Tandem: A Tale of Shadows

Ready yourself for the spooky puzzle game Tandem: A Tale of Shadows. Play as Emma and her teddy bear Fenton as they search for the missing magician Thomas Kane. This isn’t a simple puzzle game like some, instead it requires you rely on a unique ability that makes a rare appearance in gaming but one that this title has used spectacularly; shadows. Yeah, there are a few you could think of but this game tries something new and interesting by switching up perspectives in a way I’ve not really seen before. If you are looking for a game that requires you turn your problem solving on its head then you’re at the right place. Let’s get into it.

Gameplay

So, the main objective of the game is to traverse through the large house in its five main sections. Each section is divided into its multiple levels and each level is filled with puzzles. Throughout the game you must also avoid all enemies that may appear as they can defeat you instantly upon contact.

You must move through the environments from a top-down perspective as Emma and manipulate the light sources so that Fenton can move across them. It functions a lot like Contrast or Morkredd. This title has you thinking in multiple dimensions and it’s something that I cannot get enough of, especially given how well it is presented in this title.

A lot of this game acts as a unique puzzle platformer and you must have your wits about you when you get into it. Some parts are simple and straightforward but others can require several goes due to its need for quick and decisive gameplay. It’s not quite rage inducing but there is certainly a challenge, so if that’s what you want then get into this game already.

Visuals

The visuals of this game are stunning. Everything is realized in a crisp detail that is hard to match and yet they do it brilliantly. Especially with the perspective changes throughout that show it’s a gorgeous title no matter which way you look at it. There is a definite spooky atmosphere present throughout which comes through in Tandem’s level and character design. Something distinctly gothic that you cannot take your eyes off.

The use of color is the most stunning part of the game. Sometimes things seem bland, colorless and dark but there are stark contrasts between that and a few items you’ll encounter. Maybe the bright light from a tank of liquid, flames or a light. Whatever it is, there’s something striking and mesmerizing about it all that causes it to stick with you.

Level Design

The level design in this game is outstanding. As you walk through the world presented to you, you will see the truly inspiring detail attributed to the puzzles encountered. These things must account for the occasional perspective shift and the use of shadows all throughout, thus there is a creativity here that perfectly accommodates the narrative drive.

Pros

• Great Visuals
• Excellent gameplay mechanics
• Brilliant level design

Cons

• Voice acting is a little stunted at times.