Hello Darkness, My Old Friend

Light and Dark, one of the oldest pairs we know and one of the earliest things we learn to distinguish. Yet like most opposites, we really can only define them by what they are not. Fracter is a seemingly simple puzzle game that utilizes this duality of light and dark. The player’s goal is to complete seven stages and restore the main character. Each level seems to increase in difficulty, with a variety of navigation based puzzles whose solutions build in complexity. In addition to completing the level, players must gather lost and hidden reflections of themselves while avoiding enemies that resemble twisted shadowy opposites. When combined with the eerie atmosphere, this quickly becomes an enthralling and challenging diversion.

Graphics are beautifully minimalistic, with developers choosing to go with a monochromatic palette. While also making use of the various effects of light and shadow throughout their designs. Most of the levels are hidden in darkness, with only the main character’s small light to illuminate your immediate surroundings, creating a heavy gloom effect. This effect is paired nicely with eerie instrumental based background music to create a haunting tone through-out. The only issue is that it may be too minimalistic. There is no texture or flavor to the designs, with everything being smooth and looking far to clean. While the main character, unfortunately, looks more like a doll than a person. When you take into account the light-based puzzles, it’s easy to see why this approach was used, but it doesn’t stop it from being disappointing.

From a technical standpoint, there is very little, if anything, wrong or worth mentioning. Character movement is smooth and responsive, and there are no glitches or bugs to be found. The only issue that can be pointed out occurs with certain landscape manipulation puzzles. When you are required to rotate an object the sensitivity is too high, making it difficult to lock the object in the direction you need it to be in. The final complaint isn’t really technical, but more in regards to the short-sightedness by the developers. While already a short game overall, there is almost no replayability. Unfortunately like most puzzles once you have the solution there’s nothing left.

Fracter is an intelligent puzzle game that manages to make itself stand out. It’s eerie theme and tone match well with the chosen game mechanics, that function properly. While art appreciation is within the eyes of the beholder, everyone can agree that the length of play and replayability are far too small. Still, it’s definitely a worthy purchase to add to your library.