Steam Review: Weable

Weable is a 2017 Steam release developed by Spectrum Games (only this and it’s sequel Weable 2 are listed on Steam and published by Valkyrie Initiative (with over a dozen games ranging from mixed to overwhelmingly positive, all of which are retro-inspired titles). It’s a 2D retro arcade maze game, with the main mechanics being collision avoidance and drifting control.

The levels are fairly uninteresting graphically but do add a few unique challenges as levels progress. The difficulty curve is appropriate. The controls are acceptable but the hitboxes for walls and objects can occasionally feel too large. It’s generally a game where you feel like you are the one to make a mistake when you lose, not the game’s poor design resulting in death.

There are a couple of boss fights that are uninteresting but at least serve to break up the monotony. However, the music continues to be the same few note ambient soundtrack that’s already dull after 30 seconds. The boss fights do absolutely nothing to make them feel exciting.

After 50 levels — about an hour of gameplay — you’ll finish the game. You’ll notice as you play that the game is apparently saving but good luck actually loading a saved game. It’s a very unintuitive loading system. There’s also no rebinding of keys or any configuration of note.

It’s a 99 cent retro-inspired arcade title. Had it been released in 1983, it would have likely been a hit. In 2024, it leaves much to be desired. If you can find it on sale for less than 50 cents and you love this style of game, it might be worth checking out. Otherwise, look elsewhere for your retro fix.