A Virus Named TOM Image
Metascore
65

Mixed or average reviews - based on 9 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
6.3

Mixed or average reviews- based on 62 Ratings

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  • Summary: An Action-puzzler. The puzzle comes from rearrange circuits to spread the virus. The Action comes from dodging anti-virus drones while doing it. It�s one of the few puzzle games out there where you can play co-operatively (with up to 3 friends). But if you tire ofAn Action-puzzler. The puzzle comes from rearrange circuits to spread the virus. The Action comes from dodging anti-virus drones while doing it. It�s one of the few puzzle games out there where you can play co-operatively (with up to 3 friends). But if you tire of working together, there is a battle mode where you can take on your friends to see who is the supreme virus. Expand

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Beta Update #2 - A Virus Named TOM Trailer
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 0 out of 9
  2. Negative: 0 out of 9
  1. LEVEL (Czech Republic)
    Oct 29, 2012
    70
    This interesting and funny arcade game mixes a couple of genres together and offers a fast-paced multiplayer option. [Oct 2012]
  2. Aug 2, 2012
    70
    None of its individual parts is particularly original, but put together in the way they have been, you end up with a synergistic success of a puzzle title that will test both reflexes and noggin-scratching abilities.
  3. Aug 16, 2012
    70
    A Virus Named TOM is a decent little puzzler. Fans of the genre will enjoy it, and if you can play the co-op, you and a friend can have a really fun time taking on the challenges. Casual players may have a difficult time with some of the puzzles.
  4. Aug 8, 2012
    65
    A good game with not too many weaknesses or too many strengths, which is something that will make it hard to be highlighted among the rest of the puzzle games on Steam. It's entertaining, properly done and its gameplay usually works, even though it might become quite frustrating sometimes. It is worth recommending for the puzzle lovers, and there's a demo available in case you want to try it yourself first.
  5. Aug 10, 2012
    65
    A Virus Named Tom is a nice puzzle game as a snack. It's structure is simple and it never gets very complicated. Still, there's enough challenge in this relatively short game and the multiplayer lifts it to greater heights. Unfortunately the versus and coop modes are only playable locally, and for a PC-game, that's a giant waste.
  6. PC PowerPlay
    Oct 11, 2012
    60
    Like trying to solve a cryptic crossword whilst blind and being repeatedly stung by mosquitoes. [Oct 2012, p.82]
  7. PC Gamer UK
    Sep 19, 2012
    55
    The extra frills don't add thrills to the tried Pipemania template. [Oct 2012, p.90]

See all 9 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 24
  2. Negative: 7 out of 24
  1. Sep 17, 2012
    10
    The game is about a scientist vowing revenge on the company that took advantage of his genius and then kicked him to the curb. You take on theThe game is about a scientist vowing revenge on the company that took advantage of his genius and then kicked him to the curb. You take on the role of a computer virus that goes around messing with the circuitry of the scientists former creations. The game can easily be played single player, but the developers have included 4 player co-op and 4 player versus modes. The single drawback of the game is that it doesn't currently support online multiplayer. This is something that the developer is looking to add through a kickstarter campaign if he's able to rally enough support. I was going to mark the game down a point for the missing online component, but I realized that it might actually be a good thing at times. I have other games lacking that functionality and all it ended up doing was bringing friends over for a fun night of gaming. I have to say the game is refreshing because it is tons of fun and challenging at the same time. Many games today are only one of the two. Developers try to make a game challenging and instead make it frustrating. Other times they try to make something fun, and it turns out to be too easy. You can tell the devs took the time to balance this. The learning curve is just at the right point. Does the game get hard? Yes. Does the game get frustrating? Once or twice. Does it ever get too hard? Not in my opinion. The game had one moment of getting on my nerves, but I took a step back, thought about the puzzle, and then managed to figure it out. Someone else may have simply stopped playing, but again the devs were all over this problem. The game rewards you with the ability to skip stages after you successfully complete a level. Thus, after level 1 (which is practically a tutorial) you are given 2 skips. You can use these on any stage in any of the following levels. After beating level 2 you are then awarded with an additional 2 skips. I really thought this was a cool idea, but I was worried about using my skips and then running out at a REALLY hard part. Well, I found on level 3 I had to use a skip. After beating the rest of the level, I went back to beat my skipped stage. Upon beating that dastardly stage, I was given my skip back. I was shocked. I was stunned. But, most of all, I was impressed with the devs thinking ahead of a problem that could have come up. The game may also seem a bit short at first glance, but looks can be deceiving. The game difficulty ramps up in the later stages which will slow your progression through the game, but not really put a damper on the fun and excitement. If you like puzzle-solvers, I'd definitely suggest this game. I do believe the game is currently selling for $10. Not a bad deal if you ask me. Also, if you're into co-op (which is huge for me) this game has the makings of a really awesome co-op extravaganza. Don't take my word for it though. You can go to their site and view the videos for yourself. Then you can head over to steam and grab a copy. Expand
  2. Aug 17, 2012
    10
    If you are looking for a local co-op game for the PC, this is the game. The Co-Op mode is well made with great puzzles, art, and all, and is aIf you are looking for a local co-op game for the PC, this is the game. The Co-Op mode is well made with great puzzles, art, and all, and is a must-play for any puzzle-loving group of friends. However, even if you don't enjoy puzzle games that much (or even if you do enjoy them), I can tell you that the price of the game is worth it just for the versus mode. It does require some strategy, but you are competing directly with your friends, and it is just amazingly fun. Try out the customization options if you do play the versus mode, as you can often make hilarious scenarios. Lastly, I bought it mainly to play with my friends, but it is also a great single player game. The co-op and single player levels are both at the same level of quality (which ranges from good to amazing). The story (which is portrayed to great animations and a few messages) is well-written. If you like puzzle games, you'll want to pick this up.

