Blackbar

Name: AppWolf
Price: 19 USD

Mrgan LLC

Games

Released 8/23/2013First seen 15d agoLast fetched 1d ago

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Latest Snapshot

Apple App StoreUS · 2026-08-04

Score

3.56

Ratings

Reviews

Version

1.2.2

Lifetime

Rank history · 30d

App Storebest rank per day, all markets

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Screenshots from the App Store.

About

"Blackbar is a brilliant game." —Ron Gilbert "Its allegories are smart, and its approach to story-telling on touch-devices is just as well. 4.5/5" —TouchArcade "Taut and intelligent. 8/10" —Eurogamer "A political statement—a super fun one. I _______ love this _______ game." —Loren Brichter "Awesome and totally unexpected." —Shaun Inman Blackbar is a text game: a sci-fi story of a dystopian future told through the medium of word puzzles. Reminiscent of text adventures and interactive fiction, it has a unique mechanic centered around the concept of censorship. Censorship is frustrating, but the human spirit can beat that frustration by turning it into a game. You'll pick up Blackbar instantly; however, its challenges will keep you searching, thinking, and trying for days. "An ingenious puzzle game that critiques censorship" —Fast Company "The humor is black, the puzzles go from simple to truly challenging, and the story is top-notch." —Gamemoir "Playing Blackbar is Like High School English Class, And I Love It." —Kotaku "Wonderfully written and does a fantastic job of pulling you into a not entirely unrealistic tale." —Gizmodo "Well-written and entertaining, with just a touch of a deeper message to hit a few concepts home. Just plain awesome." —JayIsGames

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Apple

3y ago

Kinda good?

I didn’t hate this game. But I didn’t really like it either. Pros: —I enjoyed stretching my brain a bit with the word play. There were two words that really stumped me. I admit I had to find a walk-through online to get past those levels. I appreciate that in a game. Cons: —It took me a little over two hours to complete it. If I’m paying to play, I expect some more playtime. —I can definitely understand how some could be confused at the start of the game. A brief explanation could help. Perhaps make it the start to the game, you could write vague instructions (not too vague), with blanks to make it part of the puzzle your starting. Would I recommend this game? Probably not. It’s a nice little game, but it just needs more.

- Chef_Dawn · v1.2.2

Apple

3y ago

Didn’t work

I downloaded the app after paying but the app does not work on Iphone 13 pro. It just come a first screen and nothing else - no button with “next” Or anything to move from that screen. I shut down, closed all apps, open again and nothing.

- casf29 · v1.2.2

Apple

4y ago

Enjoyable puzzles, too short

My wife and I have both played Grayout, and now Blackbar. They were very enjoyable! I like how easy they were to pick up/put down. No menus, loading screens, time sensitive activities- it was as simple as checking your text messages, so I never felt tied to it. My suggestion would be making them longer, or possibly having them branch storylines in the style of a choose-your-own-adventure. That would allow for some replayability at least. Definitely worth your time and money, so pick it up if you haven’t!

- wildchuk · v1.2.1

Apple

5y ago

How

How does it work? I filled in the black space and the screen just stays the same? No buttons to push? The screen doesn’t slide up down back or forth? How do you move past the first page?

- Dr. Charm · v1.2.1

Apple

5y ago

Doesn’t work on iOS 14

I only get one page, the ability to type an answer and then nothing. That’s it. There is no enter key or ability to move forward to anything else. Crazy.

- planetmisty · v1.2.1

Apple

6y ago

Excellent, but too short and a missed opportunity!

This game was delightful, and I’m glad for every moment I spent with it. But I finished the whole thing in a night! The creators did just enough with the censorship mechanism to keep it interesting and I definitely wanted more—maybe some DLC? The one mechanism I’m sad wasn’t explored more was *SPOILER ALERT* the single puzzle that had TWO possible correct answers for progression. Granted, one led to an immediate game over, but finding other ways to implement this would’ve been amazing. Thanks for the great game, looking forward to trying Grayout!

- clcallag · v1.2.1

Apple

6y ago

Too short

Interesting, but took me about two hours to complete. It needs to be longer and the story just seems to cut off, like it is unfinished.

- chile_man · v1.2.1

Apple

7y ago

Where's the rest?

Great game, excellent use of text, tricky puzzles. But given the themes and plot, and the price, it needs to be three times as long. I did not need a walkthrough, I played it over several days and used a bit of trial and error for a couple pages. BTW, there are two endings, sort of: a "black ending" and a "yellow ending." If you got the black ending, go back one page and try again.

