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Contrast

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Contrast
Item: Contrast
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2013

GenresAdventure, Indie, Platformer, Puzzle and Logic, Single Player

AvailableNov 15, 2013

PlatformPlayStation 4, PC, Xbox One

DeveloperCompulsion Games

Overview

Death is inconsequential in this arcade-style roguelite with an artstyle inspired by early Atari consoles. But be careful with damaging the bloodied walls and floors, falling out of the level will bring you right back to the start of the stage.

Elsewhere

6.6

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

A heartfelt, visually striking tale with emotional depth and bold themes, but its underdeveloped plot, inconsistent pacing, and weak characters undermine its potential.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

20%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

71%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The positives of Story of Contrast (2013) are largely centered on its emotional resonance, unique storytelling, and thematic depth. Critics like Eurogamer Italy praised its "intriguing premise that contrasts light and shadow," while Destructoid and D+PAD Magazine highlighted its mature handling of family struggles and emotional maturity. The narrative’s focus on Didi’s journey to reunite her parents, framed through a 1920s Parisian noir aesthetic, was seen as touching and imaginative by outlets like Eurogamer Portugal and JeuxActu, who noted the "thematic richness" and "environmental storytelling." Game Informer and Gameplanet commended its "smart ideas" and "emotional depth," with IGN (PC) acknowledging the "emotional narrative about Didi’s father navigating a bizarre plot." The game’s ability to blend childhood imagination with adult themes, such as parental conflict and personal growth, was frequently praised for its originality and heart. However, negatives abound in critiques of Story of Contrast, particularly regarding its narrative execution and structural flaws. Polygon called the story "simple, predictable, and undercooked," while GamesRadar+ criticized it as "shallow" with a "lifeless world." IncGamers and SpazioGames pointed to insufficient character development and uneven pacing, with the latter noting that the "ending is more compelling but the overall experience leaves room for improvement." Critics like Hardcore Gamer dismissed it as "insipid, derivative, and overly melodramatic," while Metro GameCentral lambasted its "weak plot" and "poor dialogue." The reliance on collectibles for exposition (as noted by Push Square and VideoGamer) and unresolved themes—such as the enigmatic "void" or Dawn’s perspective—were seen as distractions. Additionally, some reviewers, like IGN (PS4), found the tone inconsistent, shifting between "charming to clichéd," which undermined its potential. The overall consensus among critics is that Story of Contrast is a heartfelt but uneven experience. While many praised its emotional core, unique visual style, and thematic ambition—particularly its exploration of family dynamics through Didi’s lens (Eurogamer Italy, Destructoid, Gameplanet)—others felt it fell short in execution. The game’s brevity, shallow character arcs, and narrative inconsistencies (Polygon, IncGamers, Hardcore Gamer) created a divide between those who found it touching and those who deemed it underwhelming. Despite mixed reactions, the critical reception underscores its ambition as a story-driven title, with some critics like Eurogamer Portugal and Gameblog.fr acknowledging its "unique dual-world concept" and "interesting but short" narrative. Ultimately, Story of Contrast is remembered for its emotional sincerity and creative vision, even if it struggled to fully realize its potential.

TL;DR

story and narrative

A heartfelt, visually striking tale with emotional depth and bold themes, but its underdeveloped plot, inconsistent pacing, and weak characters undermine its potential.

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Contrast's creative shadow-based puzzles shine initially but devolve into repetitive tedium and technical flaws, squandering its innovative premise.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

