Element4l

 PC
Element4l Image
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 8 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 39 Ratings

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  • Summary: Element4l is a moody and experimental platform game, with a strong focus on flow and smooth gameplay, wrapped in an exceptional soundtrack by MindTree

    In Element4l, you control the state of your character to find your way through a dreamy underworld. Your only hindrances are nature and    Element4l is a moody and experimental platform game, with a strong focus on flow and smooth gameplay, wrapped in an exceptional soundtrack by MindTree

    In Element4l, you control the state of your character to find your way through a dreamy underworld. Your only hindrances are nature and the sun. It takes a different, experimental approach to classic platform games and challenges you to rearrange your reflexes. The state-changing, physics-based gameplay invites all ages to think logically, and reveals that pressing the right button at the right time, is often more rewarding than mashing buttons. Just when you thought pressing the left button would make your character go left, Element4l crushes this doctrine.

    Just don't expect an easy platformer. The first time you play element4l, you will struggle... just like the first time you've learned how to ride a bike.    … Expand

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 8
  3. Negative: 0 out of 8
  1. Hooked Gamers
    Jun 5, 2013
    90
    Element4l is founded on solid mechanics, fresh gameplay, and a undeniable sense of style.
  2. ZTGD
    Jul 9, 2013
    88
    Element4l really surprised me. I was not expecting to find this much enjoyment out of what looked like just another platforming game that has been popping up in droves lately. For only $10 on Steam, Element4l will offer up a good challenge with some unique mechanics and presentation; not to mention a fantastic soundtrack. If you don’t mind a little trial and error, Element4l is a great purchase.
  3. Everyeye.it
    Jun 24, 2013
    85
    Element4l is a "back to basics" of platform gaming. Brilliant.
  4. Hardcore Gamer
    Jun 2, 2013
    80
    Element4l is a terrific game that is perfectly balanced in everything that it sets out to accomplish.
  5. XGN
    Sep 17, 2013
    70
    By using the four elements you have to transit from one level to the other. This makes the game quite challenging, but also a bit repetitive. The beautiful soundtrack of the game saves the day.
  6. IGN Italia
    Jun 28, 2013
    70
    To get in touch with Element4l you have to open your mind, thinking outside the rules of the platform genre. If you do so, you'll find a place to heal your eyes and your soul, but beware: this paradise can be cruel sometimes. If you dare to take the challenge, you'll be truly rewarded.
  7. CD-Action
    Jul 2, 2013
    50
    I’ll remember this platformer mainly as a torture. It’s really ruthless when it comes to making you feel helpless. [CD-Action 08/2013, p.81]
    All this publication's reviews

See all 8 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
  1. gic
    Nov 28, 2013
    10
    An extremely original and challenging title.
    Absolutely beautiful graphics and soundtrack.
    Enjoyable mood. Two player co-op mode would be    An extremely original and challenging title.
    Absolutely beautiful graphics and soundtrack.
    Enjoyable mood.
    Two player co-op mode would be an interesting addition.    … Expand
  2. angelikmayhem
    Jun 13, 2013
    9
    This game was a nice combination of puzzles and progress.

    This title is about denial. You play as an entity that has all four elements    This game was a nice combination of puzzles and progress.

    This title is about denial. You play as an entity that has all four elements inside of it and can call forth any one of them at any time. However, you cannot move using the arrow keys. You can only move by becoming fire and leaping forward (as fire is want to do) then switching to ice to become a cube that slides across the ground.

    In terms of pros, the puzzles are very creative, I enjoy the challenge of trying to work with the element-swapping game mechanic, and there's a little bit of replayability in that you may want to retry levels again later to see if you can beat your time or finish it without dying.

    In terms of cons, the graphics are nice but thematically bland. The game hints that there are enemies in the future, but it takes a long time for the story to develop to that point.

    Overall, there's a lot of fun to be had with this title and I encourage all of you to consider trying it out.    … Expand
  4. Duskspark
    May 26, 2013
    9
    Element4l connects everything that's old school, classic, and fun, with something new, wonderful, and clever. From the visual beauty to theElement4l connects everything that's old school, classic, and fun, with something new, wonderful, and clever. From the visual beauty to the light and happy soundtrack, this game is a challenging joy that you will happily finish.… Expand
  5. DrZed
    Dec 22, 2013
    9
    This game is very challenging and level design looks great. Sometimes it gets too easy, but mostly it gets too damn hard. Actually, that´sThis game is very challenging and level design looks great. Sometimes it gets too easy, but mostly it gets too damn hard. Actually, that´s just good. It´s not classic game, but for those who really want to enjoy some challenges, this is your paradise.… Expand
  6. sabrx
    Nov 16, 2013
    8
    An innovative and really interesting game, although there are a lot of incredibly hard parts. At least I have spent hundreds of attempts toAn innovative and really interesting game, although there are a lot of incredibly hard parts. At least I have spent hundreds of attempts to pass a few places in this game. Not suitable for a choleric, unless they are an excellent gamer.… Expand
  7. Outlander999
    Nov 17, 2013
    7
    Element4l is an extremely hard "trial & error" game, very well refined but not for all the audience. The lovers of the genre will fall in loveElement4l is an extremely hard "trial & error" game, very well refined but not for all the audience. The lovers of the genre will fall in love for it. VIRTUALINN.IT… Expand
  8. diegzumillo
    Sep 26, 2015
    5
    At a first glance this seemed like a good idea. It's definitely original! I personally did not enjoy this game but it might have some appealAt a first glance this seemed like a good idea. It's definitely original! I personally did not enjoy this game but it might have some appeal to other kinds of people.

    Strangely enough, it reminds me of Dragon's Lair for the Sega CD. And I know exactly why. If you never played said game it works like this: you put the cd on and hit play, then a beautiful animation starts playing! cell shaded, Disney quality etc. That's no intro or cut-scene, that's the game. You have to press specific keys at specific moments to allow the movie to progress. It's a game 100% made of quick-time events, made before this term had been coined. And Element4l is exactly that under the hood; you have to press the correct key at the correct time, there's no margin for error and no flexibility at all. Which is a shame, I think the mechanics of this game really do allow for some open problem solving level design. Again, some people may enjoy this but, if they exist, I hope it's not because of the movie playing because Element4l doesn't have that part.    … Expand

See all 9 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

86
#86 Best PC Game of 2013

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