- Strangelander · v1.2.1

Apple

7y ago

Very interesting game!

As other reviews mentioned, seems a tiny bit off on a few of the puzzles. The design itself is very ... if you don’t get it you’re just sort of flailing without recourse, and the back and forward buttons are super annoying to use to traverse prior puzzles. But I enjoyed it mostly. For $3? Yeah, get it. An interesting look at a different type of word/novel/puzzle game. :)

- anechoe · v1.2.1

Apple

8y ago

Neat idea, boring gameplay, lackluster story

The concept of the game is fun and original. The game itself is pretty dull. Not a lot of clever; not a lot of fun. The cute little twists all leave something to be desired, I think because the medium itself—like a worse kind of crossword—is sorely lacking. The plot, which is really the only thing worth keeping on for, isn't worth keeping on for at all; it's a heavy-handed, childish take on a dystopian government, the sort of thing a teen comes up with after reading 1984. The characters are shallow, the Evil Government is boring, and the one attempt at tugging your heartstrings manages to be simultaneously melodramatic and boring. This is not a good game, for all it was created by a great guy.

- Tom Hanks Is Bela Lugosi · v1.2.1

Apple

8y ago

[SPOILERS] “I must inform you that I am not stupid...”

. . . but I cant solve puzzles with absolutely no context, writers. Subculturia?! Really? It just devolved into an exercise in futility and interrupted the story. Unsatisfied with a game I was so curious about for so long. I love a good dystopian story, but the gameplay was disappointing.

- SamsunRo · v1.2

Apple

8y ago

Meh

This game was alright. Some of the puzzles were challenging but overall I found it boring with little background and context.

- Lirpa1208 · v1.2

Apple

8y ago

Challenging but not impossible

If you like puzzles and really don’t mind guessing and thinking and guessing some more and maybe sleeping on it, then you might like this game. I only had to google two things and they were both just quotes. Highly recommended!

- TCU4Liz · v1.2

Apple

8y ago

Interesting story, very difficult to play

I played Grayout before this one, which made the story more familiar to me and it probably helped me figure out quite a few of the answers. BUT, often the answers were difficult, sometimes ludicrously so. I ended up looking up answers many, MANY times, and more often than not my reaction when seeing the solution was “How the hell was I supposed to get THAT?” This was especially true with later puzzles that involved some kind of riddle or clue-most of the time, I found the “clue” to be too vague for me to ever get the answer on my own.

- :-L · v1.2

Apple

8y ago

One star execution, five star idea

In this game you read correspondence between siblings that has been censored by an authoritarian government, and are tasked with filling in the missing words. The storytelling is decent but the puzzles are not. Expect to be stranded often without nearly enough information to find a solution, just plugging in every word of the right length that can vaguely fit into the sentence. The puzzles don’t really fit the theme either. Nine times out of ten it’s just blacking out random words.

- None-36382 · v1.2

Apple

8y ago

Mostly fun and challenging puzzles, but some killed it for me.

A few of the puzzles, even after googling the answer, made very little sense and I can’t see how anyone would come to that conclusion as the answer had the vaguest connection. Developers, that is definitely not how a raven is like a writing desk. One literally has no clues or context whatsoever, you’re just guessing words until you find one that fits, only then do you have context for the rest. The game was great in concept, truly unique, but at times poorly executed. It killed the pacing of an already cliche, but well done, dystopian story. Unlike some I actually really liked that it was supposed to be a short game, if the developers would just get a few of the puzzles to make more sense this could be a very interesting brief experience. $3 for an hour or two of interesting entertainment is well worth it. This game could so easily be fixed to be the interesting experience it set out to be.

- crtalen · v1.2

Apple

8y ago

A challenging puzzle game that ends too soon

I really liked Blackbar, I thought it was a good mix of challenging puzzles and an interesting narrative. It is a very difficult game, and I had to resort to a walkthrough more times than I’d like to admit. The only problem with it is how short it is, I finished it in around an hour, which would be ok if the game was free, or maybe 1 or 2 dollars, but it’s 3 dollar price tag makes it a little costly. It’s a good game to get if you’re looking for a good puzzler, but don’t expect it to be a game you keep coming back too or spending much time on.

