The Swapper

 PC
User Score
8.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 546 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 448 out of 546
  2. Mixed: 87 out of 546
  3. Negative: 11 out of 546

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  1. amplifie
    May 31, 2013
    10
    Thank you so much for such a masterpiece! The swapper is a game for your ears, your eyes, oh and even for your brain too. If you´re going to play The Swapper, you really have to turn off the lights and put on your Headphones now you´re ready to dip into one of the most atmospheric Games in this Genre!
  2. Father_death
    May 30, 2013
    10
    This is a very good puzzle platform game with a fun little manic. It is stunning, it doesn't drown you with music and puts it where its needed. It is a bit creepy not scary but otherwise its very good!
  3. MarcusGarvey
    Jun 4, 2013
    10
    A gorgeous and cerebral game that looks to be created by mostly one guy/a few people over the span of 3.5 years! Easily worth double what I paid for it. I still can't believe the set was hand-crafted from clay. Excellent soundtrack worthy in its own right. Get this and spread the word!
  4. Thaetriah
    Jun 5, 2013
    10
    A hybrid of Moon and Space Odyssey in terms of environment mood, atmosphere, setting and story.

    Excellent design of puzzles will make you feel smarter and feel the joy of discovery (and you can't find this in many games!). It has to be noted that the game does a great job at connecting its story with gameplay and mechanics. Every individual element of the game creates one core feel    A hybrid of Moon and Space Odyssey in terms of environment mood, atmosphere, setting and story.

    Excellent design of puzzles will make you feel smarter and feel the joy of discovery (and you can't find this in many games!).

    It has to be noted that the game does a great job at connecting its story with gameplay and mechanics. Every individual element of the game creates one core feel and sense that's pushed by its philosophical storytelling.    … Expand
  5. Xienen
    Nov 14, 2013
    10
    This game is definitely worth the money, even at just 5 hours of gameplay. The atmosphere is great and the puzzles are interesting and diverse. They could have chosen to drag it out to 10 hours, but it would probably grow stale without more mechanics, so I approve of the decision to keep it short and fun.
  6. Keromyaou
    Jul 19, 2013
    10
    A very good 2D puzzle game. Like Portal series, it uses a special device. In this case it generates up to four copies of yourself and swaps each other of the original and the copies. It has a creepy atmosphere like Portal series. The puzzle is very intriguing and keeps you playing to the end. As the background of the game, there are some science fiction-like motives about meanings of 'mindA very good 2D puzzle game. Like Portal series, it uses a special device. In this case it generates up to four copies of yourself and swaps each other of the original and the copies. It has a creepy atmosphere like Portal series. The puzzle is very intriguing and keeps you playing to the end. As the background of the game, there are some science fiction-like motives about meanings of 'mind and body' and the morality of usage of such devices, which is interesting on its own. Overall I found it to be something like a 2D version of Portal 2 (which is a 3D game). I finished the game in about 10hrs. Therefore it is a bit short. But highly recommended for puzzle game lovers.… Expand
  7. fartheststar
    Aug 26, 2013
    8
    This is a fun puzzle game with both interesting mechanics and an interesting story. The visuals and sound combine to to create an atmospheric experience. High production values. Good puzzles that are fair. My playing time on it was about 7 hours playing leisurely, and I got stuck on a couple puzzles that took me a while to figure out. The story while interesting is not really all thatThis is a fun puzzle game with both interesting mechanics and an interesting story. The visuals and sound combine to to create an atmospheric experience. High production values. Good puzzles that are fair. My playing time on it was about 7 hours playing leisurely, and I got stuck on a couple puzzles that took me a while to figure out. The story while interesting is not really all that in my opinion. The story makes an interesting backdrop for working your way through the puzzles and uncovering what's happening on the space station, but it's still a puzzle game at it's core. I thought the ending was a bit flat, but many have found it thought provoking. Still, 8 is a good score for a good game. The production qualities and mechanics elevate this above most other puzzle-type games I've played.… Expand
  8. I_Am_Turok
    Nov 3, 2013
    8
    If you liked Braid or Limbo, you'll like this game also, and should get it for that reason alone, it is of the same high quality. It has the engine/art ambience novelty value that makes it fun to play, and quite addictive once you start. Puzzles are easy bar about 3, which jump vastly in difficulty. It is short enough, and may have no replay value also, so keep to the $10 or less priceIf you liked Braid or Limbo, you'll like this game also, and should get it for that reason alone, it is of the same high quality. It has the engine/art ambience novelty value that makes it fun to play, and quite addictive once you start. Puzzles are easy bar about 3, which jump vastly in difficulty. It is short enough, and may have no replay value also, so keep to the $10 or less price range. It gets an 8 because though the sound is great, the music is almost indiscernible. And whilst I like obtuse story lines, I'm not sure this one needed it. For me, it would have worked better as a more realistic escape+rescue storyline, with each room to rescue a survivor. But those minor quibbles aside, recommended still.… Expand
  9. MikComposer
    Nov 16, 2013
    10
    Great game! Fantastic atmosphere, great puzzles, imaginative graphics, good controlls feel, quaite a few iconic moments, and intriguing story although I had to look up some explanations cause not everything was clear to me). Soundtrack not too bad although nothing memorable. Great game for couple of evenings.
  10. wesker2012
    Dec 22, 2013
    8
    One of the most haunting, mysterious, thought provoking games in awhile. Explores the mind, body, soul, and consciousness and the meaning of existence. Very stimulating material. The atmosphere is excellent....great lighting and particle effects. The voice acting, and subtle music and sound immerse you fully into the experience. Would totally recommend for someone who enjoys philosophicalOne of the most haunting, mysterious, thought provoking games in awhile. Explores the mind, body, soul, and consciousness and the meaning of existence. Very stimulating material. The atmosphere is excellent....great lighting and particle effects. The voice acting, and subtle music and sound immerse you fully into the experience. Would totally recommend for someone who enjoys philosophical discussions and challenging puzzles!… Expand
  11. Jonex
    Oct 20, 2013
    9
    This is a puzzle game unlike any other. The clay animations are really well done and the whole concept of creating clones to solve puzzles, is a really neat idea. Add in the ability to swap between these clones and things become very interesting.

    You'll get about 4-5 hours out of this game depending on how good you are with the puzzles. They are varied and challenging in the later    This is a puzzle game unlike any other. The clay animations are really well done and the whole concept of creating clones to solve puzzles, is a really neat idea. Add in the ability to swap between these clones and things become very interesting.

    You'll get about 4-5 hours out of this game depending on how good you are with the puzzles. They are varied and challenging in the later stages as you become more comfortable with the gameplay.

    The atmosphere is really moody, with a full spectrum of white light to pitch darkness. They really do a good job to make you feel like you're in space and completely isolated.

