Contrast

Editor's Notes

Version reviewed is for the PS4, which is available either free with PS Plus or as a standalone purchase. The game is also available for the 360, PS3, and PC.

Introduction

'Contrast' is an indie puzzle platformer from Canadian developer Compulsion Games. The multiplatform title was thrust into the spotlight when Sony selected it to replace the delayed PS Plus version of 'DriveClub.' The developer's stated desire with 'Contrast' is to intrigue players with a mystery clouded deep in the world of cabaret, a tagline that just screams 'independent game.' But along with the showmanship, comes a platformer that promises to mix 2D and 3D gameplay in a way to both contrast and compare the different platforming sensations. Now, without further adieu, let's have a look at the PS4 launch title 'Contrast.'

The Game Itself: Our Reviewer's Take

The PlayStation 4 was released on Friday, November 15 in North America. Up until a few short weeks before the console was available, subscribers to the PlayStation Plus service were expecting to get their hands on 'Resogun' (Housemarque) and PS Plus version of 'DriveClub' (Evolution Studios). While the former title was available as a free download on day one, the latter was added to a growing list of games that were pushed into next year. Sony, not wanting to lose any momentum, announced that 'DriveClub' would be replaced with the little-know title, 'Contrast'. While it's easy to think of the game as just a stand-in, its arty indie sensibility bears little resemblance to a new online racing game. If 'DriveClub' is action-packed genre far, then 'Contrast' is like a foreign drama, and like a foreign drama it's not without foibles.

'Contrast' tells the mature story of a little girl named Didi, dealing with the emotions of her broken family. Her mother is a Jazz lounge singer and her estranged "father" has trouble keeping his business affairs in order. As a result, Didi enlists the help of her imaginary friend – Dawn – who has the unique ability to shift in and out of the shadows of what appears to be a 1940's Paris.

Controlling Dawn from a 3rd person perspective, you follow Didi through darkened alleys and into a variety of establishments. In one chapter, you sneak into the lounge where your mother performs, while in another you're interacting with the attractions of the local circus. Each new section helps to further develop the story of Didi's family history as well as introduce new puzzles for you to complete.

'Contrast' is a puzzle platformer through and through. As was previously mentioned, Dawn has the ability to shift in and out of the shadow world with the simple push of the R2 button. in this shadow form, Dawn is able to navigate the projected shadow environment, with some shadows acting as platforms and others as obstacles. It is through the shadow platforming that Dawn is able to reach new heights in the 3D environment. 'Contrast' will often set these platforms in motion, whether as a rotating carousel, interactive puppet show, or an oscillating spotlight that shifts the shadows' angle. While the shadow gameplay mechanic is interesting, multiple other games have done similar things before. 'Lost in Shadow', developed by Hudson Soft for the Wii in 2010, is one that I whole-heartedly recommend.

'Contrast' will also mix things up and add to the difficulty by giving Dawn the ability to place the light source - near or far – to adjust the size, shape, and angle of the shadows she is meant to climb. This was often more puzzling to figure out than the actual platforming. I often found myself needing to step back from the situation and examine all possibilities to ensure the shadow path was both clear and a viable solution to the puzzle at hand.

There are also a number of collectible items scattered throughout the streets that, when found, prompt a shadowy story cutscene upon the side of a large building. These were generally timed opportunities to quickly enter the shadows and interact with the scene by jumping your way onto the arms, shoulders, and heads of the moving characters as they act out the scenes that further illustrate Didi's tumultuous family life. They are by far the most interesting platforming sections of the game and the most distinct.

For the most part 'Contrast' was an enjoyable game, but it was not free of the nagging bugs that tend to plague some of the smaller, downloadable titles. Dawn's character would often stick and freeze to boxes she was required to carry in order to activate a floor switch. Additionally, I experienced a progression-blocking bug at the very end of the story. Moving a spotlight to a specific section of the level did not register, and prohibiting me from completing the final puzzle. Other players captured footage of this bug, confirming that I was not alone in my frustration. Regardless of how often I shut the game down and restarted, the issue persisted. It was disappointing to realize that the game was only moments away from ending, but I'm glad it only happened at that one point and not in multiple areas.