Sephonie (2022)

This is a lovely game. Like Anodyne 2, it's more acquired taste than crowd-pleaser, with it's murky graphics, strange storytelling and let's say "idiosyncratic" controls.

You jump, dash and wallrun in the cave systems of Sephonie island, creating connections with the various animals using a tetris-style minigame.

The platforming is, honestly, a bit rough. I never got used to the character running in the direction they're facing instead of following the camera, and the wallrun is suspect. But with generous checkpoints and platforming puzzles that are challenging enough to be engaging, I could easily look past those issues.

I liked the minigame well enough. It's not hard at all but it servers as a nice break in between the platforming. And the music during those parts is so catchy and pleasant.

But what really sells the game is it's charm. I love how the game drips with personality and humanity. Through those imperfections is how you can feel the human intent in every line, every animal model, every mechanic. The stories and little vignettes speak to very specific life experiences and it's wonderful to be able to connect with them and feel the emotions across time and space thanks to a videogame. Thanks @shinespark for the recommendation!

There is something deeply fascinating about this game but I cannot put my finger on it. Maybe it's how everything is so strange and disjointed but also I get the feeling that every element makes sense in the developer's mind.

One thing's for sure, after The Lost Crown, which is a fine game but without any sense of personal vision due to being the produce of the big-money publisher, it is refreshing to play something that was clearly made by human being. Everything oozes with intent and a sense of play and unfiltered joy.

I think I'm officially a fan of the devs. Melos Han-Tani, Marina Kittaka know how to create a strange and compelling world.

Finding this to be refreshingly single-minded in its approach to platforming. There's no combat or scripted events or skill tree or loot to pick up, just a big 3D space for you to puzzle your way through. You see some little goal above you or below, you figure out how to get there with your pleasantly constrained toolset, and that's kinda it!

It's like some no-name release you'd rent from an old Blockbuster, except with excellent camera control and a well-considered difficulty curve.

There is a particular kind of gameplay in Sephonie with a song that is so beautiful, that I immediately bought a midi keyboard and software to learn more about music. Think about that! Anyways, this is a GOOD ASS GAME. It does that lovely thing where the gameplay reinforces the themes of the characters and story. And each type of gameplay in this game is WEIRD AND FUN. I constantly felt rewarded for trying new platforming strategies. SO GOOD.

The writing, like all Analgesic games, is top notch. Part of what I love about their work is you're rewarded for paying attention to details, but you can also kick back and experience the emotion of a scene or line of dialogue. You may note that what I just outlined is how one experiences great art. Because did I mention? This is a GOOD ASS GAME. UGH. So many feelings. Plus, the game was so evocotive and interesting with its themes. And I learned a ton about Taiwan! It's lovely when a piece of media provokes a multiple Wikipedia deep dives.

Anywho, please support Analgesic's wonderful work, and plunge into this lovely world.