Contrast

Unsurprisingly, a game that built on the mechanics of light and shadow also delivers a visual story that is both dark and devoid of color. Still, the cabaret art style shows through without becoming a dark mess and even the darkest textures and animations are enough to impress.

The developers at Compulsion Games did a nice job of recreating a city in what I interpreted to be 1940s Paris. From the cobblestone roads to the bright circus lights, there is enough detail to immerse the player further into a world inhabited by shadows. Adding to this, the edges of the city prevented exploration by artistically presenting images that were reminiscent of the works of Salvador Dali. They added to an already fantastical setting ,and it seemed that at any moment the city might slip back into the surreal the dreams of a little girl.

Fans of the smooth and sultry sounds of Jazz will not be able to resist the sounds of 'Contrast'. Whether as a performance by Didi's mother, or as simple background music, Compulsion Games brilliantly enlisted the vocals of Laura Ellis to help set a near perfect mood for the entire game. While I've never been a prolific fan of Jazz, the songs that were chosen and the way they were delivered left a lasting effect on me well after the game ended. It's not often I seek out the soundtrack to a particular video game, but this is one that I could envision adding to my music library.

I was also pleasantly surprised by the effective use of surround sound throughout the game. Moments of quiet were quickly replaced with the hustle and bustle of a circus tent, or the clanking of glasses and muttered conversations while Didi's mother performed her Jazz act. During these richer experiences I often felt as though I were in the midst of a large group of people, laughing and enjoying themselves, even though the room contained mere shadows. It was very much a haunting experience, and one that benefits from the aid of an optimum sound field

Pinch hitting for the highly anticipated 'DriveClub' as a part of the PlayStation 4 release was certain to be a daunting experience for the development team at Compulsion Games. Annoying bugs and short game play aside, they have nicely accommodated for those oversized shoes they needed to fill. 'Contrast' presents a wonderfully crafted and intimately personal story, while promoting an avant-garde take on the increasingly popular game play mechanics of light and shadow. The style of the game will keep you entertained from start to finish, but there isn't enough substance there to prompt a replay.