14 DAY TRIAL // Contrast is a wonderful puzzle based platformer from Compulsion, which uses shadows as a core mechanics and allow players to explore a world based on the art world of the 1920s.
Gamers will control Dawn, who is not entirely real but has the ability to move from the 3D world bathed in light to the shadows, where all movement takes place in 2D.
Using this simple switch players will have to move through levels in order to explore a story focuses on the complicated personal life of Didi, the little girl who created Dawn as an imaginary friend.
As the game progresses sources of light and real world objects will be used to create new shadow areas that Dawn can explore.
Contrast comes with a beautiful art style and uses music as an intrinsic part of the game world, creating an appealing overall experience.
The team says that it will introduce more mechanics as the narrative evolves, with a cast of characters that will offer more insight into the game world and Didi's family issues.
Contrast will take about 5 hours to complete once it is launched.
The game will be offered on the PC, the Xbox 360, the PS3 and the PlayStation 4 before the end of the year.
Obscure is an action based side scroller that I spent quite a bit of time with because the monster bashing mechanics quickly move towards addiction.
The game supports cooperative play for 2 gamers locally and 4 over the Internet and encourages gamers to work together in order to take out an unending flow of monsters while fulfilling their objectives for every level.
In some ways the game seems like a 2D Left 4 Dead and will be out on the PC, the PlayStation Network and Xbox Live in the third quarter of the year.