- tenaciousPotato · v1.2

Apple

8y ago

Amazing game

GREAT game. Terrific story, good puzzles, quite challenging at times. I recommend playing with a friend so you can bounce ideas off each other. Some reviewers thought it was too hard. It can be difficult, but it just takes time and thought to figure it out- this is not a game for people who want to zip easily through puzzles. Well worth the price, and I just bought grayout too! Thanks for such a great experience- I hope there will be many more games like this to come!

- textomb · v1.2

Apple

8y ago

A clever idea severely lacking in the execution

The game mechanic and presentation were sufficiently appealing to make me purchase the game. I had hoped for a contemplative journey through the ramifications of the censorship of ideas. Unfortunately, the authors seem have gotten so preoccupied with swear words that they forgot to tell a compelling story. Quite disappointing.

- Tsubashi · v1.1.3

Apple

8y ago

Wow

Cool, different, smart.

- Pauvrepetite · v1.1.3

Apple

8y ago

Too short for the price

This was a fun little game and is clever but took me all of 20 mins to complete. And it did not take a lot to develop, so the price is really high for a glorified fill in the blank activity.

- Renkashmee · v1.1.3

Apple

9y ago

Not worth it

A disappointing game with a vague bio to lure you into buying it. Wishing I could get the money I wasted back

- GamerIggy · v1.1.3

Apple

9y ago

Don't buy into the hype

Boring, simple, and incredibly overrated

- christ.in.era1024 · v1.1.3

Apple

9y ago

Intelligent game with more surprises

You must pay attention to how each message is written as well as what is in it. This is the best text based game I have ever played. I've played a lot!

- GraceOM · v1.1.3

Apple

9y ago

😭😭😭

Horrible and impossible to use.

- U.S.12345 · v1.1.3

Apple

9y ago

Big let down

I was originally very intrigued, but finished the entire puzzle in an hour. Absolute waste of money.

- ghgirlsrcrazy · v1.1.3

Apple

9y ago

Loved it!

But it left me craving for more.

- Katierinka · v1.1.3

Apple

9y ago

Complete Trash... REFUND!

trash trash trash... waste of money

- Arthurvov · v1.1.3

Apple

9y ago

Short but fantastic game with a simple but satisfying concept.

This game is truly a puzzler at parts, and each riddle is quite satisfying to solve. It's a simple text-based game in the vein of a crossword puzzle with a story. But it is immersive and fun. It's short, I completed it in a handful of play sessions on a biz trip. But I highly recommend it for those looking for a fun challenge.

- DM Tayag · v1.1.3

Apple

9y ago

Okay overall

It's a good game. It has a good story and a really unique form of gameplay. I was disappointed with the ending and its length. Really not worth the money for the small amount of game.

- Gingerfoot · v1.1.3

Apple

9y ago

Great game

Frame rate never dropped below 60 and it kept me occupied for hours

- thesprawl · v1.1.3

Apple

9y ago

Not clever

Starts out solid and intriguing. It then goes from clever to assuming each player can read the dev's sleep-deprived mind. Oops forgot to sensor.

- daflicksta · v1.1.3

Apple

9y ago

Short but intense

I pretty much played this game all in one sitting because I couldn't put it down. Really nice concept and beautiful writing.

- WML11 · v1.1.3

Apple

9y ago

Well designed, but needs more content for $$

Pros: -The minimalist interface is clever. -The narrative is enjoyable -The concept is cool Cons: (unfortunately, it's a big one) For a pay-to-play game, the lack of content/levels is really disappointing. Didn't feel a sense of completion at the conclusion.

- Scar123456789 · v1.1.3

Apple

9y ago

Challenging and intriguing

It's a game of less is more, in every way. But if you enjoy light puzzling and a being a little stumped as you figure out what to do next, it's a great diversion.

- transresistor · v1.1.3

Apple

9y ago

Enjoyable Story

Overall, I really liked the game. Some reviewers had said you just guess words and numbers, but really, there is a pattern to it, and clues scattered throughout. At no time was I reduced to just typing random words. Fantastic story kept me interested. The only downside is the game was a little too short.

- Ashcatash · v1.1.3

Apple

9y ago

I feel misled

I thought this would be a clever and interesting game. Not so Much. Simplistic and with a boring narrative.

