Orb of Creation is a free-to-play puzzle game that lets you create complex substances and new worlds using the basics of magic. In this spell-themed world-building challenge from Marple, you keep on combining available materials to you in order to unlock and create more complex spells and substances. You get to unlock more complex spells which can be used for combat or for spawning materials.

Essentially, this feels like an older cousin to games like Doodle God Free for Windows 10 or Little Alchemy for Chrome. While they share similar gameplay mechanics, Orb of Creation's graphics look retro.

Be a god and craft away

Orb of Creation’s old-school graphics, similar to 16-bit games, create a retro feel. You start the game in the middle of the void, with only a glowing orb as the center of your power. From infusing your mana into the orb, you get to unlock more complex options such as Storm Combat Spells or other forms of Alchemy or World magics. The seemingly endless possibilities make the game exciting.

Of course, as you unlock more options with your vast powers, you start encountering enemies. This exposes a strength and a weakness in the game. It’s basically a command game, with no animations whatsoever except for the orb filling up with energy. Meanwhile, it’s a strategic game that works even without those animations, although most damage computations are based on multiple factors–from the spell you use to upgrades you have.

Another roadblock in the game is that it becomes increasingly difficult to grow the further you progress. This makes it feel like the game imposes a hard cap, or a virtually insurmountable limit that acts as an invisible end game scenario for the game. Aside from that, you can enjoy the different spells and items unlocked as you mix and level up your existing spells.

Pass your time with magic

Orb of Creation is a good way to pass the time, especially for people who are used to playing long and incremental games. It has simple beginnings that exponentially grow more complex and difficult is precisely why you should not miss it. Also, its use of 16-bit graphics adds to the retro feel, making it a nostalgic experience as well as a relaxing game.