overall presentation of the game is charming. The music and the voice-acting are also incredible. Hoebear the Metabear is hilarious, nagging you about getting achievements and the principle of playing games just for fun instead of for the score. It's a beautiful game, there is no other way to say it.

    It's one of those games where it's easy to play, but very hard to master and unlock everything.

    Pros:
    - Incredibly addictive gameplay
    - Awesome soundtrack
    - Hilarious voice-acting
    - Challenging and rewarding

    Cons:
    - Sometimes TOO challenging
    - No quick reset button (trust me, you'll want that, and it's a shame that it's nowhere to be found)    … Expand
  6. jeffbizloc
    Jul 3, 2018
    8
    Beat the campaign in this fun platformer.

    Pros: - Solid platformer with a good use of binary colors - Funny game that was enjoyable    Beat the campaign in this fun platformer.

    Pros:
    - Solid platformer with a good use of binary colors
    - Funny game that was enjoyable

    Cons:
    - Not as tight controls as some of the newer platformers    … Expand

Awards & Rankings

19
#19 Best Xbox One Game of 2014
70
#70 Most Discussed Xbox One Game of 2014