[WARNING] NOT FOR THOSE WITH HORRID REFLEXES

Review by moolatycoon on Friday, September 6th 2013
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Click to play Achromatic

Achromatic is a game created by charismatic

Simple, that is a word to describe this game. On the occasion we at sploder are presented with a game that is extraordinary and Achromatic fits under this title. Doppleganger on one hand presents the player with a new experience that brings a whole new complex level of gameplay but Charis revolutionizes with a lot simpler concept. Now, Charismatic has always been a decent platformer maker. I never knew him to be uber l33t bros but he always published respectable titles unto the universe created by the ever so benevolent Geoff. I’m sure most of you are bored of me rambling on about nothing important in particular (aside from the game of course) so without further ado; let me get to the review.


I don’t know if I would categorize this concept under scenery or puzzle. Let’s just say both, and I’ll talk about the puzzle more a bit later. The game’s main focus is the flashing tiles that flicker in and out of the screen, utilizing the new platformer update including graphics. How could such a simple concept be so fun? IT MESSES WITH YOUR MIND. This game keeps you constantly thinking and the only hint of a background he gives you is a white sheet. This is essential to the game itself as everything revolves around the flashing tiles. You have to cross over pits of lava, make your way through mazes and even fight enemies while everything flickers in and out of your view. You are pressed with the task of making that risky leap over the lava and you are pitted against a bat that you just can’t catch without a bit of effort. I hope you enjoy the noises those bats make because you will be listening to them for quite a while. Now, the flashing tiles can be kind of annoying to look at after a while and the flash is only brief which can be a pain. If they stayed solid for a frame more it would be a bit more forgiving. The game is still fun but it is quite irritating if you are having trouble following the flickering blocks. Also the Radar breaks this game. He tells you not to use it but who doesn’t, I can’t really fault the creator on this but it is a glaring issue.


The block placement itself is pretty well done. Charis

makes sure that you are on the edge of your chair when he wants you to be. I’m serious; I was tense every single time I made a jump. Unfortunately the game is rather unforgiving and if your hands like to throw in a curveball every time you try to accomplish precise platforming like mine are then this game can be a living hell for you. The placement keeps you into the game but it is a bit annoying at times, overall brilliant. Charis utilizes the concept with his placement and since it hasn’t been done before (at least not well enough to get noticed) then I can’t really say that it has been done better. If the blocks didn’t flicker the placement would be only average. I’m almost glad he didn’t make the map too complex to navigate since it’s already a pain trying to take 2 steps without falling into lava and restarting the game, especially with my uber spazzy arms that like to make me go dead.


The game itself is one big enigma. Navigating the map is a puzzle on its own so the game needs no other. What can I say that hasn’t already been said? The map utilizes the flickering concept to make your mind want to take a hike. I think I got lost a few times and I kept bumping my head on a block that was above me, go figure. His map is well done and most of his hallways and paths are well thought out and put together to really confuse you. That is what a puzzle is meant to do, no? The traps and the well placed enemies (such as the turrets that are in strategic places) keep you on your toes and Charis throws in a few switches and other twists to make the game less linear and more immersive, except the radar breaks this game, like horribly. I don’t think he should have mentioned it because whenever someone tells me not to do something in a game I do it anyway. It’s a rather unfortunate habit but I’m too curious. It wouldn’t have crossed my mind until like the 5th fall that I could have used the radar. The game does get a bit annoyingly difficult at times but the radar almost helps to lower the difficulty.


Would I say this is a great game? Maybe, it’s not overly fantastic but it has that simple unique charm that really makes you enjoy the game. Could the placement have been better? Sure. Could he have included more complex puzzles? Sure. But as you can see in this review of me gobbing over this game, it is still good. Thing is, I don’t know how I would improve it because it’s never been done before. It’s a new concept and Charis has done it best. Let’s cut this useless chat and just get to the ratings.


~Scenery~ – ____/_____:
 
~Puzzles/Traps~ - ___.5/_____:
 
~Enemy Placement/Design~ - ___/_____:
 
~Layout~ – ___.5/_____:
 
~Addictiveness~ - ____.5/_____:
 
~Overall~ - ___.5/_____:
 

So overall the game was pretty good but it wasn’t great. Charis has already made a sequel and might have already improved upon what he did well. Great concept, decent execution, this game rightfully earns its 3.5 star ranking. Well done charis.