    The Swapper is a genre defining leap for puzzle platformers. The developers have shown originality and passion, which are the first two things I look for in any game.    … Expand
  12. fukery3
    Aug 22, 2013
    10
    I really can't explain why, but this is one of my all time favorite games and for me it beats every AAA high budget modern video game experience. Perhaps a combination of it having a fun original mechanic, incredibly detailed claymation art style, incredibly thought provoking story, haunting yet beautiful music, metroid esque side scrolling, and many other plusses just seemlessly fitI really can't explain why, but this is one of my all time favorite games and for me it beats every AAA high budget modern video game experience. Perhaps a combination of it having a fun original mechanic, incredibly detailed claymation art style, incredibly thought provoking story, haunting yet beautiful music, metroid esque side scrolling, and many other plusses just seemlessly fit together so well in this case. Can't recomend it enough.… Expand
  13. joshxdr
    Nov 16, 2013
    8
    The swapper is a very good 2-d puzzle platform game. It has art created from photographs of clay sculptures, so it has a claymation look to it. The puzzles revolve around making clones of yourself and swapping yourself with them. The puzzles start easy and get harder and harder. There is a science fiction story that develops as you progress in the game. The story was ok, kind of inspiredThe swapper is a very good 2-d puzzle platform game. It has art created from photographs of clay sculptures, so it has a claymation look to it. The puzzles revolve around making clones of yourself and swapping yourself with them. The puzzles start easy and get harder and harder. There is a science fiction story that develops as you progress in the game. The story was ok, kind of inspired by "2001" although a bit hokey at times. Some of the story is relayed to you by a narrator who is talking to you over a noisy radio. This means that it can be hard to understand the narrator, so in retrospect it would have been better to turn the subtitles on so I could understand the narrator. I am not a great puzzle-solver, so it took me a long time to solve some of the puzzles, and one puzzle I had to read a walkthrough to solve. My overall playing time was 11 hours, which includes at least two hours spent stuck on a few puzzles. This is decent playing time for an indie title and a very good deal for what I paid for. I would say this game is excellent but falls a little short of my all-time favorite puzzle-platfrom game Vessel. Some of the puzzle solving involved a lot of trial and error in addition to pure deduction. It took me a while to figure out that the right button does not stop the game, it just slows it down a lot. All it all I can strongly recommend this game.… Expand
  14. Roxtaf
    Jun 5, 2013
    10
    So, The Swapper. Simple looking little thing at a reasonable price. I found this game well worth its price very early in, and held the feeling all the way through.
    I highly recommend this investment into some fun braingymnastics
  15. rrtson
    Jul 3, 2013
    9
    I was initially attracted to this game because of the art style. I absolutely love a game that can stand out from the rest in terms of aesthetics, and The Swapper definitely is a beautiful game. Aside from the visual uniqueness, the ambiance is there as well... the music, the setting, the pacing.

    The entire game took me about 8 hours to complete, taking my time to listen to all of the    I was initially attracted to this game because of the art style. I absolutely love a game that can stand out from the rest in terms of aesthetics, and The Swapper definitely is a beautiful game. Aside from the visual uniqueness, the ambiance is there as well... the music, the setting, the pacing.

    The entire game took me about 8 hours to complete, taking my time to listen to all of the audio, read all of the "logs", and explore every nook & cranny of the game. When everything finally drew to a finish, the game still left me thinking back to the early parts of the game and how it all tied together with the ending. In many other 2D platformers, stories seem to be tacked on, but I can confidently say that the story in The Swapper is intriguing, creative, and masterfully takes center stage.

    Since The Swapper is considered a puzzle platformer, the puzzles in this game certainly don't disappoint. They were ingeniously designed, and nowhere in the game do you feel like your hand is being held. The game cleverly eases you into the "Swapper mindset" at the start, and progressively gets more difficult as the story advances. It never feels like you're doing the same puzzles over and over, nor are any of the puzzles bang-your-head-against-the-desk-difficult.

    Conclusion: I truly believe that this game is a wonderful balance of story, gameplay, and art. In the same way that the later puzzles in the game make you rub your chin, the story in The Swapper is also a "puzzle" in and of itself, to be pondered long after the credits have rolled. One criticism is that the price is a tad too expensive. All in all, a wonderful experience.    … Expand
  16. indieluvr212
    Nov 15, 2013
    10
    This game is absolutely AMAZING!! Puzzles are challenging and rewarding, but not impossible. The music was awesome, the atmosphere was seriously incredible. This is a MUST HAVE for every Steam collection.
  17. Matseb2611
    Jul 17, 2015
    8
    This is one of the better puzzle games I've played. It offers a simple and straight-forward concept and utilises it to its full potential - create clones of yourself that copy your every move in order to solve puzzles. The puzzles vary between each other, and some introduce new things into the mix. For example not being able to create any clones within blue light, or not being able to swapThis is one of the better puzzle games I've played. It offers a simple and straight-forward concept and utilises it to its full potential - create clones of yourself that copy your every move in order to solve puzzles. The puzzles vary between each other, and some introduce new things into the mix. For example not being able to create any clones within blue light, or not being able to swap between the clones within red light. In late stages the game also offers gimmicks with artificial gravity too, which adds a layer of complexity to the puzzles.

    Most of the game has you solve puzzles in order to collect orbs, and a certain number of these is required to get past checkpoints to another area. I really liked this semi-open feel of exploration that the game offered, and for most of it you didn't even have to solve every single puzzle in order to make progress. You could afford to skip some. However, the very last console checkpoint requires that you solve every single puzzle that's left. Most of the puzzles were really intuitive and felt rewarding when you solved them, but I wasn't a fan of a few near the end. Three of the puzzles took me so many attempts that I eventually had to consult a walkthrough. I think that it would've been better if the final checkpoint didn't require every single puzzle to be solved.

    Throughout exploring the ship and solving puzzles, there are many logs and interactable computer terminals that shed light on the creepy backstory behind this device that you're using to create clones. In general the story was in the background, but its concepts would leave you thinking of what's morally right, especially with the way it concluded with an interesting choice of two alternate endings.

    All in all, I enjoyed the game and thought it was pulled off really well. Only the last few puzzles near the end frustrated me. Would certainly recommend it for all fans of puzzle games.    … Expand
  18. PlanByHero
    Oct 24, 2013
    8
    Lovely looking game with a unique & enjoyable game mechanic (the swapping). In general, this is an excellent game which I highly recommend. However, it does have a downside in that there is a fair amount of backtracking involved at times with little to no motivation besides completing the game. This won't be a problem for others but I find the lack of any special reward for backtrackingLovely looking game with a unique & enjoyable game mechanic (the swapping). In general, this is an excellent game which I highly recommend. However, it does have a downside in that there is a fair amount of backtracking involved at times with little to no motivation besides completing the game. This won't be a problem for others but I find the lack of any special reward for backtracking (e.g. to get an upgrade of some sort or unlock some new mechanic) makes retreading areas very dull and occasionally frustrating.… Expand
  19. orangemicro
    Jun 22, 2013
    10
    What a fantastic game, every night I became excited to sit down and play this game before bed. It's short but sweet. Very well polished game. I encountered zero bugs, and I feel that is rare when I play. If you like a great atmospheric game, a unique art style from clay, puzzles that make you think out of your original scope, then this game is a must have. If you liked the movie Moon, thenWhat a fantastic game, every night I became excited to sit down and play this game before bed. It's short but sweet. Very well polished game. I encountered zero bugs, and I feel that is rare when I play. If you like a great atmospheric game, a unique art style from clay, puzzles that make you think out of your original scope, then this game is a must have. If you liked the movie Moon, then check this game out.… Expand
  20. max1c
    Jun 15, 2013
    9
    An extremely good game for what it is. Has great atmosphere, great music and great puzzles. Unfortunately the game is somewhat short. But if you like puzzles this is a game for you.
  21. TenchuuKhan
    Jul 7, 2016
    7
    The Swapper is a nice sidescrolling puzzler with an eerie mood and some philosophical side notes that sort of build a storyline. Better executed than Talos Principle though which was tl;dr with all the reading material it throws at you.

    The puzzles are challenging and I'd say a bit above average. One I took forever to get right. There's nothing exceptionally good about this game, and    The Swapper is a nice sidescrolling puzzler with an eerie mood and some philosophical side notes that sort of build a storyline. Better executed than Talos Principle though which was tl;dr with all the reading material it throws at you.

    The puzzles are challenging and I'd say a bit above average. One I took forever to get right.

    There's nothing exceptionally good about this game, and nothing bad. The only thing I'd complain about is that there's no setting for sound levels.

    You like puzzlers? Go for it - don't expect any other entertainment from it though, it's not Limbo.    … Expand
  22. DeadSilent
    Jun 3, 2013
    9
    This game is amazingly beautiful with a well told science fiction story. The mechanics of the game are very simple and yet the puzzles can be complex and thought provoking. I suggest this game to anyone who enjoys a quick play through with dark undertones of the dark reaches of space.
  23. Sugartoes
    Jun 8, 2013
    9
    Swappedy swap! Fun game. Good bank for the buck ($11 for me). I finished it in 9 hours but I am deeply stupid and most can probably complete it in under 6. I was also way too mouth-breathingly dumb for the plot, which is an existentialist sci-fi headslapper and I couldn't quite piece together the answers.

