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. 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.
  2. Wrathzo
    Mar 20, 2022
    8
    The Swapper is a puzzle-platform video game for Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X and Linux. It was developed and published by Facepalm Games, a small independent company based in Helsinki, Finland. A science fiction-themed title, the player controls a female scavenger stranded aboard an abandoned research station, and discovers a strange device that allows her to create clones of herself andThe Swapper is a puzzle-platform video game for Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X and Linux. It was developed and published by Facepalm Games, a small independent company based in Helsinki, Finland. A science fiction-themed title, the player controls a female scavenger stranded aboard an abandoned research station, and discovers a strange device that allows her to create clones of herself and switch her consciousness between these clones. The player uses this ability to solve various puzzles and learn about the fate of the station's researchers.… Expand
  3. Topoide
    Feb 18, 2022
    8
    No soy tan fan de los puzzles pero este logra ser un juego interesante con una mecánica innovadora.
  4. MavenUMP
    Nov 20, 2021
    8
    The story is quite nice with probably the best ending I have ever experience in a game. Of course the storytelling isn't comparable to the immersive and interactive storytelling like in SOMA, Titanfall 2, Half-Life or Firewatch. I mean it's a 2D sidescroller (logic) puzzle game and the story isn't fully presented via the gameplay, dialogues and environmental storytelling. A part is put inThe story is quite nice with probably the best ending I have ever experience in a game. Of course the storytelling isn't comparable to the immersive and interactive storytelling like in SOMA, Titanfall 2, Half-Life or Firewatch. I mean it's a 2D sidescroller (logic) puzzle game and the story isn't fully presented via the gameplay, dialogues and environmental storytelling. A part is put in computers you have to find and then read text. So parts of the incredible story are similar to cutscene-like storytelling disconnected a bit in my opinion. But I still recommend.… Expand
  5. 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.
  6. unfortunateith
    Jul 28, 2020
    9
    What is ‘self’? What is consciousness? What does it mean to be alive? Is this a course on ontological philosophy? Nope! It’s The Swapper, a game that will test your mental mettle in more ways than one.

    At its core, The Swapper is a solid, challenging minimalist puzzler. But it’s also so much more. The game is absolutely dripping with atmosphere. The dimly lit space station is equal    What is ‘self’? What is consciousness? What does it mean to be alive? Is this a course on ontological philosophy? Nope! It’s The Swapper, a game that will test your mental mettle in more ways than one.

    At its core, The Swapper is a solid, challenging minimalist puzzler. But it’s also so much more.

    The game is absolutely dripping with atmosphere. The dimly lit space station is equal parts threatening and inviting, the somber soundtrack which follows the player on their journey could not be better suited to the game’s lonely mood. Exploring the enigmatic station is fascinating in and of itself, but the brief zero-gravity jaunts are definite highlights, and potentially some of the most cathartic experiences in all of gaming. Tying everything together is the weighty, gorgeous, hand-crafted art. Hand-crafted, by the way, is meant here in the most literal sense. Just about everything in the game was physically molded from clay before being placed in the game (think digitized claymation), and the result is a feeling of weight and realness unlike anything you’re likely to have seen before.

    As The Swapper progresses, those questions I mentioned above begin to quietly come into play. Ever-so-subtly, one snippet of dialogue at a time, the game begins to plant seeds of doubt in the player’s mind; doubt not only about their place and actions in the game’s world, but also about more universal concepts of existence which are very much applicable the real world. The Swapper makes no grand claims and forces nothing on the player. It merely coaxes complex ideas into the light. Whether or not you examine them is your choice.

    I wish I could provide specifics, but part of the wonder of The Swapper is uncovering both the mystery and the philosophy for oneself. Give it a try.    … Expand
  7. Crimert
    Mar 21, 2020
    8
    One of the best puzzle games I have ever played. I really liked the art, design, concept and gameplay. I advise it to anyone who likes this genre. 5hrs on record.
  8. SilverOrlov
    Sep 23, 2019
    8
    When I first started playing this game for the first time, it seemed to me that it was boring and somehow viscous, both game-play and graphic. But something caught on and, nevertheless, I spent some time going further ... and then even further, and so on until the very end. No, the sensation of viscosity did not go away, but it turned into a feeling of immersion in the atmosphere of someWhen I first started playing this game for the first time, it seemed to me that it was boring and somehow viscous, both game-play and graphic. But something caught on and, nevertheless, I spent some time going further ... and then even further, and so on until the very end. No, the sensation of viscosity did not go away, but it turned into a feeling of immersion in the atmosphere of some cosmic slow thriller with an interesting visual view of the environment. And the boredom simply resolved, after the first levels, when it was necessary to begin to solve the "riddles" of this game ... The plot of the game is revealed gradually, and the climax makes you experience a vivid impression (although it seems that this ending can be considered partly stereotyped, but in this game, an excellent decision was to make exactly as it was done).
    This game deserves to be called one of the best of its genre (platformer).    … Expand
  9. Mpbpl
    Mar 15, 2018
    9
    A really good puzzle game with a surprisingly remarkable story and philosophy behind it.
    The puzzles are up front and they are really good with a big variety of obstacles, their gradual complexity feels very well thought out, the game doesn't feel like getting too hard out of nowhere.
    The game is beautiful and the music is fitting for the "space and all alone" theme, and the story is    A really good puzzle game with a surprisingly remarkable story and philosophy behind it.
    The puzzles are up front and they are really good with a big variety of obstacles, their gradual complexity feels very well thought out, the game doesn't feel like getting too hard out of nowhere.
    The game is beautiful and the music is fitting for the "space and all alone" theme, and the story is very deep and philosophical, making you wanting to find out more about what happened and what are the aliens.
    The only problem for me is what happens with every puzzle game, after you beat the puzzle the replayability is really low.    … Expand
  10. 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
  11. 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.
  12. kch3691
    Dec 18, 2017
    9
    The Swapper is story focused puzzle game. The story is the main draw and is great sci-fi with even better atmosphere and aesthetic. The puzzles revolve around making copies of yourself who are chained to the movement of the player character. The game can beat in under 4 hours but you will probably need a guide to get 10/10 achievements.
  13. auditbadger
    Jul 30, 2017
    9
    I think that this is truly a unique game and I would recommend that if you are a fan of this type of genre then I think you should give this game a try.
  14. ItsAllOgre5
    May 14, 2017
    10
    This game kicked ass. Even though I finished it in one sitting, I loved the atmosphere, the graphics, and obviously the puzzles. Easily one of my favorite PC games.
  15. 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.
  16. 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
  17. 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.
  18. 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
  19. 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
  20. 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.
  21. 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.
  22. 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
  23. 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!
  24. 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.
  25. 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
  26. 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.
  27. 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
  28. 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
  29. 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!
  30. 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
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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.
    Read full review
  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]
See all critic reviews »