Contrast

Game Info

Note: The PS3 version of this game was played for review.

The vaudeville scene of the 1920s is not a setting used very often in video games. Which is actually surprising when you think about it because of the chance for some beautiful art. So when I saw the first screens for puzzle platformer Contrast, I was definitely interested. The art direction combined with the inventive gameplay mechanic had this high on my list of indie games to play. Unfortunately, the final product did not match with my lofty expectations.

In Contrast, you play as Dawn, a mysterious woman that can transfer to the world of shadows whenever her own shadow appears on a wall. Dawn’s best friend is an adventurous 8-year-old named Didi, who guides and directs where you should go next in the game. Again, not a combination you often have in games, but it’s refreshing to see and play. Dawn and Didi team up to explore the world and deal with Didi’s family issues. The subject matter can get a little heavy at times with a soapy story, but it doesn’t distract too much.

You take turns switching back and forth from the real world to the shadow world to navigate gaps and climb up to ledges. I liked how you can move a light around an object (or sometimes an object around a light) to make the shadows that appear on the walls bigger or smaller. This makes for some pretty clever puzzles to move in and around. It was fun to climb around some of the moving objects as well, making for a unique experience.  My favorite being when I climbed up the instrument shadows projected on the wall from the spotlights on the balcony of a jazz club. I would have preferred a little more time in the shadows though. I get that there’s more to explore in the actual real world, like a carnival and invention lab, but the gameplay when out of the shadows just isn’t as exciting.

Another issue that holds the game back are some technical glitches. There were a lot of times where I would be running down an alleyway or on a balcony, when all of a sudden my character would enter the jump animation briefly without me hitting any jump button. I also experienced multiple times where I would be able to see through my character or a piece of scenery. I even got stuck in a piece of scenery a couple times, having to quit out of the game in order to continue my game. These issues make it feel like it wasn’t quite ready for the masses, or less care was given to the PS3 port.

Visually, the game is very nice to look at. They capture the world of vaudeville perfectly with the art direction. Well, at least the version Hollywood has given us. Everything is appropriately dark when wandering around the town and it just looks authentic. Aside from the technical issues mentioned above, it is a treat for the eyes. The sound design matches this with a soundtrack that also captures the era well. Lot of tinkly jazz is fun to listen too while running around in the buildings, and while it’s not terribly memorable, it’s not distracting either. The voice acting is done quite well with a film noir tinge, however listening to Didi’s stiff delivery can get a little annoying.

THE RECOMMENDATION

I enjoyed my time playing Contrast. It’s not the longest experience, clocking in at around 4-5 hours, but it can be fun while it lasts. The technical glitches were disappointing to see as often as I did, which is part of why my expectations weren’t quite met. Still, if you’re looking for a unique game with a unique mechanic and a unique setting it’s worth checking out.