80%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

17%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of Contrast (2013) is widely praised for its innovative core mechanics, particularly its unique blend of 3D and 2D platforming through shadow manipulation. Critics like Eurogamer Italy and GamesRadar+ highlighted the game’s creative concept, noting that the ability to switch between real-world environments and shadow-based 2D spaces offers a fresh approach to puzzle-solving. JeuxActu emphasized the "creative puzzles tied to lighting and object manipulation," while SpazioGames acknowledged the "strong point" of its dual-world mechanic, calling it "original and engaging." The initial stages of the game are often lauded for their clever design, with Edge Magazine comparing the shadow mechanics to classics like Zelda and Portal. Many reviewers also appreciated the early puzzles’ ingenuity, as noted by Game Informer, which praised the "fantastic" and "imaginative" concept despite later flaws. However, the gameplay faces significant criticism for its execution, repetitive design, and technical shortcomings. Multiple critics, including DarkZero and Eurogamer Portugal, pointed to the game’s linear structure and lack of variety, with puzzles devolving into monotonous tasks like moving boxes or collecting orbs. Polygon and IGN criticized the "unpolished" feel, citing issues like clunky controls, inconsistent platforming, and glitches that disrupt immersion. Destructoid and Gameblog.fr highlighted imprecise mechanics, with players struggling against "erratic movement" and "collision problems." The later stages were frequently deemed tedious, as noted by Eurogamer Italy and GamesRadar+, who described the puzzles as "repetitive" and "lacking depth." Even the core mechanic, while praised for its originality, was often undermined by frustrating execution, with Cheat Code Central and Metro GameCentral calling the controls "clumsy" and "half-baked." Overall, critics agree that Contrast had a promising concept but struggled to deliver a cohesive experience. While the shadow mechanics and dual-world design were celebrated as innovative—Eurogamer Italy called it "creative," and Edge Magazine noted its "imaginative" potential—the game’s flaws overshadowed its strengths. The consensus leans toward disappointment, with many reviewers like IGN and Game Informer acknowledging that the early promise of clever puzzles and unique mechanics was undermined by repetitive later stages, technical issues, and inconsistent controls. Despite some praise for its artistry and ambition, Contrast is seen as a missed opportunity to fully realize its inventive ideas, leaving players frustrated by its uneven execution.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Contrast's creative shadow-based puzzles shine initially but devolve into repetitive tedium and technical flaws, squandering its innovative premise.

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Contrast's 1920s film noir visuals dazzle with dreamlike art deco flair and shadowy genius, but stiff animations, basic textures, and PS4 underperformance drag it down, proving style can’t fully mask technical flaws.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

46%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

49%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The graphics and visual design of Contrast (2013) are widely praised for their unique artistic vision and atmospheric creativity. Critics consistently highlight its striking 1920s film noir aesthetic, with DarkZero noting "stunning 1920s Parisian film noir visuals" and IncGamers emphasizing the "interplay of light and shadow central to both art style and gameplay." The game’s stylized black-and-white palette, influenced by art deco and vaudevillian elements, is celebrated for its dreamlike quality. Eurogamer Italy and Eurogamer Portugal commend its "unique" and "striking noir-inspired aesthetic," while Polygon praises the "visually striking" 1930s European city setting that evokes a "dream-like atmosphere." The use of silhouettes, shadow mechanics, and environmental storytelling—such as the circus, cabaret, and moonlit streets—creates a distinctive visual identity. Critics like Game Informer and Push Square highlight the game’s ability to blend cinematic quality with narrative depth, making its art direction a standout feature. However, many reviewers point out significant technical shortcomings that undermine the visual experience. Eurogamer Portugal and GamesRadar+ criticize "minimal level details," "basic textures," and "stiff animations," while IGN notes issues like "stiff animations, disproportionate models, and framerate dips." Multiplayer.it describes the graphics as "simple" with "polygonal models" and "lackluster animations," and Gameblog.fr argues the game fails to "leverage the PS4’s capabilities," resulting in an "underwhelming technical presentation." Others, like Hardcore Gamer, call out unoriginality, comparing the art style to Bioshock and LIMBO, while Metro GameCentral deems the visuals "outdated" for a PS4 title. These flaws—ranging from texture pop-in and clipping to erratic camera behavior—create a disconnect between the game’s artistic ambition and its execution, leaving some critics frustrated by the lack of polish. Despite these technical issues, the overall consensus among critics is that Contrast’s visual design is a bold, creative achievement that prioritizes style over substance. While Eurogamer Portugal and GamesRadar+ acknowledge the "technical shortcomings," they also recognize the game’s ability to "mask limitations" through its stylized approach. Many reviewers, including DarkZero and Push Square, argue that the art direction effectively conveys the game’s mood and narrative, even if it falls short in technical polish. However, the repeated criticism of underdeveloped environments, inconsistent animations, and missed hardware potential suggests that Contrast’s visuals, while innovative, are ultimately hindered by its inability to fully realize its artistic vision. The game remains a case study in how strong visual design can elevate a game’s atmosphere, even when technical execution lags behind.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Critics praised Contrast's 1920s jazz soundtrack for its sultry vocals, immersive atmosphere, and noir charm—though minor issues like underdeveloped audio and accessibility hiccups couldn’t overshadow its status as a standout, era-defining score.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

