Estiman

Estiman is an arcade action game developed by Kool2Play, creators of Clock Simulator, where players test their mental estimation skills in a dynamic, endless challenge. Featuring adaptive difficulty and combo mechanics that reward precision, the game offers minimalistic visuals and evolving audio that adapts to gameplay. Released in 2016 across Windows, mobile platforms, and Nintendo Switch, it blends relaxing trance-like engagement with score-chasing replayability through diverse game modes.

Estiman: Review

In the vast landscape of indie gaming, few titles manage to capture the essence of simplicity and depth in equal measure. Estiman, developed by Kool2Play, is one such gem that, despite its modest ambitions, offers a uniquely engaging experience. Released in November 2016, Estiman has carved out a niche for itself as a relaxing yet challenging arcade game that tests the player’s estimation skills. This review will delve into the development history, narrative themes, gameplay mechanics, world-building, reception, and legacy of Estiman, providing an in-depth analysis of its place in video game history.

Development History & Context

Estiman was developed by Kool2Play, a studio known for its quirky and innovative titles. The creators of Estiman drew inspiration from the mundane yet essential cognitive process of estimation, transforming it into a dynamic and engaging gameplay experience. The game’s development was influenced by the studio’s previous work, particularly Clock Simulator, which also focused on a unique and everyday concept.

The technological constraints of the era were minimal, as Estiman was designed to run on a wide range of devices, from mobile platforms to the Nintendo Switch. This cross-platform approach allowed Estiman to reach a broader audience, contributing to its initial success. The gaming landscape in 2016 was dominated by high-budget AAA titles, but there was a growing appreciation for indie games that offered fresh and innovative experiences. Estiman capitalized on this trend, providing a relaxing yet challenging alternative to the mainstream offerings.

Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive

Estiman does not have a traditional narrative or plot. Instead, it focuses on the player’s ability to estimate the number of objects on the screen and make quick decisions based on that estimation. The game’s thematic depth lies in its exploration of cognitive processes and the player’s ability to engage in a state of flow, where time seems to stand still, and the mind is fully immersed in the task at hand.

The characters in Estiman are abstract and minimalistic, reflecting the game’s overall aesthetic. The dialogue is non-existent, as the game relies on visual and auditory cues to guide the player. The underlying themes of Estiman revolve around concentration, estimation, and the pursuit of high scores. The game’s adaptive difficulty ensures that players are constantly challenged, regardless of their skill level.

Gameplay Mechanics & Systems

Estiman‘s core gameplay loop is deceptively simple. The screen fills with a variety of objects, and the player must estimate the number of objects and remove the one with the highest number. This process continues indefinitely, with the game’s difficulty increasing as the player progresses. The game’s combat system is non-existent, as it is more of a puzzle game than an action game.

Character progression in Estiman is tied to the player’s ability to achieve high scores and unlock new skins and backgrounds. The user interface is clean and minimalistic, with all necessary information displayed clearly on the screen. The game’s innovative systems include adaptive difficulty, which adjusts the game’s challenge based on the player’s performance, and a variety of game-altering modes and settings that allow players to customize their experience.

World-Building, Art & Sound

Estiman‘s world-building is minimalistic, with a focus on clean lines and simple shapes. The game’s setting is abstract, with no discernible location or context. The atmosphere is calming and meditative, with a soothing soundtrack that complements the gameplay. The visual direction is minimalistic, with a focus on aesthetics that appeal to the player’s sense of design.

The sound design in Estiman is equally minimalistic, with a focus on ambient sounds and a single, mellow music track. The audio-visual experience evolves as the player progresses, with new sounds and visual effects unlocking as the player achieves higher scores. The game’s art style is clean and modern, with a focus on simplicity and elegance.

Reception & Legacy

Estiman received mixed reviews upon its release, with critics praising its unique concept and relaxing gameplay but criticizing its lack of depth and replayability. The game’s critical reception was somewhat lukewarm, with a Metacritic score of 60 based on one critic review. However, the player reviews were more positive, with a Steam Player Score of 86/100, indicating a “Very Positive” reception.

Estiman‘s legacy is somewhat mixed. While it did not achieve widespread commercial success, it has maintained a dedicated following among players who appreciate its unique concept and relaxing gameplay. The game’s influence on subsequent titles is minimal, but it serves as an example of how a simple and innovative concept can be transformed into a engaging and enjoyable experience.

Conclusion

Estiman is a unique and engaging arcade game that tests the player’s estimation skills and provides a relaxing yet challenging experience. Its development history, narrative themes, gameplay mechanics, world-building, and reception all contribute to its place in video game history. While it may not have achieved widespread commercial success, Estiman has maintained a dedicated following and serves as an example of how a simple and innovative concept can be transformed into a enjoyable experience. In the ever-evolving landscape of indie gaming, Estiman stands out as a testament to the power of simplicity and innovation.