Puzzle platformers aren’t usually my favorite games. But, Projection by Shadow Play Studios is a game that looks like it will buck that trend.
Projection is a game about shadow puppetry. It isn’t about the artistry or performance, though. It is about controlling light and shadow to help explore a 2d environment. This is a 2d puzzle platformer that is reminiscent of games like Inside and Limbo.
Each level is presented as a shadow puppetry stage. You control a shadow puppet with your left control stick and and a light source with your right. The gameplay is built around moving the light source behind the stage and creating shadows that you can use as platforms, elevators, etc. I didn’t get a chance to spend a lot of time with the game, but I could tell that this mechanic left a lot of room for interesting puzzles. Small changes in the environment can have a big effect on the puzzles since shadows rely so much on perspective and angles. I can’t wait to see what Shadow Play Studios has up their sleeves.
Another thing I found intriguing about their pitch for Projection was the varied art-styles. Shadow puppetry is a dying craft that exists all over the world with subtle differences in the technique by region. Projection promises to show off these varied art styles and traditions as players explore the different stages in the game. The environments will include the thick jungles of Indonesia and the smoggy skies of industrial era London. These diverse locations will provide interesting environments for shadow casting and new artistic traditions to explore.
Projection will be available on PC, Mac, and consoles next year. This is definitely a game to keep our eyes on as we get closer.
What do you think? Sound off in the comments and let us know your thoughts!
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