    My Petty Gripes: (1) I wish the lighting was a little bit brighter so we could see    Swappedy swap! Fun game. Good bank for the buck ($11 for me). I finished it in 9 hours but I am deeply stupid and most can probably complete it in under 6. I was also way too mouth-breathingly dumb for the plot, which is an existentialist sci-fi headslapper and I couldn't quite piece together the answers.

    My Petty Gripes: (1) I wish the lighting was a little bit brighter so we could see the Claymation details better. (2) I wish the voices weren't garbled at times. (3) Why is everyone in this future parallel universe British?    … Expand
  24. Lauziex
    Jun 9, 2013
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I love games like this where have the Aha-effect when you finished a part(like portal)
    The Idea with these clones is really cool and a mechanics in the game ist not to easy even really difficult like Portal. And the game is easy t play and the design is awesome its looking like they build everything by hand
    Really great game. For Portal-Fans a must have!    … Expand
  25. backInBone
    Jul 18, 2013
    9
    I didn't care much about the story. Despite that I still find it's fun to play this game. The atmosphere feels good. A number of puzzles are well designed though some are not well ordered according to the difficulty. I don't give it a 10 because I think the play style lacks variety. There's noting more complicated or more interesting in the latter part of the game except for the reverse gravity.
  26. Trius95
    Jul 21, 2013
    9
    I love this game, but in the last rooms I went almost crazy for the difficulty.
    One thing that I do not understand is that you can choose the end. Is this necessary?
  27. Nimbus1701
    Jul 26, 2013
    9
    An beautiful game that features hand drawn art, a suitably desolate atmosphere and a fascinating story. The mechanics are simple and the puzzles are interesting. Draws on experiences from some classic sci-fi movies and games.
  28. Osmium
    Aug 10, 2013
    8
    One of the very best and most atmospheric puzzlers I have ever played. The art style is amazing, the music is great. The difficulty of the puzzles is almost perfectly balanced with a rather easy start and a challenging end. It is inspiring to see how such a fantastic game can be created using such "simple" yet genius mechanics. I hope to see more puzzle games of this quality in the future.
  29. nightfox
    Jul 31, 2013
    9
    An amazing atmospheric game which is clever, smooth and truly grasps the concept of feeling completely alone in an environment. The ambient soundtrack and lighting really polishes this game, a definite for those who simply love solving puzzles.
  30. TheDreamlord
    Aug 1, 2013
    8
    Having become a tad enamored with intelligent indie games in the last couple of years, it is still quite amazing when I come across one as well made, thoughtful and intelligent as The Swapper.
    The Swapper's premise is simple. You are a person that found themselves in a seemingly abandoned space station or space ship. Armed only with a cloning gun, a device that allows you to create (and    Having become a tad enamored with intelligent indie games in the last couple of years, it is still quite amazing when I come across one as well made, thoughtful and intelligent as The Swapper.
    The Swapper's premise is simple. You are a person that found themselves in a seemingly abandoned space station or space ship. Armed only with a cloning gun, a device that allows you to create (and swap to) up to four copies of yourself, you traverse rooms in search of orbs that open doors.
    During the increasingly difficult puzzles, you start encountering different colored light sources in the rooms, each of which has a different affect to your gun's beam. Blue will let you swap but not create a clone in it's light. Red will let you create a clone but blocks your swapping beam. And so on.
    There is a thin story in the background that carries you forward, but the juice of the game are the puzzles. And the majority of them are a delight to solve. It does get a bit too difficult towards the end, but the game lasts about five or so hours, which is a perfect length for it.
    Great graphics, atmospheric piano music and intelligent gameplay. The Swapper is an excellent puzzler that deserves a place in your games collection.    … Expand
  31. Manavoc
    Sep 4, 2013
    8
    This game is the best puzzle game since Portal 2, i like the puzzle this game offer, the story is also good but it is too simple, they need more emotion and more complex storyline.
  32. Collerz
    Sep 24, 2013
    9
    Got this game because I was bored and it sounded interesting. It really is a great game for what it is, the puzzles are sometimes hard but it is balanced so it's not boringly easy or frustratingly hard. The general feel of the game is awesome and original and makes you think about...life.
  33. the_hyp0crite
    Jun 2, 2013
    10
    Beautiful and astonishing puzzle. Every detail contributes to the atmosphere of loneliness and cold darkness of a space station. Puzzles are not very difficult, but challenging enough to get satisfaction. The music is marvellous also. Though the narrative is not unique we understand most of the events by reading logs the plot is very interesting, with allusions to Solaris and Moon. WishBeautiful and astonishing puzzle. Every detail contributes to the atmosphere of loneliness and cold darkness of a space station. Puzzles are not very difficult, but challenging enough to get satisfaction. The music is marvellous also. Though the narrative is not unique we understand most of the events by reading logs the plot is very interesting, with allusions to Solaris and Moon. Wish there were more games like this and hope to see more games from this studio.… Expand
  34. JimCorbett
    Feb 19, 2014
    6
    The Swapper is a unique puzzle-platformer. The unique mechanic in the game is the ability to clone yourself and "swap" places with that clone. This creates an interesting dynamic that was fun to utilize. The game however falls in other key aspects. The difficulty curve is strange. It starts off relatively easy for about half the game, then it suddenly jumps and you'll get stuck on puzzlesThe Swapper is a unique puzzle-platformer. The unique mechanic in the game is the ability to clone yourself and "swap" places with that clone. This creates an interesting dynamic that was fun to utilize. The game however falls in other key aspects. The difficulty curve is strange. It starts off relatively easy for about half the game, then it suddenly jumps and you'll get stuck on puzzles for a long time, then at the very end the puzzles are all of a sudden easy again. The story is also confusing and relatively uninteresting. The graphics are special, but I certainly wouldn't call them fantastic. The game is also relatively short; I finished it in less than 4 hours. I had high hopes for this game, unfortunately it hasn't lived up to the hype.… Expand
  35. The_Ommadawn
    Sep 17, 2013
    8
    There have been some amazing games over the past few months with indie titles making the cream. This 'The Swapper' is one of those such titles. It overloads the atmosphere and at the same time is a calming experience. The puzzles are entertaining, graphics excellent, controls simple, music (the best feature) is simply stunning. Well worth buying and grab it on Steam now as it's 25% off!!!There have been some amazing games over the past few months with indie titles making the cream. This 'The Swapper' is one of those such titles. It overloads the atmosphere and at the same time is a calming experience. The puzzles are entertaining, graphics excellent, controls simple, music (the best feature) is simply stunning. Well worth buying and grab it on Steam now as it's 25% off!!! As someone else said, turn off the lights and play with headphones to really appreciate this gem.… Expand
  36. Notger
    Jun 9, 2013
    10
    Could this game have been any better? I doubt it.
    Well written, great gfx and sounds, good rythm, everything fits nicely together.
    The mechanics are fresh and even though some riddles make you think a while and try out a few things, they are all fair and can be logically solved.
    Great job, one of this years highlights!
  37. goodterling
    May 31, 2013
    10
    Brilliant combination of puzzles and high concept science fiction. It engages the same part of your brain as Portal 2 using completely different mechanics. When you do solve a puzzle, it's always a great payoff and you can't wait for the next one. The story that unfurls is compelling stuff about consciousness and self that will make you think. The Swapper is a one-game refutation toBrilliant combination of puzzles and high concept science fiction. It engages the same part of your brain as Portal 2 using completely different mechanics. When you do solve a puzzle, it's always a great payoff and you can't wait for the next one. The story that unfurls is compelling stuff about consciousness and self that will make you think. The Swapper is a one-game refutation to anyone who says video games are just mindless violence. My one complaint is that the title of the game doesn't do it justice. Such an elegant game deserved a more elegant title.… Expand
  38. e_k
    Feb 19, 2014
    7
    A pleasant puzzle-platformer, with above average atmospheric effects (sounds/music/lighting).

