A Little to the Left: Cupboards & Drawers: Review

This game was reviewed on PC.

Reviewed by:  David Cameron

A Little to the Left: Cupboards & Drawers is a charming and offbeat puzzle game that brings a fresh twist to the genre. With its unique premise and whimsical presentation, it offers an intriguing experience for puzzle enthusiasts on PC. While it falls short in certain aspects, it manages to carve out its own niche in the gaming landscape.

Gameplay (6/10): The gameplay of A Little to the Left: Cupboards & Drawers is centered around rearranging objects in various cupboards and drawers to solve puzzles. The mechanics are simple yet require careful observation and strategic thinking. Each level presents a new set of challenges, ranging from unlocking secret compartments to organizing objects according to specific criteria. The puzzles are well-designed and gradually increase in difficulty, providing a decent amount of satisfaction upon completion.

The game mechanics, however, lack depth and variety. There is a noticeable repetition in the tasks and solutions, leading to a sense of monotony over time. A wider range of puzzle mechanics, additional interactive elements, or alternative approaches to problem-solving would have greatly enhanced the gameplay experience.

Graphics and Sound (7/10): A Little to the Left: Cupboards & Drawers employs a delightful art style that is both whimsical and endearing. The hand-drawn graphics, filled with vibrant colors and intricate details, create a visually appealing world. The environments, though limited in scope, are thoughtfully designed and showcase a distinct personality. The animations are smooth and add a playful touch to the overall experience.

The sound design complements the visuals well, featuring a lighthearted and catchy soundtrack that captures the game's whimsical atmosphere. The sound effects, while not groundbreaking, are fitting and enhance the immersion.

Story and Characters (4/10): A Little to the Left: Cupboards & Drawers is primarily a puzzle-driven game, and its narrative elements take a backseat. The story, although present, feels underdeveloped and lacks depth. There is minimal character interaction and world-building, leaving players with a vague sense of purpose. It would have been beneficial to have a stronger narrative arc or engaging characters to provide a more engaging experience.

Replay Value (5/10): While A Little to the Left: Cupboards & Drawers offers a reasonable amount of content, its replay value is limited. Once the puzzles are solved and the game is completed, there is little incentive to revisit it. Additional game modes, such as time trials or community-created puzzles, would have extended the replayability and provided more value for players.

Conclusion: A Little to the Left: Cupboards & Drawers is an enjoyable puzzle game that captures the imagination with its quirky aesthetic and clever puzzle design. Despite its shortcomings in terms of gameplay depth, narrative, and replayability, it offers a unique and engaging experience for puzzle enthusiasts. While it may not stand out among the top-tier puzzle games, it is still worth considering for those seeking a casual and whimsical gaming experience.

Overall Score: 5 out of 10

Reviewed by: David Cameron