Orbu: AR Puzzler
Relaxation at play
Ratings
Age
4+
Category
Family
Languages
English
Thu Dec 12 2019
- We have made some minor updates to improve the game.
- We have created some lovely new screenshots and a new app icon.
- Fixed an occasional crash that affected playing in Aeroplane mode.
- Fixed various issues with the in-game lighting.
Orbu is an augmented reality puzzle game that transforms your surroundings into a series of beautiful Zen gardens. Players guide spirit animals like the Tanuki, Noko, and Konkon through various levels by dragging and releasing to catapult them toward targets. The game emphasizes exploration, encouraging players to move physically around the AR space to find hidden butterflies and optimal angles for completing puzzles across different seasons.
Dinsun Expert Review
Our Expert Score
Orbu: AR Puzzler is a masterclass in how to utilize augmented reality for more than just a gimmick. Instead of simply overlaying 3D models on your floor, the game creates an immersive diorama that feels tangible and alive. Guiding your spirit animals—the Tanuki, Noko, and Konkon—through these beautifully designed Zen gardens is a meditative experience that rewards physical curiosity.
What sets Orbu apart is the requirement to physically move. You aren't just swiping on a screen; you are walking around your living room to peer behind a stone lantern or under a bridge to find hidden butterflies. The slingshot mechanics are intuitive, but the real joy comes from the environmental storytelling and the way the gardens evolve through the seasons. It’s a polished, serene experience that remains one of the most cohesive AR titles on the App Store.
Features
Physical movement-based AR puzzles
Beautiful seasonal Zen garden environments
Playable spirit animals: Tanuki, Noko, Konkon, and Pombo
Hidden collectibles and achievements
360-degree level exploration
Tips & Walkthrough
Place the garden on a flat surface. Tap and drag behind your spirit animal to aim, then release to hop. Look for hidden butterflies tucked behind obstacles by physically moving your phone around the play area.
Gameplays
As you progress through the seasonal chapters, you will unlock new characters like Pombo the panda, each with unique movements to help solve increasingly complex environmental puzzles.
Screenshot
Q&A
You can choose your play space, but AR allows you to physically walk around the environments to find secrets.
Ratings & Reviews
Excellent and Beautiful AR Game
Sat Mar 10 2018 isThisOneTaken23Worked great on my iPad Pro, and was a relaxing way to spend some downtime. Note:* I lay down a towel with contrasting color patterns in order to make my AR games work better. Doing so gives me a much improved experience in all my AR gaming
Great First Foray Into Augmented Reality
Sat Dec 30 2017 mike1550rlrCharming aesthetic and intuitive gameplay, Orbu transforms your favorite coffee table into a relaxing zen garden/puzzle exploration. I loved the moment of discovery when I realized I could walk around, enjoying the game from any angle, seeing the lovely detailing on the other side of a tree or bridge. Fun level design with mini-golf/pool style ricochet shots; can’t wait to see how the developer continues to play with AR in Orbu updates and future games!
Fun and addictive
Wed Jan 24 2018 SmarshuI was a fan of Pokémon Go and thought I’d try this new Ar game a friend recommended and it’s great. I find myself playing it waiting for coffee or sitting on the sofa. The mechanics are easy to use and the graphics are fun. Check it out if you are looking for something new to do on your phone.
Peaceful and Entertaining
Tue Jan 09 2018 justmeelaine61How refreshing to have a game with the goal being my relaxation and enjoyment! I love taking my time to explore the beautifully created environment from various angles. The fun mazes, adorable characters and soothing music keep me coming back again and again.
Already have a problem...
Tue Dec 26 2017 kilala18I immediately opened it once it downloaded. I sit through the load screen, hit Start, and am immediately prompted to give the camera permission via Settings. I accept, am sent to Settings but...there’s no way to “allow” the Camera. Hopefully a future update will resolve this? *Update* No longer compatible with my iPad mini (despite already paying for $2.99, and downloading, it) 😒 I’m guessing that a refund isn’t viable?
Awesome way to showcase AR
Wed Jan 03 2018 kalrabiOrbu shows what is possible with ARKit beyond Pokemon Go. I had fun walking around the entire kitchen table (where the game map was anchored), standing and ducking to see everything in the gardens. My friends were impressed -- great game!
Needs camera access
Thu Dec 21 2017 DuskettaApp *should* request camera access befor sending user to ‘settings’
Requires camera access
Fri Dec 22 2017 Am-twogoodNo where in the description does it say you must use your camera. I know it is an AR game but every other game like this I have purchased doesn’t require the camera. I wouldn’t have bought it had I known this as I prefer to keep my camera and microphone away from apps I haven’t tried yet.
