This is a puzzle platformer game in which you travel as a little boy through a limbo, painted in shades of grey and black. The graphics are minimalistic and music is rather ambient, but it fits the art style well. It is a grim and cruel world, where seemingly everyone and everything tries to end your life. Some of the puzzles are really simple, the others make you think a longer while. There are also some that are impossible to solve on your first try, which some people may find irritating. Checkpoints are however places in a clever manner and you won't have to repeat any large chunk of a level. For players who want additional challenge - there are a few thingies to be found, but it will take some more wit and more attempts. Where this game really shines is its atmosphere, captivating yet disquieting. In the first part of the game some puzzles made actually me feel awful about what I was doing. The second half of the game is rather skill-based (which is in my opinion less interesting), but the enigmatic ending fully compensates for it. Bear in mind that this is a really short game, it took me mere three hours to complete. If you don't mind it and if you're looking for another unique indie experience - give it a try!
I've read a review of this game quite a long time ago and already managed to forget about it. I grabbed the thing when I saw it on the GOG main page and I'm happy to express my opinion. The plot summary is as follows: you are logged into a police data network and you dig through an old archive in order to discover the truth behind a murder. It took me 5 hours to complete the game. After first one I thought that I already know what's going on, but there was still a few surprises down the road! Even after uncovering the main plot twist it is still an engaging task to find missing bits of a puzzle. The acting of a lady (Viva Seifert) playing the main character is really good, it helps with immersion a lot. Narrative is done in a clever and thought-provoking manner. Gameplay (navigating through the police database) is practical enough not to discourage from playing. And I love the old-school look of the virtual desktop, as well as the filter applied to a camera footage. If you are looking for a unique experience in a game focused on narrative, I can honestly recommend Sam Barlow's creation to you!