    Great slow-motion effects (and corresponding sounds!) avoid puzzles from being too "twitchy" (a plus in my books)

    However, the puzzles do get somewhat repetitive.
  39. Plasros
    May 31, 2013
    10
    Such an amazing game, the developers did a fantastic job at creating an immersive and atmospheric world, with rich gameplay mechanics & puzzles that challenge you to think. I hope you produce more amazing games like this one.
  40. jlinowski
    May 31, 2013
    10
    Awesome game. Deeply immersive with great background music. Sucks you into the narrative very early on. Great puzzle solver. Comparable and going against "Limbo" with it's indie spirit.
  41. Maverick2013
    Jun 3, 2013
    8
    No, it's not RTS. No, it's not turn based strategy. Yes it is of the quaint side scroller genre. Yes, it is intriguing. No, it's not a masterpiece but it sure uses some clever ideas to stir the grey matter.

    It sent me to the coffee-pot many times to give my brain time to ponder how the heck was I going to do that bit?? At times it made me think I was a hamfisted mouse user until I    No, it's not RTS. No, it's not turn based strategy. Yes it is of the quaint side scroller genre. Yes, it is intriguing. No, it's not a masterpiece but it sure uses some clever ideas to stir the grey matter.

    It sent me to the coffee-pot many times to give my brain time to ponder how the heck was I going to do that bit?? At times it made me think I was a hamfisted mouse user until I realised it was a hamfisted brain that prevented me from getting through any given puzzle.

    A clever piece of work.    … Expand
  42. Transcendental
    Jun 1, 2013
    10
    This game is amazing! Since braid I've been looking for a good indie puzzle game, and this must have been the best one yet (I'm not comparing it to braid though, they're both amazing but in their own ways)! The art style is amazing and the story really sucks you in and makes you want to explore deeper and deeper into the game (Unlike other games in which the exploring gets boring and itThis game is amazing! Since braid I've been looking for a good indie puzzle game, and this must have been the best one yet (I'm not comparing it to braid though, they're both amazing but in their own ways)! The art style is amazing and the story really sucks you in and makes you want to explore deeper and deeper into the game (Unlike other games in which the exploring gets boring and it gets to the point where you just play to finish the game). The mechanic is fairly simple and yet it gets you thinking are those clones living creatures? What happens when they die? What happens when they get left behind? All of these really add to the overall creepy, mysterious theme of the game.… Expand
  43. Cardelitre
    Jun 1, 2013
    9
    Great game, original, nice design and music. The puzzles can be quite tough but still very satisfying when finally solved. Gave me a similar feeling than with Portal somehow... Only criticism would be that it's a bit short, finished in a few hours. But still, don't regret buying it, it's worth it.
  44. k9wazere
    Dec 13, 2015
    7
    Solid puzzle game, with a couple niggles. 1. The last third of the game is notably easier than the middle third, which contains the hardest puzzles. 2. The story is intriguing and drives the game forwards, but very anti-climactic. It neither resolves the questions raised during the game, nor does it bring much closure. The ending I saw was bleak and didn't make too much sense, tbh. ButSolid puzzle game, with a couple niggles. 1. The last third of the game is notably easier than the middle third, which contains the hardest puzzles. 2. The story is intriguing and drives the game forwards, but very anti-climactic. It neither resolves the questions raised during the game, nor does it bring much closure. The ending I saw was bleak and didn't make too much sense, tbh. But these are minor points, really. As a puzzle game, it's a solid 7 out of 10. Why Metacritic thinks a 7/10 is a "mixed" rating I don't know. To me, 7 out of 10 is a positive review!… Expand
  45. Tashy497
    Jan 8, 2014
    6
    Wow! I was expecting a little more, or maybe all the high scores gave me the impression of something grander. I love indie games, platform and Metroidvania games. I was bored with this game. I had a hard time getting into it... everything about it is sleepy... and nothing urged me to want to play, it didn't capture my attention or imagination. Don't play this at night, because it's a greatWow! I was expecting a little more, or maybe all the high scores gave me the impression of something grander. I love indie games, platform and Metroidvania games. I was bored with this game. I had a hard time getting into it... everything about it is sleepy... and nothing urged me to want to play, it didn't capture my attention or imagination. Don't play this at night, because it's a great sleeping pill.… Expand
  46. LickTheEnvelope
    May 31, 2013
    9
    Really good indie title that has some fantastic atmosphere. I love how the animations were done with clay, very unique. The story is interesting and you want to learn more about 'the watchers.'

    In practice the game is a puzzle game. For a good chunk of it I was happy with the challenges other than a handful of puzzles i'm still trying to figure out how they are possible with the    Really good indie title that has some fantastic atmosphere. I love how the animations were done with clay, very unique. The story is interesting and you want to learn more about 'the watchers.'

    In practice the game is a puzzle game. For a good chunk of it I was happy with the challenges other than a handful of puzzles i'm still trying to figure out how they are possible with the mechanics...

    All in all I still likely have a few hours left with it (after 6 hours played) and it's one of my top 5 or 6 indie games of all time already.    … Expand
  47. Corwin86
    Dec 23, 2013
    10
    A miracle of game...

    Not a puzzle game, or a pure adventure one... simply the best game of 2013, impeccable and fascinating story, innovative puzzles, moral choices (and the way is only one...)!

    Skyrim is a great game, this is simply part of gaming history...
  48. firehazard42
    Jun 30, 2013
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I think the biggest problem with the Swapper is not what it is, but what it COULD have been. As many others have said, its beautifully atmospheric, hauntingly lonely, and satisfyingly challenging both in terms of its puzzles and narrative. But the problem i have with it is that, in terms of its narrative and puzzles, they seem to be kept in separate rooms (metaphorically).

    Its clear that the puzzles weren't designed with the narrative in mind, as they each have there own room with little to no story explanation of why they exist in the first place. (I have read all of the logs in game, and only one even hinted towards them at all.)
    This lack of connection is noticeable, but not so obvious it intrudes the game. Unfortunately, later in the game, the support characters are persuading you to hurry up with getting all the orbs you need to proceed, seemingly ignorant or completely oblivious that you need to solve puzzles to obtain them, making this disconnect even more apparent. This spoiled the narrative for me somewhat, and it really hurts the game as a whole.

    Don't let this review stop you from buying this game, it is excellent. But I at least understand it isn't flawless and I am ready and willing to admit that despite how much I truly love this game.    … Expand
  49. Rickyb
    Jun 2, 2013
    9
    I'm lucky to have picked this gem up with a 25% discount on steam but even without, it's well worth the price. I completed it over 2 days of playing, steam tells me I spent 6 hours, and it really left me wanting more. Some of the puzzles were quite difficult which gave a real sense of achievement when I cracked them. All the design features help to create a really well crafted atmosphere,I'm lucky to have picked this gem up with a 25% discount on steam but even without, it's well worth the price. I completed it over 2 days of playing, steam tells me I spent 6 hours, and it really left me wanting more. Some of the puzzles were quite difficult which gave a real sense of achievement when I cracked them. All the design features help to create a really well crafted atmosphere, which helps to immerse the player in this world, despite the basic graphics. The philosophical concepts that are dealt with are apparent enough to keep the player thinking throughout the experience without overloading the player and impacting on the gameplay. In brief, this is another fine example of how independent developers are helping to turn my hobby into a real art form. Highly recommended.… Expand
  50. Maetco
    Aug 11, 2013
    9
    Gameplay 9 The controls are good and responsive. The only slight problem is the simplistic nature. The gameplay is very solid but slightly repetitive.

    Story 8 Good for a puzzle game but nothing ground breaking. It probably takes a bit of extra thinking to figure out WTF actually happened but the key plot should be accessible to any grown up. Storytelling and atmosphere 10    Gameplay 9 The controls are good and responsive. The only slight problem is the simplistic nature. The gameplay is very solid but slightly repetitive.

