Contrast (video game)
A puzzle-platformer where players shift between 3D and shadow worlds.
Contrast is a puzzle-platform game developed by Compulsion Games. It was released for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, and Nvidia Shield. The game is noted for its noir atmosphere inspired by Belle Epoque and Art Nouveau, and its core mechanic of shifting between a 3D physical world and a 2D shadow world.
Quick Facts
- Title
- Contrast
- Publisher
- Focus Home InteractiveCurrently self-published
- Director
- Guillaume Provost
- Artist
- Whitney Clayton
- Writer
- Alex Epstein
- Composer
- Nicolas Marquis
- Engine
- Unreal Engine 3
- Platforms
- Windows / PlayStation 3 / PlayStation 4 / Xbox 360 / Xbox One
- Released
- Windows, PS4, Xbox 360NA · November 15, 2013 · PAL · November 15, 2013 · PAL · November 29, 2013 (PS4)PS3NA · November 19, 2013 · PAL · November 20, 2013Xbox OneWW · June 26, 2014
- Genre
- Puzzle-platform
- Modes
- Single-player
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The game is set in a noir atmosphere aesthetically inspired by Belle Epoque and Art Nouveau. The player must solve puzzles that require movement between the physical world, represented as 3D, and shadows, represented as 2D. The player may manipulate different light sources in the 3D world—such as spotlights and film projectors—to create shadow paths. Collectibles available through gameplay offer insight into the game's characters and world. The goal is exploration and discovery through problem solving. Dawn appears as a full 3D figure, while Didi appears as a 2D shadow character in the game world. The player controls Dawn, an imaginary friend who can manifest as a three-dimensional shadow and jump between shadows that are connected or within a certain range. Almost all other characters appear as shadows against the visual walls but interact with the world as though they are real. Dawn is Didi's imaginary friend, and Vincenzo is Didi's father.
Reader's Guide
Contrast received mixed reviews upon release. On Metacritic, the Xbox 360 version scored 65/100, the PC version 62/100, and the PlayStation 4 version 59/100. Dan Stapleton of IGN gave the game a 7.5, praising the gameplay and puzzles, stating, 'Contrast is a game full of heart, beauty, and at least a few excellent puzzles.' Carolyn Petit of GameSpot gave a 5.0, complimenting the atmosphere but criticizing the gameplay and puzzles. VentureBeat's McKinley Noble gave a 55/100, liking the overall concept but noting overly 'glitchy' gameplay and 'lifeless' environments. The game's significance lies in its unique shadow-manipulation mechanic and its narrative about family and imaginary friends, though its execution was divisive among critics.
Did You Know?
- The game's atmosphere is inspired by Belle Epoque and Art Nouveau.
- Through in-game collectibles, it is revealed that Dawn is Didi's imaginary friend and Vincenzo is Didi's father.
- The game ends with Vincenzo disappearing or being taken away, not reconciling with his family in a straightforward manner.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Contrast (video game)?
Contrast is a puzzle-platformer from Compulsion Games built around toggling between a 3D physical world and a 2D shadow realm to solve environmental puzzles. Its overall tone leans into noir storytelling set against a Belle Epoque and Art Nouveau visual backdrop.
Who is the main character in Contrast?
The player controls Dawn, an imaginary friend who exists as a three-dimensional shadow. She moves through the game's world helping its residents while uncovering the story's central mystery.
What platforms can I play Contrast on?
Contrast launched on Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, and Nvidia Shield. It is a multi-platform title spanning both PC and major console families.
What makes Contrast's art style unique?
The game's visual identity is built on Belle Epoque and Art Nouveau influences, producing a hand-drawn, moody noir look. This is amplified by the constant juxtaposition between richly detailed 3D spaces and the flat, ink-like 2D shadow layer.
How did critics receive Contrast?
Metacritic scores sit in the low-to-mid 60s range: 65 on Xbox 360, 62 on PC, and 59 on PlayStation 4. Critics generally lauded the inventive shadow-shifting mechanic and atmospheric design while flagging inconsistencies in puzzle difficulty.
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