QubicGames' Anniversary Steam Launch - Hole.io, Astro Miner, Helix Jump

To mark its 20th anniversary, QubicGames brought a curated selection of its top titles to the Steam platform, giving players a chance to experience some of their best titles on PC. From addictive puzzle adventures with millions of downloads worldwide to action games, there’s something for everyone in this special line-up. We tried Hole.io, Astro Miner, and Helix Jump, games you could have easily played on mobile phones. Here’s our detailed review of each game and the overall experience of QubicGames’ anniversary celebration on Steam.

The transition of these games from mobile to PC was surprisingly smooth. The games maintained their mobile-like aesthetics while functioning perfectly fine on a PC setup. This move, however, wasn’t without its hiccups. Some games did not support multiplayer, which was a significant letdown for those looking forward to a shared gaming experience. Despite this, these games are perfect for a quick break from the more intense everyday gaming sessions, offering a relaxing and enjoyable few minutes before getting back to your day.

Hole.io

• DEVELOPER: VOODOO
• PUBLISHER: QubicGames
• RELEASE DATE: May 20, 2024
• STARTING PRICE: 4,99 €

Hole.io is a fun and engaging game where you control a black hole, swallowing everything in your path to grow larger. From garbage cans to fire hydrants and even cars, the goal is to consume as much as possible, eventually swallowing bigger objects or even other players.

Features

• Six Maps: Different environments to devour.
• Thirteen Skins: Customize your black hole with animated skins
• Endless Mode: Swallow objects falling from the sky.
• Power-ups: Various power-ups appear during the game.
• Stickers: Collect themed stickers.
• Simple Controls and Rules: Easy for anyone to pick up and play.

The AI in Hole.io is quite basic, initially targeting the player but quickly losing interest, making the game feel overly easy. This simplicity can be both an advantage and a drawback. The gold coin rewards are sufficient to unlock new items as you progress, which adds something to keep playing. However, I encountered several bugs, such as maps failing to load correctly and AI getting stuck on the ground.

While the game’s straightforward nature makes it accessible, it also lacks the depth needed for extended play sessions. Exploring different maps is enjoyable, but there’s little motivation to play for long periods. The absence of a multiplayer mode on PC is a significant downside, reducing replay value. Is it worth the €4.99 price tag? Absolutely. It’s affordable and will provide several hours of entertainment before you likely move on to other games.

3

Astro Miner

• DEVELOPER: CrazyLabs
• PUBLISHER: QubicGames
• RELEASE DATE: May 20, 2024
• STARTING PRICE: 4,99 €

Fly to unique planets with different terrains and start mining valuable minerals to sell at your base. Create paths to reach crystal stacks or mine anywhere you like using dynamite. Hire workers and build an auto-miner to speed up the process. As you progress, mining becomes harder due to tougher terrains. Collect money to buy upgrades for your mining machine, workers, vacuum gun, character, and backpack.

Features

• Exploration: Players mine valuable minerals on different planets with varying terrains.
• Upgrades: Numerous upgrades for mining machines, workers, and personal gear to improve efficiency.
• Power-ups: Powerups like increased backpack capacity, magnets, and jetpacks enhance gameplay.
• Multiplayer: Co-op mode allows two players to share duties and mine together.
• Customization: Players can unlock various skins and vehicles, including hoverboards.
• Fossils: Discover fossils and resurrect creatures for bonuses.

Astro Miner stands out with its comprehensive and detailed gameplay. The progression system, involving upgrades and powerups, adds depth to the mining experience. However, the game can become repetitive after a while. The AI helpers are not particularly intelligent, which can be frustrating. Despite this, the co-op mode offers a fun way to play with friends, and the customization options add a personal touch. While it’s enjoyable and relaxing, the game could benefit from a more approachable progression curve to engage players more quickly.

Is it worth the €4.99 price tag? Yes, compared to other games, Astro Miner offers more than five hours of gameplay, thanks to its various tedious tasks and challenges. It’s probably more fun to play with others, as tasks become easier and progress is quicker when shared.

3

Helix Jump

• DEVELOPER: VOODOO
• PUBLISHER: QubicGames
• RELEASE DATE: May 20, 2024
• STARTING PRICE: 4,99 €

You control a ball that quickly falls through colorful platforms, but if you hit a red spot, the game is over. When the ball breaks, you have to start again. Even traps on the platforms can't stop a fireball from falling fast. Choose your strategy: speed up or wait for the right moment to roll and jump.

Features

• Core Concept: Players guide a bouncing ball through a series of helix platforms, avoiding red spots that end the game.
• Multiplayer: Up to four players can compete in three different multiplayer modes.
• Customization: Various skins for the ball and challenging boss levels.
• Endless Mode: The game offers an endless mode with increasing difficulty.

Helix Jump is arguably the best game in this collection. Its simple yet challenging gameplay makes it addictive, encouraging you to beat your own records and progress through the levels. The multiplayer mode adds a competitive spirit, and in my opinion, this is the best aspect of the game. The boss levels and customizable skins keep the game interesting, and the simplicity of this game along with its short play sessions make it perfect for quick gaming breaks. Additionally, the balance between challenge and fun in Helix Jump ensures that you will keep coming back to it again and again.

Of all the titles we've mentioned, I think this one is the most worth it. Although it doesn't have as much content as some others, it's a game you'll keep coming back to. It's simple, quick to play, and tests your visual and cognitive skills as you track the ball and its descent. Personally, I enjoyed it, and I know I'll play it occasionally to relax.

5

Ending thoughts

After playing Hole.io, Astro Miner, and Helix Jump, we can say that QubicGames has done an excellent job bringing its popular mobile games to the Steam platform. But this is just the beginning. This publisher has a rich library of games worth trying, and in the future, we will present more of such titles. However, the question arises: why play something you can already play for free on a mobile device?

Playing on a PC offers the advantage of a larger screen and better graphics. Details are clearer, and the gameplay becomes more immersive. This is especially important for games that rely on visual impact, such as Astro Miner and Helix Jump. Playing with a mouse and keyboard or a gamepad often provides more precise control compared to touch screen controls on mobile devices.

Additionally, games on Steam often come with extra content that is not available on mobile versions. This includes exclusive maps, mods, and cosmetic additions that can enrich the gaming experience. Unlike many free mobile games, games on Steam often come without intrusive ads. Also, is it worth getting DLCs for these games? Honestly, the games are quite cheap, and the additional DLCs increase the price by just a few euros, which is not much. In my opinion, it’s not necessary to buy cosmetic additions, but it’s a way to support the developers.

Review copy provided by the publisher