Wed Jul 14 2021
* bug fix
VOI is a masterclass in 'less is more' design. As a puzzle game, it focuses on a single, fascinating mechanic: the XOR (exclusive or) logic of overlapping shapes. When you place one black shape over another, the overlapping area turns white (disappears). It sounds simple, but the level design quickly evolves into a complex architectural dance of negative space. You aren't just building a shape; you're sculpting it by strategically layering pieces.
The minimalist aesthetic is perfect. There are no timers, no intrusive ads, and no clutter—just you and the geometric challenge. It feels like playing with a digital tangram set that has been upgraded for the modern era. For fans of games like 'Hocus' or 'Kami,' VOI offers that same meditative yet brain-melting quality. It’s the kind of game that makes you feel like a genius when you finally align the last polygon to match the target silhouette.
88 handcrafted levels
Unique XOR-based puzzle mechanic
Minimalist black and white art style
No time limits or pressure
Relaxing, ambient gameplay
Remember that odd numbers of overlaps result in black, while even numbers of overlaps result in white. Use this to 'cut out' holes in shapes.
Drag and drop shapes onto the board. Precision is key as you layer polygons to match the target image provided at the top of the screen.
The game uses XOR logic: when two black shapes overlap, the overlapping area turns white.
The concept is simple, a bit like tanagrams except the pieces can overlap -- which changes the overlapped areas from black to white or vice versa (against a white background). Very intriguing, and some of the puzzles are quite challenging. It's different from other games and that it itself makes it enjoyable to play. Watching the designs you create as you try to duplicate the shape given is lots of fun too. I would agree with others that it would be helpful for the completed shape to hold its form for three or four seconds, rather than instantly dissolving.
It's hard not to compare this game with Zengrams; voi is similar in concept and similarly satisfying (though not quite as challenging overall). Like Zengrams, there are no in-app hints or level skips, so there is the possibility of getting stuck. However, the number of moves is not limited and the pieces never "fuse," so you're free to fiddle around as long as it takes to find the solution. There are some cleverly designed puzzles here, but nothing quite a devious as the best of Zengrams'. Some toward the end were disappointingly easy. Looking forward to more in future updates.
Sometimes you will immediately see the pattern and other times it feels more like trial and error until you’ve stumbled upon the correct solution, but overall I enjoyed working my way through the 88 puzzles in VOI. If I had to find a flaw, it would be that VOI doesn’t backup your progress to your iCloud account. That makes me weary that if I delete the game there will be an update in the future that adds more levels and I’ll have to start from scratch.
I really like the game. I want to suggest that the finished pieces stay on the screen for just a second or two. As soon as the puzzle is solved the pieces disintegrate. Some levels are challenging and I would like to look at the finished thing for a little longer and retrace how I got it to look like the model. Maybe highlight the background or finished piece after the puzzle is solved to give it a couple more seconds on the screen.
I enjoy the simplicity and deception in this game. Simplicity makes it relaxing (so if you can't figure out one puzzle, the sounds don't stress you out, it's more enjoyable), and deception in these optical illusions create entertainment and challenge - I'm all for it. I haven't made it too far, so hopefully there won't be any pop up adverts. Though I'll be surprised if I see any here. Thanks!
This game is gorgeous, user friendly, and a real pleasure and challenge to play. Hits all the right spots for me. However, there are no settings within the app so you cannot turn the sound off. I like playing games while commuting and listening to podcasts, and with this game you cannot listen to anything else while playing. That’s the only reason for 4 stars instead of 5.
I love this game! I really like the design and minimalist design. Some puzzles are super hard and some are pretty easy, but that makes it so you don’t get too bored or frustrated. I did get thru all the puzzles in just a few days. I only wish it was longer, hopefully they come out with more packs to add to the library of puzzles.
I rarely write reviews but this game deserves praise. The concept is so elegant and feels great to play around with. My only gripe is that the levels never really got hard enough, but rather plateaued at "medium" difficulty. If more challenging levels with irregular shapes/more pieces were to be made, the game could easily go on for another 100 levels or so.
They started an indie mobile game studio called GameBra.in and came to town because their game Hocus had been nominated by Casual Connect as one of the best...
VentureBeat Fri Oct 13 2017