- bamorgan · v1.1.3

Apple

9y ago

Word Puzzles with Eerie Narrative

Very well-written game. Somewhat short, but well worth the price due to originality and inventiveness of both story and gameplay. No instructions/tutorial on how to play, but that's part of the point. Playing the game itself is initially a puzzle. I got stuck twice, so be warned. A couple spots are particularly cryptic. Hope they'll make a follow-up.

- RhymeisReason · v1.1.3

Apple

10y ago

Truly fantastic

Blackbar makes a very powerful statement on free speech. The story told is incredibly powerful and well dictated, the puzzles are challenging as well. Excellent.

- AmberGraci · v1.1.3

Apple

10y ago

Absolutely amazing

Best game ever! Get it as soon as possible! I love this game!

- Oooooooooooooo134575338990 · v1.1.3

Apple

10y ago

I love this.

I never thought such a simplistic, minimalist game could excite me so much. This game has way more story than it has coding. So if you love dystopian novels or stories of rebellion... Pick this up.

- Thisnamestaken · v1.1.3

Apple

10y ago

Boring and pointless

I've never bothered to write a bad review on an app before but the was just awful. You read through boring letters and figure out the redacted words. At one point it's a string of single digit numbers! I wish I could get my money back for this one.

- Kinwart · v1.1.3

Apple

10y ago

Absolutely awesome

What a cool new idea. The game is beyond hard, and most players will need at least a little help on the way through, but the story is really interesting, and challenging. The app is a little pricey for how short the game is. I hope there is a sequel, or similar game created soon so I can get my fix.

- 13ROBJ · v1.1.3

Apple

10y ago

Well written, thoughtful game

This game feels like a novel. I don't want to ruin it for any new players, but I would say this is one of my favorite games to come out on the App Store. The puzzles are clever and somewhat challenging, and the writing is 👌🏿👌🏿👌🏿

- Lee Kwa · v1.1.3

Apple

10y ago

Not ----- the money

I feel burned. Total waste of time and Three dollars.

- Orgvol · v1.1.3

Apple

10y ago

AMAZING👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽😻😻😻😻

it was a very short, but fun and challenging game, I enjoyed the whole thing. It was interesting finding out what was going to happen next. I wonder if I should check out any of the other games...

- SonofZeus48 · v1.1.3

Apple

10y ago

Not worth it.

This isn't really a puzzle. You're just guessing what words are in the black bars. The first page is a little tricky, but the rest were easy. And there was no system or reason to what words were behind the black bars. It got old quick, and I just quit. It's the start of a cool idea that just doesn't have enough layers to it.

- xinefly · v1.1.3

Apple

10y ago

deAr fRieNd,

tHe onLY cOmPlaINt i hAvE AbOut thiS game iS I wiSh IT wAS loNGER.

- okc4ts · v1.1.3

Apple

10y ago

Not worth the ca$h money.

I'm only giving it one more star because of the initial dystopian intrigue. Otherwise, I found most of the puzzles way too easy, others completely without context and therefore impossible to solve, and holy hell is it short. Anticlimactic doesn't begin to cover the letdown. I really feel like it was a waste of my money. Don't do it.

- julianneclamcake · v1.1.3

Apple

10y ago

really great

- imafungi1 · v1.1.3

Latest Snapshot

Rank history · 30d

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Reviews

Kinda good?

Didn’t work

Enjoyable puzzles, too short

How

Doesn’t work on iOS 14

Excellent, but too short and a missed opportunity!

Too short

Where's the rest?

Very interesting game!

Neat idea, boring gameplay, lackluster story

[SPOILERS] “I must inform you that I am not stupid...”

Meh

Challenging but not impossible

Interesting story, very difficult to play

One star execution, five star idea

Mostly fun and challenging puzzles, but some killed it for me.

A challenging puzzle game that ends too soon

Amazing game

A clever idea severely lacking in the execution

Wow

Too short for the price

Not worth it

Don't buy into the hype

Intelligent game with more surprises

😭😭😭

Big let down

Loved it!

Complete Trash... REFUND!

Short but fantastic game with a simple but satisfying concept.

Okay overall

Great game

Not clever

Short but intense

Well designed, but needs more content for $$

Challenging and intriguing

Enjoyable Story

I feel misled

Word Puzzles with Eerie Narrative

Truly fantastic

Absolutely amazing

I love this.

Boring and pointless

Absolutely awesome

Well written, thoughtful game

Not ----- the money

AMAZING👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽😻😻😻😻

Not worth it.

deAr fRieNd,

Not worth the ca$h money.

really great

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