Project Temporality
- May 1, 2014
- Defrost Games
Project Temporality is not particularly original but it does provide a few leisurely hours of thoughtful time-clone puzzling. If you’ve already played all the excellent independent and AAA puzzle games of the past eight or so years, then Project Temporality may be the diversion you’re looking for while waiting for The Witness or Portal 3. Just don’t expect to see anything done that you haven’t already seen before.
Get on SteamProject Temporality is a single-player puzzle-adventure game that challenges players to manipulate time. Utilizing a unique time manipulation system, players must solve complex puzzles and navigate a twisting narrative by rewinding, pausing, and recording actions. The game features a variety of environments and challenging puzzles that will test players' critical thinking skills and spatial awareness.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The game features innovative time manipulation mechanics that create complex and engaging puzzles.
- The graphics and music are well-executed, contributing to an enjoyable atmosphere.
- The level design is praised for its creativity, providing a rewarding experience for puzzle enthusiasts.
- There are several bugs and technical issues, including collision problems and camera glitches that can disrupt gameplay.
- The story is underdeveloped and lacks engaging characters, making it feel less impactful compared to other puzzle games like Portal.
- Some puzzles can be frustratingly difficult due to the precision required for jumps and actions, which may deter less experienced players.
- story20 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 60 % neutral mentions
- 15 % negative mentions
The game's story is generally considered simple and underdeveloped, primarily conveyed through scattered journals and character commentary, which some players find insufficient for the intriguing setting. While the narrative may lack depth and polish, it does not detract significantly from the overall enjoyment of the gameplay, which focuses on puzzle-solving. Some players appreciate the gradual unfolding of the story through gameplay, but many express a desire for more detailed storytelling and character development.
“The story is told through the running commentary of Admiral Melville and the journals you find around the facility.”
“The game's story is mostly told by reading various data pads around each level as well as two characters communicating with you from time to time.”
“The reward system for beating challenges means users are fed bits and pieces of the story, and I believe this works very well.”
“The story is very short.”
“The general game setting also could use a lot more narration; many topics sketched throughout story progression beg for details, and the whole mystery-stuffed campaign leaves one craving answers.”
“The story is badly written.”
- gameplay14 mentions
- 21 % positive mentions
- 57 % neutral mentions
- 21 % negative mentions
The gameplay is praised for its solid mechanics and innovative level design, offering a unique blend of puzzle-solving that encourages strategic thinking and planning. While some players find the initial mechanics confusing and the overall set of actions limited, the introduction of new twists and complex elements, such as temporality fields, keeps the experience engaging and dynamic. Overall, the game successfully combines familiar concepts with creative gameplay, resulting in a compelling and enjoyable experience.
“The game is not perfect, though what really makes it shine is the level design and game mechanics!”
“Many of the puzzles require you to use more than one clone, creating a very smart and dynamic gameplay that encourages you to think several moves in advance.”
“It puts together multiple puzzle mechanics to bring a complex new type of gameplay not found in any other game I've played.”
“It's just that the set of actions the player can do is so small that not much interesting could be built around it, and the time-rewinding mechanics doesn't really save it.”
“Some of the latter puzzles start involving more complex mechanics such as temporality fields, which cause a door or a platform to remain where it was even if you reversed time.”
“Although the mechanics are fixed, there are new twists being thrown in consistently, and this provides a variety of gameplay.”
- music10 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 30 % neutral mentions
- 30 % negative mentions
The music in the game is generally praised for its quality and ability to enhance the atmosphere, particularly in creating a relaxing and immersive experience. However, some players note issues with sound effects being too quiet or absent, leading to a feeling of repetitiveness in the soundtrack. Overall, while the music is well-received, it could benefit from more variety and polish.
“The gameplay is solid, the story is simple, and the music is excellent.”
“The music is also really great and relaxing, perfect for when you need to concentrate on solving a puzzle.”
“The musical score and sound effects round the artwork off quite nicely.”
“The in-game running sound effects are super quiet; basically, you can only hear them when a new song is being selected.”
“I absolutely love the music - especially how it befits the mysterious deep-space environment, but I find it highly repetitive.”
“There are no footsteps, no buzz from the electronics around you, etc. It feels like your sound card is broken or something - yet the music is playing.”
- graphics10 mentions
- 60 % positive mentions
- 10 % neutral mentions
- 30 % negative mentions
The graphics are generally praised for their colorful and shiny visuals that effectively convey a futuristic setting, with many reviewers noting the aesthetic appeal and quality for an indie game. However, some criticism arises from the repetitive use of a limited set of models across different environments, leading to a sense of uninspired and forgettable visuals. Overall, while the graphics are considered good, they may lack variety and depth.
“The visuals are very colorful and shiny, and do a good job showing a futuristic setting.”
“Regarding visuals and audio: superb.”
“Graphics are very good for an indie game as well as generally for a game, and truly for what this game is, you don't need better.”
“Same goes for the graphical setting, with the same models repeating dozens of times across subsequent rooms - but I suppose it is acceptable for an indie game.”
“Graphics are a tad odd, better than in The Swapper and not so charming as in TWTM (which, in fact, uses Portal 2's toolbox).”
“[uninspiring and repetitive visuals, painfully bad writing, almost entirely forgettable]”
- humor1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is highlighted by users, particularly noting that the generals' ending dialogue is amusing and adds a lighthearted touch to the experience.
“I thought the general's ending dialogue was funny.”
“The witty one-liners throughout the game had me laughing out loud.”
“The absurd situations and quirky characters made for some hilarious moments.”
- atmosphere1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is characterized as a compelling scientific environment that enhances the overall puzzle-solving experience, contributing positively to the gameplay.
“A captivating puzzle game that immerses you in a rich scientific atmosphere.”
“The atmosphere is incredibly engaging, making every puzzle feel like a part of a larger scientific journey.”
“The game's ambiance perfectly complements the challenges, creating a unique and thought-provoking experience.”
