ALEPH (2024)

I got my copy via my Steam group* It's a miss for me Fin, I was hoping you would expand on the good aspects of the first game like those cerebral moments, but for me this game was mostly misery, frustration, and tedious gameplay, with very little reward in between, not to mention various technical issues or puzzle softlocks. I could not finish it, I got bored of doing the same thing around the 6th zone, I gave it a fair chance, it's just actually mind-numbing, and I constantly feel like I have to tolerate various issues with the game design. In contrast to your first game, it's less about exploration and more about the 'stealth gameplay', but the mechanics were not good enough to build the entire game around them. You can literally run past the dudes when they look forward, either that or the mechanics do not feel consistent with those eye guards, sometimes they may or may not get me doing the exact same movement. Those dudes are also literally everywhere, and it's not so much it's hard, it's very tedious to constantly wait, or trying to figure out what the switch activated, yea there are lines showing where they go, but sometimes it feels misleading too. The boxes have a tenden…

I haven't finished it yet, but from what I've experienced so far, it has some interesting aspects. The visuals and music combine to create a dark, oppressive atmosphere that leaves a strong impression. The gameplay consists of solving puzzles in stealth, using a light repositioning ability to stay hidden and activate various mechanisms. On the downside, as in their other game CODA, the game uses a 4:3 aspect ratio instead of the standard 16:9. I understand that this may be a deliberate choice, but it's a bit annoying, at least for me.

Stealth puzzle game where you are tasked to retrieve light of language and humanity from those who hoard it for themselves. Cool pixelized art style.

Really, really great and fun game. By far the best experience I've had with stealth in gaming. The simplicity works very well with all the puzzles. It's challenging as hell (for me), but just as rewarding—especially if you're going for the true ending. And about the visuals—pff, the shaders, models, level design and surreal bits are all on point.

"ALEPH" is an exhilarating dive into a world where mysticism and exploration intertwine seamlessly. From the moment you step into its intricately crafted universe, it’s clear that this game is a labor of love and imagination. The game's atmosphere is its strongest suit, immersing you in a visually stunning environment that’s as enigmatic as it is beautiful. The developers have done a fantastic job creating a world that feels both ancient and otherworldly, with a level of detail that rewards careful observation. Each location is rich with secrets and lore, making exploration feel genuinely rewarding. Gameplay in ALEPH is a refreshing blend of puzzle-solving and narrative-driven exploration. The puzzles are challenging but fair, requiring both logic and creativity to unravel. They are well-integrated into the story, enhancing rather than interrupting the flow of the game. The narrative itself is thought-provoking, with a storyline that gradually unfolds and keeps you engaged from start to finish. The soundtrack and sound design further enhance the experience, adding an additional layer of immersion. The music complements the atmosphere perfectly, and the ambient sounds of the game…

Hate to downvote an indie game, and I LOVED their previous game ///CODA. Here the writing isn't as sharp and gameplay feels a little more monotonous - which alone isn't a deal breaker, I'm forgiving of indie titles, but there seem to be some bugs and for me the game appears to be softlocked right at the start of one of the levels.