Flip between two layers of platforms to guide a small robot to the star on each of 25 levels.
OnOff is a puzzle platformer in two colors. You control a little robot in a world built from two layers, one dark and one light. At any moment just one of them is solid, and pressing Space flips which one it is. Much of the game is about flipping at the right time, often while you are in mid-air.
Every level asks you to reach a star. Getting there means reading both layers and planning which one you want under your feet.
How the layers work
Blocks in the active layer are solid and can be stood on. Blocks in the other layer appear as faint outlines that you pass right through. One press of Space swaps the two. A gap that looks too wide may be bridged by a block on the hidden layer, and a wall that blocks you may disappear after a flip.
Spikes belong to layers too. While their layer is switched off, they cannot hurt you, which means switching can make a dangerous stretch harmless.
What breaks the robot
Three things end an attempt. You can drop below the bottom edge, touch active spikes, or be standing inside a block when its layer becomes solid. The robot bursts apart, the level restarts, and the skull counter goes up by one.
There is no limit to how many tries you get. After a short burst animation you are back at the start of the level, ready to try again.
Strategy notes
- Jump first, then flip. A mid-jump switch is fine provided no solid block pops up in the space your robot occupies.
- Look at the whole screen before you move. Map out a path that uses the solid platforms and the faint ones.
- Use flips to drop down. When floors from both layers are stacked, flip so the one under you vanishes, then switch back to catch the lower floor.
- Take off near the edge. Your jump has a short, fixed height, so starting right at the drop covers the most distance.
Who it suits
OnOff is a good pick for players who enjoy short, clever levels more than long runs. The 25 stages begin with simple hops and build up to layered puzzles with spikes. When you finish them, the level editor lets you design your own stage and play it right away. The SVG art is clean and sharp, and the music changes once you make it to the last screen.
Controls
| Action | Keyboard | Mouse |
|---|---|---|
| Move left or right | A / D or Left / Right arrows | — |
| Jump | W or Up arrow | — |
| Switch platform layer | Space | — |
| Pick a menu item | Up / Down arrows, then Enter | — |
| Leave a custom level | Escape | — |
| Place and edit pieces in the editor | P adds a platform, S + U/D/L/R adds spikes, G tests the level | Drag to move or resize, double-click to change layer, Shift + click to delete |
OnOff FAQ
Can I play OnOff on a phone or Chromebook?
Not on a phone or tablet, since there are no touch buttons. A Chromebook or any computer with a keyboard works well. You move with A and D or the arrows, jump with W or Up, and flip layers with Space. A gamepad is supported too.
Is there a level editor?
Yes. You can open it from the title menu. Press P to add a platform, hold S with U, D, L or R to add spikes, and press G to test your stage. Drag pieces to move or resize them, double-click to change their layer, and Shift-click to delete.
Does it count my progress?
The top corner shows two numbers. The star shows your cleared levels, and the skull keeps track of every robot breakdown. Both start over whenever you choose Start Game from the menu.
How do I win?
Each level has a star somewhere on screen. Touch it and you move straight on to the following stage. Clear all 25 and a congratulations screen appears. There is no limit on tries, so you can keep attempting a tough level.
