Summary

Release Year: 2013
Genres: Adventure, Indie, Platform, Puzzle
Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Web browser, Xbox 360, Xbox One
Developers: Compulsion Games
Publishers: Focus Entertainment

Contrast: A Shadowy Masterpiece of Puzzle and Platforming

In the realm of video games, where creativity and innovation constantly push boundaries, Contrast stands as a testament to the power of imagination and the allure of the shadows. Released in 2013, Contrast captivated players with its unique blend of puzzle-platforming gameplay, a captivating 1920s noir aesthetic, and a hauntingly beautiful soundtrack.

A Tale of Shadows and Dreams

Contrast transports players to a surreal dream world, a realm where shadows dance and secrets whisper. You take on the role of Dawn, a young woman searching for her missing father in the enigmatic city of Ashwood. Accompanied by Didi, her imaginary friend, Dawn embarks on a perilous journey through a world where reality and illusion intertwine.

The game’s narrative unfolds like a film noir mystery, shrouded in intrigue and peppered with unexpected twists. Players are tasked with solving puzzles and navigating treacherous platforms while uncovering the truth behind Dawn’s father’s disappearance. Along the way, they encounter a cast of enigmatic characters, each with their own motives and secrets.

Gameplay: A Dance of Light and Shadow

Contrast’s gameplay revolves around a unique mechanic that allows players to seamlessly transition between a 3D world and a 2D shadow realm. This innovative feature adds a layer of depth and strategy to the puzzles, as players must manipulate shadows to solve environmental challenges and outwit enemies.

In the 3D world, Dawn can move freely, interacting with objects and engaging in platforming sections. However, when she enters the shadow realm, she becomes a silhouette, gaining the ability to traverse 2D surfaces and interact with objects in this alternate dimension.

The game’s puzzles are cleverly designed, requiring players to think creatively and utilize both the 3D and 2D realms to progress. The puzzles range from simple shadow manipulation to complex spatial reasoning, ensuring a satisfying challenge for players of all skill levels.

A Noir Masterpiece

Contrast’s visual style is a breathtaking blend of 1920s art deco and film noir aesthetics. The game’s environments are rendered in a soft, muted color palette, evoking the smoky atmosphere of classic noir films. Characters are designed with exaggerated features and sharp angles, adding to the game’s dreamlike, surreal quality.

The soundtrack, composed by the talented композитор, is an integral part of Contrast’s immersive experience. The smooth jazz melodies and haunting vocals perfectly capture the game’s noir ambiance, creating a sense of mystery and intrigue.

Critical Acclaim and Recognition

Upon its release, Contrast garnered critical acclaim for its captivating gameplay, stunning visuals, and compelling narrative. It received numerous awards and nominations, including:

IGN: Best Puzzle Game of 2013
GameSpot: Best Independent Game of 2013
BAFTA Games Awards: Nomination for Best British Game

Contrast’s success is a testament to the power of creativity and innovation in the video game industry. It stands as a unique and unforgettable experience that continues to captivate players to this day.

Conclusion

Contrast is a masterpiece of puzzle-platforming, art, and storytelling. Its innovative gameplay, stunning visuals, and haunting soundtrack combine to create an immersive and unforgettable experience. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or a newcomer to the genre, Contrast is a must-play for anyone who appreciates creativity, mystery, and the allure of the shadows.

Review Score

8/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

Introduction

We Happy Few is a first-person action-adventure game developed by Compulsion Games and published by Gearbox Publishing. It was released for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One in August 2018. The game is set in a retrofuturistic version of England in the 1960s, where the populace is forced to take a drug called Joy to suppress their memories of a traumatic past event.

Gameplay

Players control one of three characters: Arthur Hastings, Sally Boyle, or Ollie Starkey. Each character has their own unique abilities and playstyles. Arthur is a former journalist who is immune to the effects of Joy, making him an ideal choice for stealth missions. Sally is a pyromaniac who can use fire to her advantage in combat. Ollie is a former soldier who is proficient in melee combat.

The game’s world is divided into several districts, each with its own unique atmosphere and inhabitants. Players must explore these districts, complete quests, and avoid detection by the authorities. The game features a variety of gameplay mechanics, including stealth, combat, and puzzle-solving.

Setting

We Happy Few is set in a retrofuturistic version of England in the 1960s. The game’s world is a strange and unsettling place, where the populace is forced to take a drug called Joy to suppress their memories of a traumatic past event. Those who refuse to take Joy are branded as “Downers” and are treated with extreme prejudice.

The game’s setting is inspired by a variety of sources, including the works of George Orwell, Aldous Huxley, and Ray Bradbury. The game’s developers have also cited the films Brazil and A Clockwork Orange as influences.

Characters

We Happy Few features a cast of memorable and complex characters. The game’s three playable characters are all flawed and damaged individuals, but they are also capable of great courage and compassion.

Arthur Hastings is a former journalist who is immune to the effects of Joy. He is determined to uncover the truth about the past and expose the government’s lies.

Sally Boyle is a pyromaniac who is struggling to come to terms with her past. She is a fierce and independent woman, but she is also haunted by her demons.

Ollie Starkey is a former soldier who is trying to find his place in the world. He is a skilled fighter, but he is also struggling with PTSD.

Reception

We Happy Few received mixed reviews from critics upon release. Some praised the game’s unique setting, memorable characters, and thought-provoking themes. Others criticized the game’s repetitive gameplay and technical issues.

Despite the mixed reviews, We Happy Few has been a commercial success. The game has sold over 1 million copies worldwide.

Conclusion

We Happy Few is a unique and thought-provoking game that explores some dark and disturbing themes. The game’s setting is a metaphor for the dangers of suppressing the past and the importance of facing our demons. We Happy Few is a must-play for fans of dystopian fiction and action-adventure games.