    In conclusion, it is a must buy if you have a puzzle-loving group of friends, or if you just love puzzle games by yourself. The versus mode is still amazing even if no one likes puzzles, although I would not recommend the single player version of the game to anyone who does not like puzzle games.
    Expand
  3. Aug 13, 2012
    10
    Tom is the perfect blend of action and puzzler, creating a game that remains varied and exciting throughout it's play.

    Each 'world'
    Tom is the perfect blend of action and puzzler, creating a game that remains varied and exciting throughout it's play.

    Each 'world' introduces a new component that can drastically change the type of challenge presented by the level - from basic puzzler to a race against the clock and enemy drones - whilst keeping the core concept intact. This helps the game stay fresh and exciting and there's always an area of play that one can improve upon.

    Replaying to achieve gold medals in each level is also satisfying, and the co-op campaign creates some very exciting teamplay. While online play is still in the works, it's refreshing for a game to offer split screen again. Devs have also talked about implementing a level editor which will drastically enhance the game's replay value. As it stands now, for it's current price it's a steal.

    One of my top games of the year. Try the demo.
    Expand
  4. Mar 9, 2021
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. a decent game for both retro and modern times
    in irony a great game during the pandemic too

    pros
    good gameplay
    good graphics
    in irony not a bad title
    good art
    good mechanics

    cons
    not perfect
    Expand
  5. Jul 16, 2017
    6
    A Virus Named TOM is not a bad game: it has a groovy soundtrack, a decent number of levels to play (single player, co-op and versus) and it'sA Virus Named TOM is not a bad game: it has a groovy soundtrack, a decent number of levels to play (single player, co-op and versus) and it's a great family friendly game to play on your Steam Link. However, it's for puzzle game aficionados only, especially ones who are into games like Pipe Mania (aka Pipe Dream). Expand
  6. Sep 19, 2013
    4
    Amazing music, nice theme but the game isn't anything new really. It's the classic pipes game with a few twists. After a while I got annoyedAmazing music, nice theme but the game isn't anything new really. It's the classic pipes game with a few twists. After a while I got annoyed and dropped it. But this music. Wow... And the polishing.... Expand
  7. Sep 22, 2013
    3
    This game is bad, really bad. The controls are a pain, the gameplay is boring, there is no fun no real puzzle, it's pasted on with cheapThis game is bad, really bad. The controls are a pain, the gameplay is boring, there is no fun no real puzzle, it's pasted on with cheap angry inducing mechanics. There are much better puzzle games out there, much better timing games out there. This game is nothing new, nothing fresh, and nothing fun. Avoid. Expand

See all 24 User Reviews