64%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

36%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The sound design and music of Contrast (2013) received widespread acclaim for their immersive, era-specific charm and emotional resonance. Critics consistently praised the 1920s-inspired jazz soundtrack, particularly Laura Ellis’s sultry, vintage vocals, which were highlighted as a standout element by IncGamers, EGM, and Eurogamer. The music effectively complemented the game’s theatrical, cabaret-themed atmosphere, with JeuxActu noting the nostalgic blend of jazz and accordion melodies, while DarkZero emphasized how the soundtrack enhanced the immersive experience of the 1920s setting. Push Square and Vandal also lauded Nicolas Marquis’s work, especially in scenes like Didi’s mother’s nightclub performance, where the jazz elements elevated the narrative. The atmospheric quality of the music was repeatedly cited as a key strength, with Gameblog.fr and Multiplayer.it acknowledging its ability to evoke the game’s mood despite technical shortcomings elsewhere. While the soundtrack was largely celebrated, some critics pointed to minor shortcomings in sound design execution. Gameblog.fr noted that environmental audio was underexploited, failing to fully complement the game’s atmosphere, while Push Square critiqued awkward dialogue and a lack of vocal variety that occasionally overshadowed the jazz elements. Additionally, Multiplayer.it and Everyeye.it raised concerns about accessibility, with limited English voice acting and poor Italian subtitles potentially alienating non-English speakers. Edge Magazine observed that music was used sparingly, relying heavily on silence and ambient sounds to create a “sense of loneliness,” which some found underdeveloped. XGN also noted that while the jazz background contributed to the 1920s vibe, the sound design wasn’t a central focus of critique, suggesting it lacked deeper innovation or complexity. Overall, the consensus among critics was overwhelmingly positive, with the soundtrack and sound design regarded as a defining strength of Contrast. The jazzy, noir-inspired audio elements were seen as essential to the game’s immersive identity, with IncGamers and EGM calling it some of the best music of its year. While minor critiques about environmental audio and accessibility persisted, these did not detract from the general praise for how the music enhanced the game’s storytelling and atmosphere. Reviewers like Eurogamer Portugal, SpazioGames, and Playstation Official Magazine UK emphasized that the soundtrack’s elegance and era-specific authenticity elevated the experience, solidifying its role as a memorable aspect of the game despite broader technical or narrative flaws.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

Voice acting in Contrast (2013) is a polarizing mix of emotional resonance and clunky execution—praised for moments of authentic, Portal-esque storytelling and strong performances by key actors, but criticized for limited scope, uneven delivery, and localization gaffes that undermine its impact.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

17%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

67%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

17%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in Contrast (2013) receives a mixed but generally positive reception, with several critics highlighting its strengths despite its minimal scope. Eurogamer Portugal praises the "minimal but effective" delivery, particularly noting Didi’s narration and cutscene dialogue as emotionally resonant, comparing it to Portal’s narrative style. SpazioGames acknowledges "inspired" performances by Vanessa Matsui and Elias Toufexis in roles like Didi’s parents, while Eurogamer (PS4) commends the "authenticity" of Didi’s earnest dialogue, which adds depth to her character. GameTrailers and Everyeye.it also highlight strong voice performances that enhance the game’s mysterious tone, with the latter noting excellent English voice acting despite subpar Italian subtitles. These reviews suggest that while the voice work is not extensive, it effectively supports the story’s emotional core when executed well. However, several critics express significant dissatisfaction with the voice acting, particularly its limitations and execution. Hardcore Gamer and Metro GameCentral deliver harsh critiques, calling the performances "awful" and "ham-fisted," respectively, with the latter criticizing the young actress voicing Didi for lacking conviction. Gamereactor Denmark finds the voice acting "solid but overly theatrical," likening it to period dramas and questioning its memorability. Multiplayer.it notes that while the English voice work is well-performed, the lack of localized options (e.g., Italian voices) is a drawback, and Everyeye.it’s critique of poor Italian subtitles further underscores localization issues. These negative assessments highlight concerns about vocal delivery, character depth, and technical shortcomings that detract from the experience for some players. The overall consensus among critics is divided, with praise for specific moments of strong performance balanced against broader criticisms of inconsistency and limitations. While Eurogamer Portugal and SpazioGames appreciate the emotional authenticity and inspired moments in key roles, others like Hardcore Gamer and Metro GameCentral find the voice acting unconvincing or overly stylized. The lack of extensive voice work and localization issues further complicate its reception, leaving the aspect as a polarizing element. Despite these contradictions, many reviewers agree that the voice acting, when effective, contributes meaningfully to the game’s narrative, even if it falls short of being a standout feature overall.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Contrast (2013) collapsed under technical chaos: PC and PS4 versions brimmed with glitches, clunky controls, and performance hiccups, burying its creative ideas and leaving a frustrating, unfinished experience that marred its potential.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

