Upcoming Features:
- Dark mode
- Generative AI
- Desktop version
This article will be an unbiased review of the no-code game-making app, Soba.
In this Soba review, we’ll discuss what it is, its features, and of course, where it lands on our Cooked Scale:
- Raw: Early stage minimum viable product (MVP), not a lot of features, buggy/clunky.
- Edible: Fleshed out MVP but still needs refinement, missing features, quality of life, bad UX, etc.
- Chef’s-Kiss: Excellent product, well refined, easy to use, lots of great features.
Let’s dive in.
Table of Contents
What Is Soba?
Soba is a mobile, no-code game development app designed to make creating games accessible to everyone. Founded by gaming enthusiast Juha Paananen, Soba provides an intuitive drag-and-drop editor for players to construct customized domains filled with interactive objects.
Check out Soba’s socials:
What Makes Soba Unique?
Soba is unique in that it’s a game development platform as well as a community — meaning developers can share ideas, collaborate on projects, and make faster progress. Soba leverages Discord to teach and showcase new creations.
Soba’s goal is to bring game-making to the next generation of developers. By catering to a younger audience who need absolutely zero coding experience, they can shape the future of game-making.
Plus, when users make a game public, Soba posts it on the homepage for other users to test, giving the game free hosting and accessibility. These components are integral to game development, and for aspiring developers, Soba makes it easy to test, host, and share.
Soba Review 2024: Is It Worth It?
After playing with Soba for a little over a week, it’s safe to say that it’s amazing. Both being in the community and playing/creating games is a lot of fun. Active participation is incentivized, and while Soba is still in early alpha testing, it’s created a robust foundation for growth.
Here’s our quick Soba review breakdown:
Dark Mode – ❌(as of February 2024)
While many users have asked for a dark mode in Discord, Soba is still in Early Alpha. For developers, creating a dark mode can be time-consuming and at times, buggy. Soba’s team has said they’re planning on creating a dark mode, it just isn’t available yet.
Value vs Cost – 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Soba is free to use and provides tremendous amounts of value in terms of creative expression and entertainment. In a world filled with social media, Soba creates a new avenue for the younger generation to remain digital while expressing their creative nature in a positive way.
Functionality – 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
As for functionality, Soba exceeds expectations. Designing a game is hyper-responsive and never delays. All of the tools are intuitive and drag-and-drop. So if you prefer to learn as you go, it’s easy to pick up. And if you prefer to watch tutorials and learn from content, Soba has an entire library on how to make games.
Additionally, Soba comes with pre-built, pre-scripted game templates if you don’t want to start from scratch. That includes Floor is Lava games, Obby games, Shooters, and so much more.
Originality – 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Soba is entirely original. It’s taken bits and pieces from other games and turned them into something that hasn’t been done before for game makers. The community, the team, and the product truly make this product special.
The Final Verdict of Our Soba Review
Soba’s platform has been extremely easy to understand from the get-go. From a user experience perspective, their team has nailed it. And the community’s response has reflected that, being overly positive.
Plus, they’re not afraid to hear feedback and implement it — after all, that is the nature of game development. You create a product, open it for testing, and hear out other people’s ideas. Soba is doing the same for its platform.
According to our Soba review, our Cooked Scale rates this app…
A Chef’s Kiss Rating
Ready for your unbiased app review by our team of talented chefs? Reach out in the comments below with a link to the app you’d like us to review and we’ll be in touch soon!