MainFrames: a charming platformer set inside computers.

Jay Peters is a news editor specializing in technology, video games, and other topics. Since 2019, he joined a prominent media outlet after nearly two years at a technology news platform.

MainFrames is presented as an indie game that stands out for its innovative idea and precise execution. In this entertaining platformer, players take on the role of a charming floppy disk navigating computer desks. Its aesthetic is highly delightful, with adorable characters scattered throughout the adventure, while the levels are filled with application windows and desktop icons that act as platforms or gears that alter challenges. All of this unfolds against pixelated backgrounds that vary between different worlds, complemented by a catchy chiptune soundtrack that sets an immersive atmosphere.

The game's premise is enriched by allowing players to manipulate computer windows through clicks and drags, just as they would with a mouse. For example, if a player fails to reach a distant shelf, they can use a computer window as a platform and move it to facilitate access. Throughout the game, players must "select" certain windows to activate functions such as reversing gravity.

As the game progresses, players encounter increasingly challenging platforming puzzles that require well-timed jumps and manipulating windows in various ways. Each level offers multiple approaches for exploration, inviting players to investigate and discover all of its secrets. One of the most memorable moments was helping a freezing clock find tissues. I also found a coffee mug brewing coffee in a machine, and even a photographic homage to a dog.

Some of the platforming puzzles can be quite complicated. However, if a player misses a jump or faces an obstacle, they respawn immediately, allowing them to try as many times as necessary without significant penalties. Sometimes, I managed to jump between rooms by being clever with my movements, and while I felt satisfied, I suspect the developers designed those routes intentionally. Additionally, accessibility options like invulnerability or infinite jumps can be activated to overcome tricky areas, and I have no qualms admitting I used these features at certain moments close to the end of the game.

While playing MainFrames, I couldn’t help but draw comparisons to Celeste, as both are clever platformers that offer a pleasant yet challenging experience, and their quick reload times make failures less painful. Both works perfectly develop their ideas. I finished MainFrames in just under four hours, and the experience turned out to be just right. The game is already available on Nintendo Switch and PC.