Contrast

 PlayStation 4
User Score
6.4

Mixed or average reviews- based on 390 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 141 out of 390
  2. Mixed: 177 out of 390
  3. Negative: 72 out of 390

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  1. PSGaming
    May 30, 2021
    6
    It is the type of games that are short.Maybe its me, but i didn't understand the narrative.Art style is great,and the gameplay mechanics with the shadow warping is unique for me.
  2. Professorfett
    Jun 8, 2019
    5
    Overall it isn't a bad game it has some pretty big flaws in gameplay, characters and making an interesting story. If you can get it for free I'd say check it out but any amount of money for this is too much. I give this a 2.5 out of 5.
  3. drlowdon
    Dec 19, 2016
    7
    A puzzle-platformer Contrast is a rather ugly looking game with slightly fiddly controls but the shadow based puzzles are very clever at times (and the logic behind them always consistent) and it is able to tell an affecting story in just 3-4 hours of gameplay without resorting to long cut scenes. It’s far from perfect but, now that all the bugs and glitches have been patched out, it’sA puzzle-platformer Contrast is a rather ugly looking game with slightly fiddly controls but the shadow based puzzles are very clever at times (and the logic behind them always consistent) and it is able to tell an affecting story in just 3-4 hours of gameplay without resorting to long cut scenes. It’s far from perfect but, now that all the bugs and glitches have been patched out, it’s worth playing if you can find it relatively cheap.… Expand
  4. Nel
    Dec 11, 2016
    5
    Was fun to play until it got riddled with crashes, and game breaking bugs. The idea was great, but the execution was for from perfect. Wasted potential
  5. erhankzk
    Oct 4, 2015
    6
    i liked it. i like its colors and gameplay. but it is really short. there can be a lot of episodes with this gameplay. too bad. i finished it in 3 hours.
  6. Lazlo21
    Jul 27, 2015
    6
    Contrast (which i got for free) was the first game i had played on my PS4. It honestly did not make me feel like i was playing a next generation game. The concept is actually very interesting. You play as a girl's imaginary friend who can morph in and out of shadows. You use this power to solve puzzles, some of which were pretty difficult, especially towards the end of the game.

    The    Contrast (which i got for free) was the first game i had played on my PS4. It honestly did not make me feel like i was playing a next generation game. The concept is actually very interesting. You play as a girl's imaginary friend who can morph in and out of shadows. You use this power to solve puzzles, some of which were pretty difficult, especially towards the end of the game.

    The graphics do not look good. Yes, i just go ahead and drop it like that. I did not think it looked appealing, especially considering this is a PS4 game. It just didn't click with me. The gameplay is fun though. I enjoyed solving puzzles in the "shadow world". There are box puzzles though. That is where the game drags, having to pick up boxes, move boxes, move them again. Also there is a fair share of bugs and glitches, some forcing me to restart the game. On a final note, i love the 1920's atmosphere of the setting.

    Contrast is not a game i can really recommend, or i would go back and play again myself. 6/10    … Expand
  7. ITZZZPERRY
    Jul 15, 2015
    6
    Contrast is an artful experience for many to experience. The only problem that it has is that it fades to darkness too often and is bogged down by bugs.
  8. grenouille
    Jul 9, 2015
    5
    Not much to say about this one. Game has some game-breaking bugs 1.5 years after release (had to repeat an entire act of the game because of one issue). Gameplay does not take full advantage of the shadow mechanic, movement is buggy, and platforming does not feel good at all. The story started out as serviceable, but was absolutely pointless by the end of the game (I just stopped caringNot much to say about this one. Game has some game-breaking bugs 1.5 years after release (had to repeat an entire act of the game because of one issue). Gameplay does not take full advantage of the shadow mechanic, movement is buggy, and platforming does not feel good at all. The story started out as serviceable, but was absolutely pointless by the end of the game (I just stopped caring somewhere midway through). Soundtrack is pretty good though.… Expand
  9. roshi82
    Aug 17, 2014
    7
    The visuals in this game are gorgeous. I love the setting. I love the idea! Being an imaginary friend. I thought Dawn was a great character and that little girl was very annoying. Sometimes the game could be a bit buggy but no real dramas with anything. It was fun figuring out the puzzles but what I really REALLY wanted from this game was the opportunity to explore more. If this gameThe visuals in this game are gorgeous. I love the setting. I love the idea! Being an imaginary friend. I thought Dawn was a great character and that little girl was very annoying. Sometimes the game could be a bit buggy but no real dramas with anything. It was fun figuring out the puzzles but what I really REALLY wanted from this game was the opportunity to explore more. If this game was a huge open world with heaps of collectables I would have loved it way more. But anyway. Great game! Not very long but great idea. While not everyone enjoyed this I would say get it if it was on sale! I paid full price for it and will play it through a second time to collect everything and get all the trophies. :)… Expand
  10. joaopontesvaz
    May 29, 2014
    5
    Graphics: 5.5 Sound: 5.0 Gameplay: 4.5 Fun/Story: 6.0