    Story 8 Good for a puzzle game but nothing ground breaking. It probably takes a bit of extra thinking to figure out WTF actually happened but the key plot should be accessible to any grown up.

    Storytelling and atmosphere 10 Excellent. What makes this so great is that you'll always have the chance to re-read everything because you probably have to do that if you want to keep up with the story. The overall atmosphere is very immersive and supports the storytelling very well.

    Puzzles 8 The biggest problem is the inconsistency of the difficulty level of the puzzles. First you find a real head scratcher and the next one seems to made for children. The best puzzles in this game are great but the worst are boringly average.

    Overall 9 If you are a fan of puzzle games and like stories in your games then this is a most buy for you. The game is pretty short (it took me about 4 h to complete the game and an additional 1 h to figure out the storyline) but if you buy it from a sale even the shortness doesn't work as an excuse not to buy this great puzzle game.    … Expand
  51. jcasbeer
    Jun 19, 2013
    9
    Portal spooky humor. Not quite as strong a value as Portal, but there are a lot of very good games that fall into that category. Like Portal, it has that 10 minutes of fooling around, followed by "ah HA!", which hooks me into running for the next one. Like Portal, almost every puzzle is like that. After a dozen puzzles or so, I'd get brain fatigue and have to go play Civ 5 forPortal spooky humor. Not quite as strong a value as Portal, but there are a lot of very good games that fall into that category. Like Portal, it has that 10 minutes of fooling around, followed by "ah HA!", which hooks me into running for the next one. Like Portal, almost every puzzle is like that. After a dozen puzzles or so, I'd get brain fatigue and have to go play Civ 5 for awhile. But the next day, I'd be back... It's fun, go buy it.… Expand
  52. bolderbast
    Jun 4, 2013
    7
    While I don't think the critic reviews are fake, I strongly feel this game is over-hyped. The dark atmosphere and even darker story, do well. But the puzzle element and even the gameplay are more than just coincidentally reminiscent of Limbo. So while 'The Swapper' offers a nice puzzle gimmick, it doesn't warrant a perfect 10. Mainly because this Indie just isn't as original as we wouldWhile I don't think the critic reviews are fake, I strongly feel this game is over-hyped. The dark atmosphere and even darker story, do well. But the puzzle element and even the gameplay are more than just coincidentally reminiscent of Limbo. So while 'The Swapper' offers a nice puzzle gimmick, it doesn't warrant a perfect 10. Mainly because this Indie just isn't as original as we would love it to be.… Expand
  53. dojiherbs
    Jun 3, 2013
    5
    I don't understand why this game has such a ridiculously high review. It's a mildly entertaining puzzle game, different than, but not as fun as Portal in my opinion. Not worth ten dollars.

    A mediocre score for a mediocre game.
  54. kaicooper
    Jun 20, 2013
    10
    honestly..i donno why some reviewers give it 7 or 8..?!?!?
    its New Fresh game..New Idea ..game is Creepy..really creepy with
    most Difficult Puzzles ever..this game should never get less then 9..
    ppl comparing it with Portal and bla bla..its totally different

    every hardcore players should grab this..its the Best 2D puzzle game ever
  55. GolovA
    Nov 22, 2016
    7
    A good and solid puzzly game. While being atmospheric visually and auditory it somewhat lacks diversity. Because of this, the sense of progression in the game is driven by increasing puzzle difficulty and the story; but while the puzzles do indeed become very hard at a good pace, the story is OKish and not enough to move the game along. As a result, i played Swapper for about 4 hours,A good and solid puzzly game. While being atmospheric visually and auditory it somewhat lacks diversity. Because of this, the sense of progression in the game is driven by increasing puzzle difficulty and the story; but while the puzzles do indeed become very hard at a good pace, the story is OKish and not enough to move the game along. As a result, i played Swapper for about 4 hours, and while joyful - that was enough for me.

    RECOMMEND.    … Expand
  56. Xon
    Jun 30, 2013
    9
    The swapper is a unique game with incredible visuals. The puzzles are fun and makes you think a bit. The story is more a philosophical exploration than actually beginning-middle-end events.

    It is at once hard-core old-school sci-fi and cutting-edge gmeplay and graphics.
  57. ns0l
    Aug 11, 2014
    6
    The idea is brilliant, but not enough. If we can add some spices to the game and change that world into something more interesting then it could have been much better.
  58. Crescendo
    Jul 6, 2016
    5
    After one hour, this seems like a run-of-the-mill platformer with an unique puzzle element that is interesting at first and repetitive very soon. Slap a semi-interesting and semi-crypic story element on and here's another indie-platformer that is buried in praise I don't seem to understand. The thing is, this review could be used for a large number of today's indie platformers. One goodAfter one hour, this seems like a run-of-the-mill platformer with an unique puzzle element that is interesting at first and repetitive very soon. Slap a semi-interesting and semi-crypic story element on and here's another indie-platformer that is buried in praise I don't seem to understand. The thing is, this review could be used for a large number of today's indie platformers. One good idea and nice graphics don't automatically equal a good game for me.

    To be quite fair, it's not a bad game. It is 'just another game'. Which is exactly what's wrong with it in my eyes.    … Expand
  59. Nobilis1984
    Jan 8, 2015
    6
    Yes, it is certainly good. But I do not understand the hype. It is a very good indie game but he deserves far from the enthusiasm as had one Limbo.
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  60. HELLruler
    Jul 4, 2013
    8
    The game is great, the concept is pretty good, and has many puzzles. The story seems a bit cliche at first, but it gets better.
    You need to think a lot to be able to solve some puzzles, the first ones are easy, and they get really hard later. The problem is that when you get to a certain part, the difficulty changes drastically, and you will feel like hitting a wall at high speed. If that    The game is great, the concept is pretty good, and has many puzzles. The story seems a bit cliche at first, but it gets better.
    You need to think a lot to be able to solve some puzzles, the first ones are easy, and they get really hard later. The problem is that when you get to a certain part, the difficulty changes drastically, and you will feel like hitting a wall at high speed. If that doesnt let you down, you will enjoy a lot the rest of the game.    … Expand
  61. Frast2013X
    Sep 21, 2013
    8
    Ostatnio na rynku ukazuje się więcej gier logicznych niż zwykle. Większość z nich to tytuły średnie więc patrząc na "The Swapper" nie oczekiwałem cudu. Moja opinia zmieniła się po przejściu kawałku gry. Twórcy świetnie wykreowali nam specyficzny, niespotykany klimat. Może w grze nie ma dużego nacisku na fabułę, ale twórcy zadbali o to abyśmy rozwiązując kolejne zagadki wczuwali się w tenOstatnio na rynku ukazuje się więcej gier logicznych niż zwykle. Większość z nich to tytuły średnie więc patrząc na "The Swapper" nie oczekiwałem cudu. Moja opinia zmieniła się po przejściu kawałku gry. Twórcy świetnie wykreowali nam specyficzny, niespotykany klimat. Może w grze nie ma dużego nacisku na fabułę, ale twórcy zadbali o to abyśmy rozwiązując kolejne zagadki wczuwali się w ten ciekawy klimat i grali dalej ciekawiąc się co będzie na końcu. The Swapper nie ma jakiegoś świetnego pomysłu na grafikę w grze od boku. Twórcy jednak wsadzili tutaj piękny silnik graficzny którvy fajnie komponuje się z mechaniką gry. Gra jest warta zobaczenia bo jako gra logiczna może momentami sprawiać naprawdę dużą trudność. Nie jest to gra logiczna w której twórcy próbują ukrywać pewne elementy itp. aby gracz męczył się z zagadką przez głupią mechanikę rozgrywki. Oczywiście The Swapper nie pobije dużego Portala czy Anitchamber(nie zwracam uwagę że wspomniane gry to gry FPS) ale jest to tytuł warty zobaczenia jeżeli chcesz zobaczyć naprawdę dobrą grę logiczną w 2D z elementami zręcznościowymi. Moja ocena 8/10… Expand
  62. psylife
    Apr 5, 2016
    7
    A clever and innovative puzzle game. The atmosphere is immersive and intriguing; The presentation and sound is simple but effective. It is an elegant experience that is both challenging, fund, and rewarding. If you have even a remote interest in puzzle games, you should definitely give it a go.
  63. TheMetacritiqer
    Jul 6, 2016
    7
    I managed to solve most of the puzzles on my own. Then I forgot about the game for a year. The goal when I played it today was complete it so I used YouTube for the last puzzles. And the puzzles in my opinion are the least interesting part of the game. The best part is when you've finished it and read discussions on its meaning and ending. The whole story is actually quite thoughtI managed to solve most of the puzzles on my own. Then I forgot about the game for a year. The goal when I played it today was complete it so I used YouTube for the last puzzles. And the puzzles in my opinion are the least interesting part of the game. The best part is when you've finished it and read discussions on its meaning and ending. The whole story is actually quite thought provoking when you start to ask questions. But be warned; this game might go on for too long and the voice acting is pretty bad. Don't feel bad if you look up the solutions on YouTube. Your actually doing yourself a favor by being able to listen the pops of a fireplace and take in the clay made scenery. Not bad for a game filled with rocks. You'll know what I mean shortly.… Expand
  64. TedDawson
    Oct 18, 2016
    7
    Solid Puzzle Game wih good atmoshpehre (sound, light) which remembered me of the Alien movies.

