I don't like platformer. I don't like jumping puzzles. I especially don't like timing puzzles. I'm not very good at any of those. Because of that, I should not have liked this game. But I did. I liked this game a lot.

The gameplay was simple enough that I could play through it without getting seriously frustrated by my lack of skill; but still challenging enough not to be boring. The puzzles that did not involve jumping and timing were very clever, but for the most part still logical and intuitive once you got into the flow of the game. There were a few odd moments where the puzzles did not make a whole lot of sense, and I was force to rely on a walkthrough; but very few (unlike so many modern puzzle games, where randomness is used as a cheap and easy substitute for cleverness). The mechanics of the game are very entertaining in themselves, particularly once Lulu is introduced.

The game design is beautiful; and the creators use of an uncommon setting was brilliant. The third-world backdrop meshed very well with the fantastical elements; creating a seamless world with it's own unique and readily-identifiable logic. The artwork is stunning, and the inclusion of works by actual environmental artists nothing short of amazing. The similar use of third-world characters, rather than white Europeans or stereotypical fantasy creatures is similarly inspiring. The music is beautiful, and in spots almost breathtaking, wonderfully blending traditional and orchestral sounds. Atmospheric and fun at the same time.

I would be hard pressed to find any flaws in the game. If I did, I would say that parts of the ending felt a little out of place. Some of the scenes and actions didn't make quite as much sense as they could have, and the symbolism is a bit heavyhanded; but that's still a fairly minor quibble. The game is a bit shorter than most of its type; but too much longer and it would have started to drag. The pacing never leave it feeling too long or too short.

One warning is that the background story that emerges from the game is disturbing, becoming increasingly so the closer it gets to the end. This is ultimately a story of addiction and child abuse; and is accordingly dark and sad. Fortunately, the writers do not beat the player over the head with moralizing; and manage to balance the darkness with a keen sense of human resilience.

I cannot recommend this game enough. I picked it up at a huge discount during one of Steam's big sales; but would can easily recommend getting it even at full price.

I don't like platformer. I don't like jumping puzzles. I especially don't like timing puzzles. I'm not very good at any of those. Because of that, I should not have liked this game. But I did. I liked this game a lot. The gameplay was simple enough that I could play through it without getting seriously frustrated by my lack of skill; but still challenging enough not to be boring. The puzzles that did not involve jumping and timing were very clever, but for the most part still logical and intuitive once you got into the flow of the game. There were a few odd moments where the puzzles did not make a whole lot of sense, and I was force to rely on a walkthrough; but very few (unlike so many modern puzzle games, where randomness is used as a cheap and easy substitute for cleverness). The mechanics of the game are very entertaining in themselves, particularly once Lulu is introduced. The game design is beautiful; and the creators use of an uncommon setting was brilliant. The third-world backdrop meshed very well with the fantastical elements; creating a seamless world with it's own unique and readily-identifiable logic. The artwork is stunning, and the inclusion of works by actual environmental artists nothing short of amazing. The similar use of third-world characters, rather than white Europeans or stereotypical fantasy creatures is similarly inspiring. The music is beautiful, and in spots almost breathtaking, wonderfully blending traditional and orchestral sounds. Atmospheric and fun at the same time. I would be hard pressed to find any flaws in the game. If I did, I would say that parts of the ending felt a little out of place. Some of the scenes and actions didn't make quite as much sense as they could have, and the symbolism is a bit heavyhanded; but that's still a fairly minor quibble. The game is a bit shorter than most of its type; but too much longer and it would have started to drag. The pacing never leave it feeling too long or too short. One warning is that the background story that emerges from the game is disturbing, becoming increasingly so the closer it gets to the end. This is ultimately a story of addiction and child abuse; and is accordingly dark and sad. Fortunately, the writers do not beat the player over the head with moralizing; and manage to balance the darkness with a keen sense of human resilience. I cannot recommend this game enough. I picked it up at a huge discount during one of Steam's big sales; but would can easily recommend getting it even at full price.