MEANDERS is a sparkling adventure through a series of funny and relaxing challenges in a colourful setting.
Players control a character that can execute a variety of seamless movement options. These include jumping, bouncing off strategically placed jump pads, sliding along surfaces, and launching themselves from cannons. Reviewers consistently laud the responsive, satisfying feel of the platforming mechanics.
A core gameplay loop involves picking up and accurately throwing a ball-like object. Players use this throwing ability to hit targets like balloons and crystals scattered throughout the environments. Hitting these objects is essential for progressing through levels and solving the environmental puzzles. The throwing feels precise, becoming a crucial skill for navigating the stages.
The game features over 40 distinct levels for players to traverse. These levels encourage exploration, as they offer multiple potential paths to the exit. Along the way, players can seek out optional collectibles like bubbles and balloons. Reviewers praise the level design for striking a balance between challenge and accessibility.
After completing the main campaign, players unlock additional gameplay modes that drastically alter the experience. These include a "Dry Souls" mode where touching water results in instant death, and a "One Shot, One Hit" mode requiring perfect aim with the thrown ball. Cycling through these unlockable modifiers provides a strong incentive to replay the game.
The responsive controls and well-designed levels lend themselves to speedrunning. The game includes Steam leaderboards, allowing skilled players to compete for the fastest completion times. This speedrunning focus adds an extra layer of challenge and replayability for advanced players.