    Puzzles are not to hard which is totally fine. It is Ok that they repeat better this way than having a to short game.

    On PC good playable with XBOX Controller (it even asks if you want a PS4 one at the start - but dont know if there is a difference)
  65. Derf3L
    Dec 27, 2016
    7
    Game's not bad, but too much enphasis on the puzzles, which some times can be unnerving..
    The story and atmosphere are pretty crazy though.
    I preferred other titles like Limbo or Inside
  66. Arkan01d
    Oct 30, 2013
    10
    This game is really awesome! It feels like you're playing an old Tool video. The story took me 2 play thrus to fully understand. The puzzles are challenging enough and the mechanics are seductively simple. I completed the full game in 5 hours. The 2nd time around was only 1.5 hours. I would have given this game a 9 because it is so short. However, the story is so good, the puzzles were aThis game is really awesome! It feels like you're playing an old Tool video. The story took me 2 play thrus to fully understand. The puzzles are challenging enough and the mechanics are seductively simple. I completed the full game in 5 hours. The 2nd time around was only 1.5 hours. I would have given this game a 9 because it is so short. However, the story is so good, the puzzles were a blast, and the graphics unlike anything I've played!… Expand
  67. 89titanium
    Jun 29, 2013
    9
    At a higher price this game would be 8/10. Still pretty great, and very enjoyable. The puzzles are very well designed. They get a little ridiculous near the end.
    For $10, it gets value points.
  68. dorsman
    Feb 5, 2014
    10
    Amazing from start to finish. Great setting created by talented developers. A very philosophical game that kept me hooked and stayed in my head after finishing. Also provides a great level of challenge for the player.
  69. strangermoon
    May 23, 2023
    10
    with unravel best looking platform game. solving to puzzles and space travel copying yourself feels like portal very deep and complex some times requre to manage gravity carefully. its work on windows xp with 2005 pc even with that amazing looking graphics. this and unvravel so much better than limbo like or ori like games.
  70. JMDubya
    Jun 16, 2013
    8
    Great atmosphere, great aesthetic, great music, interesting premise. The Swapper is a straight-up puzzle game that gradually introduces you to many of the possibilities of the cloning/swapping device. After the first hour the puzzles begin to get properly puzzling. I’ve yet to finish the game, so yeah, not being a huge fan of puzzle games this one still sucked me in. Worth every cent ofGreat atmosphere, great aesthetic, great music, interesting premise. The Swapper is a straight-up puzzle game that gradually introduces you to many of the possibilities of the cloning/swapping device. After the first hour the puzzles begin to get properly puzzling. I’ve yet to finish the game, so yeah, not being a huge fan of puzzle games this one still sucked me in. Worth every cent of the $11 it was going for on Steam, just to see these ideas explored in a game. 8/10 for being expertly executed, I’m not sure how to sum up the different aspects of this little experiment.… Expand
  71. Ganondork
    Jul 29, 2014
    10
    This ~5 hour game is an incredible experience. The atmosphere is built from the art direction, memory terminals, and sound design. The puzzles are thoughtful and challenging. The ending leaves you with an ambiguous choice of morality and forces reflection. The gamepad support is excellent although I haven't played it with K&M. If you enjoyed Braid, Portal, LIMBO, or other puzzleThis ~5 hour game is an incredible experience. The atmosphere is built from the art direction, memory terminals, and sound design. The puzzles are thoughtful and challenging. The ending leaves you with an ambiguous choice of morality and forces reflection. The gamepad support is excellent although I haven't played it with K&M. If you enjoyed Braid, Portal, LIMBO, or other puzzle platformers, you should give this a shot.… Expand
  72. iseeall
    Aug 24, 2014
    9
    An excellent puzzle game with a unique concept, pretty much on the level of Braid, Limbo, Antichamber, Fez. Excellent graphics and music. It does get boring after some time, like any puzzle game.
  73. insanity82007
    Jul 21, 2014
    10
    Amazing and gritty sounds, ambiance, music and graphics that create an atmosphere that fits the storyline perfectly to compliment the exceptionally gripping gameplay that brings something new to an existing genre, pulled off with style. My only gripe would be that I would have loved to have played 10 times longer, but there was only so much to do in the game!
  74. mckw
    Apr 7, 2014
    8
    The first thing you notice from this game is that it oozes style, the art in this game is simply stunning and really puts you in the theme of space albeit just a platformer. The music blends so perfectly with the game it feels like playable art. Gameplay wise, the game does not lack it either, with puzzles where you swap around bodies to solve can get quite difficult and in the laterThe first thing you notice from this game is that it oozes style, the art in this game is simply stunning and really puts you in the theme of space albeit just a platformer. The music blends so perfectly with the game it feels like playable art. Gameplay wise, the game does not lack it either, with puzzles where you swap around bodies to solve can get quite difficult and in the later levels, a serious brain tease. However I cared little for the little story that it presented which was a shame cause I think it could have been told better and that would have enhanced my experience further. A small gripe for me as well were the ridiculous achievements, seriously, they're just ridiculous. Overall a great puzzle game that is simply stylish.… Expand
  75. adapmal
    Apr 5, 2014
    10
    A must play if you like science fiction. A must play if you don't like science fiction. The story, the atmosphere and the puzzles themselves point to the same amazing directio. Everything is coherent, solid and inventive.
  76. oldgit
    Jun 11, 2013
    10
    Made a account just to review this game .Best platform puzzle solver I have ever played .
    Great atmosphere and a good story along with excellent music and unique graphics and well crafted levels .The puzzles are a challenge and keep you thinking. Worth every penny hope they bring out some extra content
  77. gracjanski
    Feb 10, 2018
    9
    The Swapper is surely a good game.
    The gameplay is simple, but it have some very good puzzles especially in the end of the game.
    The story is interesting and for an indie game surely a good one.
    Graphics does not look cheap, sometimes it is even not bad.
    The biggest advantage is the duration in my opinion: for few hours you get to know a good game. This sounds always good.
  78. Amayumi
    Jun 22, 2013
    9
    This game is brilliant!
    At first I was skeptical, but the reviews won me over and I'm glad they did since I've enjoined every last second of this 5 to 6 hour game.
    The game play is simple, so everyone can enjoy it, the music is very nice and the game atmosphere really sets you in. You'll be presenting with a weapon that can create clones of yourself and swap between them (with either    This game is brilliant!
    At first I was skeptical, but the reviews won me over and I'm glad they did since I've enjoined every last second of this 5 to 6 hour game.
    The game play is simple, so everyone can enjoy it, the music is very nice and the game atmosphere really sets you in.
    You'll be presenting with a weapon that can create clones of yourself and swap between them (with either the right click mouse button or the left one). You can have up to 4 clones and, including yourself, makes a total of 5 people, each moving the same way your main caracter does.
    You'll have to think of how to use your clones and when to swap between them to beat the puzzles the game presents you and let me tell you, these puzzles are so good! They won't be easy, you'll have to think a little before advancing each one, but they are not overwhelming either, so you won't get stuck for long on any of them. It's the perfect balancing that makes them challenging and beating them is really rewarding, making you feel smart and cunning.
    I've got to admit that sometimes I got stuck on a puzzle and I'll just go to work thinking about the solution for it and when I did, man that felt good!
    You just have to be careful with the different types of light, that prevent you from either summoning a clone (blue), swapping between clones (red) or both (purple).
    The story is interesting and gets you into thinking about what is the soul and if it really exists, your consnciousness and death and it's so well constructed that it adds up with everything else the game brings making for a truly remarkable experience.
    Why I didn't give it a 10 then? Replayability. Even though the game has an alternate ending, it isn't worth it to play all the way on the same puzzles and history for a 20 second "cut scene". It's easier to just watch it elsewhere.
    For an indie game and for that price, it's well worth it. Go get out of these reviews and play it.    … Expand
  79. Darkin20
    Jun 14, 2014
    8
    Simple idea with a great execution. No need for power ups after the fact or level ups, this just gives you what you need near the start and utilizes it throughout the entire game. Also has an interesting plot to keep all the puzzles interesting.
  80. surreal_pistach
    Jun 29, 2013
    9
    Very very good game continuing in the foot steps of Braid, but very unique on its own! It's very atmospheric and the puzzle are very good! I just wished there were more of them...
  81. moooo9898
    Apr 29, 2014
    10
    This game makes you think... In more ways than one. It is immersive, challenging, and definitely worth checking out. The ambient music and desolate environment embrace the tone of the storyline. It is a puzzle game, so completing it without cheating also generates a sense of accomplishment.
  82. East77
    Jan 9, 2014
    10
    One of the best games I 've ever played. Minimalistic and cool artistic style; well thought, original and smoothly executed game play mechanics and above all; it manages to make you feel you are in space, helpless, more than any other 3D AAA big budgeted games even though it's a 2D platformer. One of the most atmospheric games ever.

