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Contrast

Contrast

PCPlayStationXbox
Released

Release Date: November 15, 2013

Puzzle, Platformers, Indie Games, 2.5D, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, Perspective-bending, Singleplayer, Xbox Game Pass Premium

Original indie production developed by Compulsion Games team, combining elements of platform games with numerous logical puzzles. The game intertwines the fate of two women: the older one named Dawn and the younger Didi, who after her mother's death is condemned to live with her cruel father. Dawn, concerned about the girl's fate, promises to change her past with her unique abilities.

6.0

OpenCritic

9.1

Steam

7.9

Users

Rate It!
Ratings
[1:40] launch trailer Videos: 7
Screenshot Images: 18
Screenshot
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Premièring to the world very, very soon, Contrast is a mystery centred around cabaret, live jazz, fairgrounds, acrobatics and illusions.

But it’s no ordinary show! Through the marvels of modern technology, Contrast is coming near you, louder than radio, faster than telegraph and more risqué than Lady Chatterley’s Lover! No more waiting in line for popcorn, no more pushy crowds, no more scalpers, this is the real deal!

This kind of experience ain’t cheap though, folks – there’s a catch. A little girl, Didi, needs some company – she’s a good kid, but she’s got some family troubles and is livin’ in a complicated adult world. She really needs a pal to help her out – and this is where you come in.

You, the mystery audience member, will play Dawn, an enigmatic young lady tasked with helping Didi as she explores the world of Contrast. You will need to use Dawn’s tricks of light and shadow (through clever special effects, you will be able to become your shadow, at will, whenever your shadow appears on a wall!), and summon up all your improvisational skills to move the story along.

Platforms:

PC Windows

PC Windows November 15, 2013

Xbox 360

Xbox 360 November 15, 2013

PlayStation 3

PlayStation 3 November 19, 2013

PlayStation 4

PlayStation 4 November 15, 2013

Xbox One

Xbox One June 26, 2014

Developer: Compulsion Games

Publisher: Focus Entertainment / Focus Home Interactive

Similar Games:

The Watchmaker

Rayman Legends

Kawiteros

Features

System Requirements

System Requirements for Contrast Video Game:

PC Windows

PC / Windows

Recommended System Requirements:
Core 2 Duo 2.3 GHz, 2 GB RAM, graphic card 512 MB (GeForce 7900 or better), 4 GB HDD, Windows XP(SP2)/Vista(SP2)/7(SP1)/8.

Ratings

Game Ratings for Contrast Video Game.

6.0

OpenCritic Rating

Game is Recomended by 15% of Critics. There are 47 Critic Reviews.

OpenCritic

PlayStation LifeStyle: 6.5 / 10 by Chandler Wood

There were also a few minor gameplay glitches in which I would get kicked out of shadow mode for what appeared to be no reason or stuck to objects in the world. I would find myself setting down boxes and then unable to move afterwards or stuck on invisible objects in the environment. This didn't happen throughout the whole game, but it occurred enough that it warranted mention. For the most part the shadow mode works pretty well. It is a fun and unique twist to your standard fare puzzle-platformer, but really only adds underutilized potential when the curtains prematurely fall.

Full Review

GameSpot: 5 / 10 by Carolyn Petit

Wonky physics and prosaic puzzles prevent Contrast from making the most of its intriguing concept and intoxicating atmosphere.

Full Review

God is a Geek: 6 / 10 by Adam Cook

The voice acting is decent, though. Some excellent performances really hammer home the setting and mood, matched by the theme tune, which is beautifully sung, and genuinely feels like a reward when the credits roll. There's not a huge amount to come back for, as there aren't many collectibles overall. However, some of them are rewards for solving optional puzzles, which is a nice touch.

Full Review
91%

STEAM Score

All Reviews: Very Positive (5,705)

STEAM
User Reviews Summary generated by AI

The main pros of the game

  • Unique Gameplay Mechanics: The ability to switch between a 3D world and a 2D shadow realm is frequently praised as innovative and engaging, allowing for creative puzzle-solving.
  • Art Style and Atmosphere: The game features a stunning visual aesthetic inspired by the 1920s film noir and vaudeville, complemented by a beautiful jazz soundtrack that enhances the overall experience.
  • Charming Story: Many players appreciate the narrative that revolves around a young girl, Didi, and her imaginary friend, Dawn, which touches on themes of family and childhood.
  • Short but Sweet: The game's length (around 3-4 hours) is often seen as a positive, providing a quick yet satisfying experience that doesn't overstay its welcome.
  • Good Voice Acting: The voice performances, especially for the main characters, are noted as being well-executed and fitting for the game's tone.

The main cons of the game

  • Clunky Controls and Movement: Several reviews mention issues with the controls being unresponsive or imprecise, leading to frustration, especially during platforming sections.
  • Short Length: While some appreciate the brevity, many players express a desire for a longer experience with more content and deeper exploration of the story.
  • Limited NPC Interaction: The game primarily features shadows instead of fully realized characters, which some players found to make the world feel empty or lifeless.
  • Occasional Frustrating Puzzles: Some puzzles can be unintuitive or lead to moments of confusion, detracting from the overall enjoyment.

The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users

  • More Depth in Storytelling: Players wish for a more fleshed-out narrative and character development, particularly concerning Dawn and the game's world.
  • Improved Save System: Issues with the save mechanics and checkpoints were highlighted, with some players expressing frustration over having to replay large sections after failing.
  • Additional Gameplay Mechanics: Suggestions for more varied mechanics or challenges were common, as many felt the game could benefit from additional layers of complexity.
  • Options for Collectible Interaction: Some users desired features like zooming in on collectibles or a first-person toggle to better appreciate the detailed environments.

Summary

  • Overall, "Contrast" is recognized for its artistic ambition and unique gameplay but is critiqued for execution issues and a desire for more content.

Summary generated on:

7.9

USERS Score

Average score from votes.

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