Even if the game was made to be played with the Dualshock 4’s motion controls, let’s not kid ourselves they’ll never be as responsive, precise and intuitive as traditional analogue sticks/joysticks. I changed to analogue stick/joystick several hours into the game, which instantly improved my overall experience. I discovered it from exploring the options (which should always be customary when playing any new game). While this is available from the very beginning, the game doesn’t exactly inform you of that fact. That is why I truly appreciate that the developers have included the option to paint using your right analogue stick/joystick as an alternative instead.
As expected, it took me a while to get used to using the controller’s motion controls to paint, which (even then) still made for a janky and uncomfortable experience. Since that was the game’s default setting, I tried playing the game as the developers wanted me to. Painting in the game is accomplished by using the DualShock 4’s motion controls. He achieves this by creating Genies, painted creatures brought to life who act as his companions in his quest. In order to do that, Ash has to turn on the lights strewn throughout the various zones in the town. The player’s main objective in the game is to drive the darkness away from Denska.
That’s what mainly distinguishes Concrete Genie from other platformers. Unlike Mickey in that underrated Nintendo Wii title, Ash lacks the ability to attack or initiate combat in any way. Just like Mickey Mouse in Junction Point Studios’ platformer Epic Mickey, the protagonist in Concrete Genie is equipped only with a paintbrush. He then makes it his mission to do just that, while avoiding the bullies who continue to torment him. While attempting to recover his lost pages, Ash discovers a paintbrush that can bring his creations (drawings) to life, and that his living works of art can, in turn, literally bring the light of life back into the town (which is being corrupted by darkness). When a group of bullies steals his book, they rip out the pages, scattering them throughout Denska in the process. He starts the game as a loner and budding artist, often doodling in his book. In Concrete Genie, players assume the role of Ash, a young boy who lives in a small dilapidated and dreary town named Denska. I was ultimately proven wrong, as the game did manage to win me over (despite its flaws). I was initially apprehensive of this game at first, as it felt like a gimmick that wouldn’t translate well into actual gameplay mechanics.
CONCRETE GENIE GAMEPLAY PS4
Both games were pretty much overlooked on release, receiving long-overdue appreciation only when they were re-released or remastered on future gaming consoles/platforms.Ĭoncrete Genie is a new PS4 exclusive by indie developer PixelOpus, with the same focus on incorporating painting or drawing into gameplay. Several notable examples of iconic games that have done so include Smilebit’s Jet Set Radio for the Sega Dreamcast and Clover Studio’s Okami for the PS2. A game where painting is the main mechanic generally doesn't hold much interest for me - but the thematic elements in Concrete Genie and how it ties together to make me want to experience it - no matter how ugly some of my creations will invariably turn out to be.Not many games incorporate the act of painting or drawing art directly into gameplay. I don't paint worth a damn - I'm pretty colorblind and I have mediocre coordination that tends to combine for poor painting - either on its own or in any other shape. The means of expression is different, but the overall idea is much the same. Roleplaying games, storytelling, and well you could see me sometimes out playing out a story on my own in the schoolyard or writing down something. For me, that makes this game very much resonate thematically - I also had relatively few friends and while I didn't paint, I relied on imagination and writing generally to help. I dealt with a lot of bullying when I was younger - I wore my emotions on my sleeve and well I'm socially awkward as well as that kid who constantly answered every question from the teacher if possible - not getting necessarily that I was possibly annoying people there.
0 kommentar(er)
