Kalimba

 Xbox One
Metascore
81

Generally favorable reviews - based on 26 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 26
  3. Negative: 0 out of 26
  1. IGN
    Dec 17, 2014
    74
    Save for a few puzzles that lose luster due to unintuitive and touchy physics, I mostly enjoyed testing both my platforming timing and my problem-solving skills with Kalimba's brain-busters.
  2. Edge Magazine
    Mar 10, 2015
    70
    There's less motivation to persevere in erecting a monument to your skill when there's no one around to see it. [March 2015, p.112]
    All this publication's reviews
  3. GameSpot
    Jan 6, 2015
    70
    The beauty of Kalimba is in its high replay value, even more so than the gratification of solving its platforming puzzles.
  5. 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.

Awards & Rankings

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

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.4

Mixed or average reviews- based on 35 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 35
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 35
  3. Negative: 6 out of 35
  1. 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)    … Full Review »
  2. 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.… Full Review »
  3. Caeuas
    Oct 3, 2018
    10
    Joguinho viciante para jogos com os amigos, puzzles intrigantes e desafiadores.
See all user reviews »