We`ve seen so many times in the past that the two words, ID and puzzle come together in the same sentence. We`ve seen so many games that have taken advantage of that genre, and when it comes to ID games, they love their puzzle games. I was about to add another one to my list of ID puzzle games, and it comes in the form of The Sun and Moon. Not literally, but The Sun and Moon is a puzzle game developed and published by Digerati Distribution, and was released a few weeks ago for Xbox One. Is it a puzzle game though that follows the generic conventions of other puzzle games? Or is it something a bit different? It`s certainly something a bit different.
From the off, Digerati have taken their game way back to the basics, both visually and in terms of the gameplay. The objective is simple. You gather the orbs within that level to complete it. But of course, the orbs are not going to be easy to get to and achieve. You`re going to need to find yourself getting into the sky somehow, and this is where it becomes a bit different to anything I`ve seen before in a puzzler game. A sense of motion and gravity is in occurrence as you are at block level, but you`re able to go into the block in a downward motion, and a force will fling you into the sky. Bingo. We have our way of getting into the sky and catching the orbs. The further down you go, the further it`s going to fling you back up and the more chance you have of catching those orbs to complete the level. There`s so many ways you can work around to get to the orbs, there isn’t a right way or a wrong way, because there`s just so many different ways that you`re able to do it.
Of course, I wish it was as easy as just being able to do that and collect the orbs. Okay, perhaps I don’t, as then it`d be too easy, and it`s not going to be easy. Digerati have set it out to not be that easy as you`d like. You`re going to have to watch out for obstacles that if you hit, will end the level, and you`re going to need to restart. As the levels advance, as with any other game, the more difficult the obstacles become and the more akward they start to become too. You need to be able to find a way to get to the height of the orbs that you need to, without hitting any of the obstacles that`s going to end your level. The more levels you complete, the more you`re going to unlock, and these can actually be played in any order you wish. They are numbered, but differentiated from other puzzle games, you don’t have to play them in chronological order. You can play them in any way you want. The other thing to notice within the levels is that they are timed, that do then later on expand to be part of a rating system. You can earn a maximum of 3 stars per level, but be prepared, some of the times they expect you to complete for the full 3 stars will seem ridiculous at first, but the more you play and get stuck into it, the more you`re going to get it.
It`s not going to be a pick up and play game. The game is going to take some getting some use to in terms of the controls and being able to get the hang of the mechanics. I found myself stuck at the first few levels for a good 45 minutes or so, as I wasn’t able to master the motion and getting it right so I could reach the orbs. After a while though you will start to master it, and it does become a lot easier. But if you`re after a game that`s going to be a bit of a pick-up, then you`d be better off staying away from this.
The Sun and Moon is a game that`s different to any other ID puzzler that I`ve played in the past. The gameplay and visuals are simple. It does take some practice to get into and carry on, and it`s not a game that`s going to be quick learn. Frustration is going to ensue, but if you look past that, you`ve got a game that is definitely unique and different to what`s out there. Digerati have done a good job, and although it`s not going to be everybody`s cup of tea, it`s going to be a challenging but fun in a way game to play. I`m a fan, and I think it`s a great little game for just over a fiver.
A huge thank you to XCN for supplying us with a review copy of The Sun and Moon
Game: The Sun and Moon
Genre: Puzzle
Developers: Digerati Distribution
Publishers: Digerati Distribution
Price: £5.59 (From Xbox Store)