    Again, original and clever puzzles that getting harder    One of the best games I 've ever played. Minimalistic and cool artistic style; well thought, original and smoothly executed game play mechanics and above all; it manages to make you feel you are in space, helpless, more than any other 3D AAA big budgeted games even though it's a 2D platformer. One of the most atmospheric games ever.

    Again, original and clever puzzles that getting harder and harder and more creative by time.

    Great sounds and music.

    To summarize, The Swapper is one of the gaming masterpieces. A must play.    … Expand
  83. cidgrad01
    Dec 15, 2014
    9
    The Swapper has a killer atmosphere and an addictive, gratifying puzzle mechanic thanks to it also being part platformer. In addition to the setting & gameplay, there is also a fun sci-fi story with a twist you gradually uncover as you go along.

    No in-depth explanation of the puzzle system is required as it is easy to pick up. You will scratch your head at some of the puzzles, but all    The Swapper has a killer atmosphere and an addictive, gratifying puzzle mechanic thanks to it also being part platformer. In addition to the setting & gameplay, there is also a fun sci-fi story with a twist you gradually uncover as you go along.

    No in-depth explanation of the puzzle system is required as it is easy to pick up. You will scratch your head at some of the puzzles, but all can be solved logically by considering how to work around your limitations. Playing this felt like brain exercise. Outside of the puzzle rooms, it’s fun to clone & zip yourself around as you traverse the map. No traditional, annoying platform jumping.

    I cannot praise the slick gameplay design enough. I can’t stand how, in some other games, you’ll know how to solve a puzzle but have to fight through clunky controls to carry it out. No problems like that in the Swapper. It is a joy to play. A slick, polished experience from top to bottom.

    Only a few minor gripes hold this back from a perfect score:

    - If you want to see both endings, you will have to replay the entire game. It saves automatically and after you choose an ending, the game will only load the credits if you pick “continue”. And neither one is really worth starting all over for, IMO. Not a huge problem since you are allowed to choose an ending and the devs wrote a story into a puzzle game that makes you want to see the ending. And I’ll admit, there is one morally dubious option I think the vast majority of people choose the first time around. Not being able to reload makes it more permanent.

    - The achievements (on Steam, at least) are virtually impossible to get without utilizing a guide. You have to find a secret console for each achievement, but since there is no description to go along with them, you probably won’t even know you’re supposed to be looking for the consoles. Even if you do, they are ruthlessly hidden. They usually involve swapping up through some random dead end, then over again in a different direction through the wall. This might not be so bad except you better go looking for them before you beat the game, otherwise you’ll have to start all over if you want to get them.

    - I would have liked a bit more clarification on certain aspects of the protagonist. I won’t say more to avoid spoilers.

    - It may be a tad on the short side, depending on how long it takes you to solve the puzzles. I only had big trouble with two rooms. One I took a break from, came back the next day and solved. The other was one of the very last rooms and I admit that I cheated b/c it was late and I wanted to see the ending.

    These are all minor gripes, though, as I said. It is certainly worth $15 and a must-buy if you ever see it on sale. I am hoping to see more indie games like this and less procedurally generated trash like Spelunky. I appreciate how the team behind the Swapper had to sit down and plot out each puzzle room. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I had a great time playing.    … Expand
  84. everin
    Oct 1, 2015
    9
    Tier 1
    + Highly creative puzzles with a unique gameplay hook
    + Interesting visual design (the whole game world was made with claymation)
    + A creative story and progression married closely to the gameplay
    ? Narrative has a somewhat flat ending
    - Some puzzles can be just a bit too oblique to figure out
  85. scorp18
    Jan 16, 2015
    10
    This game is a real jewel. The story about the "thinking" stones is really interesting if you follow it, the graphics and the soundtrack add a melancholy feeling and the puzzles are very well done. It's the type of game that you feel you're really inside it. Definitely recommended.
  86. DeusXCom
    Oct 12, 2014
    8
    Beautiful and eerie sci-fi experience. Nice to see an indie game made by just a few people that is not some kind of infantile pixel art, but truly artistically created piece of art that is beautiful not just visually, but also sonically. The whole experience feels like listening to a good ambient album. The cloning concept is pretty serious material, the story behind it all is interestingBeautiful and eerie sci-fi experience. Nice to see an indie game made by just a few people that is not some kind of infantile pixel art, but truly artistically created piece of art that is beautiful not just visually, but also sonically. The whole experience feels like listening to a good ambient album. The cloning concept is pretty serious material, the story behind it all is interesting enough and puzzles can make your brain boil. Maybe it's too much focused on puzzles for my taste. I would prefer more focus on the ambient environment exploration, the story and the adventure rather than just puzzles, which you end up doing most of the time. The problem is that you can get stuck on some of the more advanced puzzles, solving them for hours and in the meantime the atmosphere disappears, you stop caring about the story and you focus just on the puzzles. 8/10… Expand
  87. MoebiusStripper
    Feb 18, 2014
    10
    Awesome game with an incredible atmosphere and thought provoking dialogue. I got completely absorbed in it and loved every second. I haven't had this much of a good time since Portal came out! Thank you for an awesome game!
  88. phys_b
    Feb 24, 2014
    10
    This was a really interesting experience. It's like someone took the absolute darkest, best of Asimov's short stories and turned it into a video game. I loved it. I had to stop playing for a couple months and come back to it because two of the puzzles were too difficult for me. That's probably a good thing.
  89. InvolvingSalmon
    Feb 25, 2014
    8
    The Swapper offers wonderful, creative puzzles with well designed mechanics, an interesting ambiance, and an intriguing but underdeveloped story.