50%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

50%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

The technical performance of Contrast (2013) received mixed but generally critical feedback across PC and PS4, with some minor positives noted. On PC, critics like JeuxActu acknowledged the game’s technically sound engine despite bugs, while Gameblog.fr observed that the PS4 version was slightly more enjoyable due to smoother performance. Multiplayer.it also remarked that technical performance wasn’t heavily criticized, suggesting a baseline level of stability. However, these positives were overshadowed by broader issues. On both platforms, the game’s core mechanics faced challenges: Eurogamer Italy and Vandal highlighted imprecise controls and animations, while Gameblog.fr noted PC-specific camera problems. The PS4 version saw praise for its slightly better handling of technical flaws compared to PC, though this was a minor consolation. The negatives for Contrast were widespread and severe across both platforms. On PC, reviewers like DarkZero, Eurogamer Italy, and IncGamers criticized glitches such as characters snapping into T-poses, wall-sticking, and unresponsive objects, which disrupted puzzle-solving and immersion. Polygon and SpazioGames emphasized that these issues felt “game-breaking” or required save reloads, while IGN noted framerate drops on PS4 in open areas. The PS4 version faced similar problems: Destructoid, Metro GameCentral, and Push Square highlighted clipping, unstable controls, and inconsistent physics, with Metro GameCentral calling it a “technical disaster.” Both platforms struggled with collision detection flaws, shadow mechanics, and frustrating platforming challenges, as noted by Hardcore Gamer and GameTrailers. The PS4’s hardware was underutilized, with Eurogamer and Everyeye.it citing unstable framerates and animation issues that undermined the experience. Overall, critics across both platforms agreed that Contrast’s technical performance was a significant drawback, overshadowing its creative concept. While some reviewers like JeuxActu and Multiplayer.it acknowledged minor strengths—such as the engine’s potential or slightly better PS4 handling—the consensus was that bugs, glitches, and control issues severely hampered gameplay. Polygon and Eurogamer Portugal emphasized that these flaws made the game feel unfinished, while Gameplanet and Push Square highlighted how technical problems disrupted immersion and progression. Despite occasional mitigations like auto-saves or checkpoints, the persistent nature of these issues led to widespread frustration, with many critics concluding that Contrast’s technical shortcomings detracted from its artistic ambitions. The game’s legacy remains marred by these flaws, as noted by IGN, Destructoid, and Metro GameCentral, who collectively painted a picture of a title held back by its own technical limitations.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Contrast dazzles with artistic visuals and clever light/shadow mechanics but crumbles under its 3-hour runtime, repetitive puzzles, and lack of replayability—proving more demo than destination.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