    Another review here knocks this game for being a 2D portal clone. Well that alone is creative and shouldn't count against the creators, but I would argue that it is still much more than a copy of portal. The mechanic is very creative, as it    The Swapper offers wonderful, creative puzzles with well designed mechanics, an interesting ambiance, and an intriguing but underdeveloped story.

    Another review here knocks this game for being a 2D portal clone. Well that alone is creative and shouldn't count against the creators, but I would argue that it is still much more than a copy of portal. The mechanic is very creative, as it frees and limits you simultaneously. The designers continue to add new wrinkles to the puzzles at multiple points in your advancement, creating several stages of game play. The puzzles and mechanics are absolutely great, with intuitive controls to match.

    The art for this game doesn't make a ton of sense to me; why would this advanced space station look like such a depressing, run down hunk of junk? Even if the space station were abandoned, or designed specifically for utility, it should not look this depressing. I really like the look of the game, but the look doesn't match the setting in a reasonable way. The music, however, is absolutely incredible. Especially when you might be working on a puzzle for a while, you do not want some annoying track looping in the background. The music perfectly matches the feel of the game for added ambiance and entertainment.

    The storyline also feels a bit contrived. It begins interesting, and then just bombards you with more and more of the same mystery for the bulk of the game. What is nice is that the story is extremely secondary to the incredibly well designed game play. It offers a nice break as you move between puzzles. I also love (the probably unintentional phenomenon) that is your clones dying as you solve puzzles. It really makes salient some of the moral issues that come up with the technology in the game, although the game doesn't seem to explore this much.    … Expand
  90. HSuke
    Mar 25, 2014
    9
    The Swapper is a relatively-short puzzle game (~5 hours) that features a basic game mechanic: You can create clones of yourself and teleport to them to move around the map. The game features a variety of well thought-out puzzles. Certain environmental elements can prevent you from creating clones and others can prevent you from teleporting them.

    The story is bleak and melancholy in an    The Swapper is a relatively-short puzzle game (~5 hours) that features a basic game mechanic: You can create clones of yourself and teleport to them to move around the map. The game features a variety of well thought-out puzzles. Certain environmental elements can prevent you from creating clones and others can prevent you from teleporting them.

    The story is bleak and melancholy in an enchanting way. The artwork/music is beautiful and atmospheric. The puzzles get a tiny bit repetitive by the end. However, the game finished quickly enough that I never felt bored during the playthrough. In general, it was a hauntingly-beautiful short game.    … Expand
  91. YntoCCabile
    Jun 29, 2014
    8
    The title of this game fits perfectly, because both story as well as gameplay are about "swapping". Great space ambient atmosphere (kinda reminds me an Alien 1 movie) together with challenging puzzles (basically combination of swapping between "clones" and reversing gravity) gives you really nice time playing.

    (HINT: Achievements for this game can be obtained by finding hidden spaceship    The title of this game fits perfectly, because both story as well as gameplay are about "swapping". Great space ambient atmosphere (kinda reminds me an Alien 1 movie) together with challenging puzzles (basically combination of swapping between "clones" and reversing gravity) gives you really nice time playing.

    (HINT: Achievements for this game can be obtained by finding hidden spaceship consoles)    … Expand
  92. phwaap
    Oct 27, 2015
    9
    Since discovering Portal in the Orange Box, I've been a big fan of puzzlers. The Swapper delivers a unique appearance, a strange story, and some damn hard puzzles. Overall an experience well worth the time.
  93. gebagia
    Nov 11, 2014
    9
    Gameplay is magnificent, the story is as simple as i want it. The puzzles are great. Really the game is one of the best of 2013 for sure, or maybe one of the best games ever?

    Time will show for sure, for me it was 7 extremely well spent hours. There is n't something in the game that i didn't like.

    The game shows the dynamic that right now indie developers have.
  94. rogermorse
    Aug 24, 2014
    8
    Very nice. 7 Hours playthrough but secrets not found. Very philosophical. Portal puzzles meet space atmosphere. Reminds me of the movie 'moon'. Liked it very much, hard puzzles towards the end of the game. 80/100
  95. VeIdrin
    Mar 1, 2018
    10
    Dieses Spiel hat mit die beste Science-Fiction-Geschichte die ich je in einem Videospiel erleben durfte.
    Im Grunde besteht das Spiel aus Logikrätseln in dem man das Rätsel lesen und lösen muss. Trial and Error funktioniert zwar auch, dauert aber später länger, als wenn man sich die Zeit nimmt und wirklich nachdenkt. Timing spielt ebenfalls, mal mehr mal weniger, eine Rolle. Getragen und    Dieses Spiel hat mit die beste Science-Fiction-Geschichte die ich je in einem Videospiel erleben durfte.
    Im Grunde besteht das Spiel aus Logikrätseln in dem man das Rätsel lesen und lösen muss. Trial and Error funktioniert zwar auch, dauert aber später länger, als wenn man sich die Zeit nimmt und wirklich nachdenkt. Timing spielt ebenfalls, mal mehr mal weniger, eine Rolle. Getragen und aufgelockert wird The Swapper von der hervorragenden Geschichte und den sehr guten Dialogen.    … Expand
  96. GuruGameGuru
    Dec 11, 2014
    10
    Fantastic atmosphere, mind bending puzzles. And story, story is great and leads you through a game. Art style is magnificent, you will fall in love with this game! Do not miss it if you are a puzzler or indie game fan! I'm both!
  97. stuffisgoodin
    Feb 5, 2015
    10
    Pretty much perfect if you like metroidvanias or puzzle games or speculative fiction. I really can't think of more to say. The puzzles are sometimes very challenging, but very satisfying to solve, and it's wonderfully atmospheric.
  98. janosbiro
    Oct 27, 2015
    10
    The Swapper is a game about philosophy of mind, staring Daniel Dennett and David Chalmers discussion over the question of whether consciousness can exist independently of the brain. This discussion is presented piece by piece, and very slowly. You solve the game’s puzzles by swapping your mind to other vessels, your clones. It makes you ask: What is a mind? Am I my mind? How am I, if I’mThe Swapper is a game about philosophy of mind, staring Daniel Dennett and David Chalmers discussion over the question of whether consciousness can exist independently of the brain. This discussion is presented piece by piece, and very slowly. You solve the game’s puzzles by swapping your mind to other vessels, your clones. It makes you ask: What is a mind? Am I my mind? How am I, if I’m not sure if this is my original mind or someone else’s mind? It is a delightful experience from the beginning to the end. The fact that it is made out of clay, like The Neverhood and The Dream Machine, is a very nice touch too. This is an all-time favorite.… Expand
  99. RossBoss
    Jun 20, 2016
    10
    An awesome puzzle game that is right up there with Braid and the Portal series. Very unique and fun mechanics, challenging but fair puzzles, and an aesthetically pleasing environment. My only knock on the game really is the esoteric story but even that is intriguing to an extent. Love it.
  100. Dco326
    Aug 10, 2021
    8
    Jedan od boljih platformera, moze da bude bolje ali ono bas je zanimljivo da se predje jednom, gotivna pricica, ali ne bih vise igrao.
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Awards & Rankings

10
#10 Best PC Game of 2013
71
#71 Most Discussed PC Game of 2013

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
87

Generally favorable reviews - based on 36 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 35 out of 36
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 36
  3. Negative: 0 out of 36
  1. Kill Screen
    Aug 4, 2014
    77
    The game is not about death or life but about the soul leaving the body and heading someplace new. It’s about the brief moment it spends flying.
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  2. LEVEL (Czech Republic)
    Oct 24, 2013
    80
    A puzzle platformer that won't frustrate nor bore you. The puzzles complete a solid story, which is unique even for an indie game. [Issue#234]
  3. Pelit (Finland)
    Oct 7, 2013
    87
    The Swapper is a first-rate puzzle platformer that boasts a gorgeous atmosphere as well. The story doesn't quite live up to its potential, though, but it's not a major issue. [Aug 2013]
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