27%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

73%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The reviewers generally acknowledge the unique mechanics and artistic appeal of Contrast (2013), which initially contribute to its charm. Critics like Eurogamer Italy and GamesRadar+ highlight the game’s distinctive visual style and innovative puzzle design, noting that these elements make the experience engaging during a first playthrough. Additionally, some reviewers, such as Gameblog.fr and Gamereactor Denmark, suggest that the game’s premise—its exploration of light and shadow mechanics—might intrigue players enough to revisit it once for its atmosphere or hidden details. Even though many critics emphasize its brevity, a few acknowledge that the game’s aesthetic and conceptual creativity offer some initial appeal, particularly for fans of puzzle-platformers with artistic flair. However, the consensus overwhelmingly points to significant shortcomings in replayability. Multiple critics, including DarkZero, Eurogamer Portugal, IncGamers, and Polygon, stress that the game’s short runtime (3–4 hours) and linear structure severely limit its longevity. The puzzles are frequently described as simplistic, repetitive, or lacking depth, with JeuxActu and Multiplayer.it noting that they offer little incentive for multiple playthroughs. Post-game content is minimal, with most reviewers—such as SpazioGames, Vandal, and PlayStation LifeStyle—pointing out the absence of additional modes, challenges, or meaningful secrets to revisit. Even collectibles and achievements, which some critics like Game Revolution mention as a minor draw, fail to compensate for the game’s overall lack of substance beyond its initial run. The overall sentiment among reviewers is that Contrast’s replay value is extremely limited, with most agreeing it feels more like a brief demo than a full-fledged game. While a few critics, such as Game Revolution and Gamereactor Denmark, acknowledge minor incentives for revisiting—like collecting hidden items or appreciating the art style—the majority, including Destructoid, Hardcore Gamer, and Push Square, argue that its technical flaws, repetitive gameplay, and rushed design make it an unappealing experience to repeat. The game’s short length and lack of depth are consistently cited as critical drawbacks, leaving little room for sustained engagement. Despite its creative concepts, the consensus is clear: Contrast struggles to justify multiple playthroughs due to its inability to deliver lasting content or meaningful variation.

TL;DR

replay value

Contrast dazzles with artistic visuals and clever light/shadow mechanics but crumbles under its 3-hour runtime, repetitive puzzles, and lack of replayability—proving more demo than destination.

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

83%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

10%

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The overall verdict of Contrast (2013) is marked by a strong emphasis on its artistic and conceptual strengths. Critics consistently praise its visually striking 1920s-inspired aesthetic, innovative puzzle mechanics that blend platforming with light/dark contrasts, and atmospheric storytelling. Eurogamer Italy and GamesRadar+ highlight the game’s "ambitious concept" and "unique gameplay mechanic," while SpazioGames and JeuxActu commend its "visually and sonically rich world" and "engaging narrative." The game’s emotional depth, exemplified by its mature story and evocative music, is another recurring point of praise. Even critics who ultimately found it flawed acknowledged the effort behind its creative vision, with Eurogamer noting its "artistic merits" and GamesRadar+ calling it a "creatively designed puzzle game." These elements collectively establish Contrast as a standout in terms of style and ambition, even if its execution falls short. However, the negatives are equally prominent, with critics frequently citing technical issues, repetitive gameplay, and a lack of depth. Polygon describes it as a "frequently beautiful mess," while Everyeye.it and Gameplanet criticize its "unfulfilled potential" and "poorly executed" mechanics. The game’s short length, simplistic puzzles, and uneven pacing are recurring complaints, with Destructoid calling it a "niche title" and Game Informer noting it "fails to deliver a cohesive experience." Technical flaws such as control issues, glitches, and unpolished design further detract from the experience, as highlighted by Vandal and Cheat Code Central. Even the narrative, while praised for its maturity, is seen as underdeveloped by some, with Metro GameCentral calling it "derivative" and "unengaging." These shortcomings collectively undermine the game’s ability to fully realize its ambitious ideas. The overall consensus among critics is a mixed but largely critical assessment, with Contrast being viewed as a promising yet flawed title. While many acknowledge its artistic merits and creative concept—such as IGN’s praise for its "heartfelt" storytelling and GameTrailers’ acknowledgment of its "clever puzzle design"—the game is frequently criticized for its technical shortcomings and lack of polish. The divide between its potential and execution is a common theme, with Eurogamer noting it as a "bittersweet experience" and D+PAD Magazine calling it a "missed opportunity." Despite these issues, several critics, like Game Revolution and Push Square, suggest it’s still worth playing for its unique ideas, even if only once. Ultimately, Contrast is remembered more for its artistic vision than its gameplay, leaving a legacy of ambition tempered by unmet expectations.

TL;DR

A visually stunning, conceptually ambitious puzzle game that dazzles with its 1920s aesthetic and innovative light/dark mechanics but undermines itself with repetitive gameplay, technical flaws, and an underdeveloped narrative, leaving a legacy of unfulfilled potential.

MONSTER

Reviews

84 reviews found

GameTrailers

PlayStation 4

Nov 13, 2013