    Fairly game. The stylish´s not bad at all but the execution of the idea it´s not well done. Controls, physics and collision aspects are very poor.
  11. wellspokenman
    May 22, 2014
    6
    I want to give it more than a 6, but the bugs are dragging the score down. Good sound, acting, script, amazing art and concept, better than average puzzles, but some frankly inexcusable bugs. The one that really ruined it for me was the final step of the final puzzle wouldn't trigger. Had to hit the forums to find out it was a bug - restart from a long way back and cross my fingers that itI want to give it more than a 6, but the bugs are dragging the score down. Good sound, acting, script, amazing art and concept, better than average puzzles, but some frankly inexcusable bugs. The one that really ruined it for me was the final step of the final puzzle wouldn't trigger. Had to hit the forums to find out it was a bug - restart from a long way back and cross my fingers that it didn't repeat. Luckily it didn't, but it really epitomised my entire experience with Contrast. Just as it's about to take your breath away with amazing visuals and story, it brings you crashing back to earth with its half cooked buggy gameplay.… Expand
  12. Storm1672
    May 12, 2014
    7
    A beautiful, original, atmospheric fairy tale of a little girl trying to have a family. The concept is great and it is laid out pretty well and woven into the story with care. The story is quite interesting and quite realistic in spite of the pretty artsy look. It's a well thought drama, that incorporates the player to feel as a piece of its world.

    The gameplay supports the concept in a    A beautiful, original, atmospheric fairy tale of a little girl trying to have a family. The concept is great and it is laid out pretty well and woven into the story with care. The story is quite interesting and quite realistic in spite of the pretty artsy look. It's a well thought drama, that incorporates the player to feel as a piece of its world.

    The gameplay supports the concept in a wonderful way, although the platforming sections could expand in more ways with such a great concept to back it. The exploration feels great as the game has a nice and original atmoshpere and really invites you to explore the world. Too bad that it's a small world with the whole game expanding to about 4 hours.

    It's worst aspect is the technical one. The framedrops can get nasty and the controls feel slippery, which is not a good thing for a platformer.

    If it had more of the same ideas so that it could last longer and had it been more polished, it would be truly great.

    It stands as it is though, on the top with the other excellent art-oriented indie titles of the last few years, such as Brothers, Papo & Yo, Journey, Unfinished Swan, etc.    … Expand
  13. Karimchii
    Mar 31, 2014
    6
    The concept of this game was very cool, the shifting between normal game play and being a shadow using shadows (sorry was hard to explain) was very unique. The puzzles were great and the developers clearly put a lot of effort into the game. The main character has a cool design and the story-line is pretty good.

    However the game play is spoiled by the glitches, unfortunately there was a    The concept of this game was very cool, the shifting between normal game play and being a shadow using shadows (sorry was hard to explain) was very unique. The puzzles were great and the developers clearly put a lot of effort into the game. The main character has a cool design and the story-line is pretty good.

    However the game play is spoiled by the glitches, unfortunately there was a major glitch near to the end, where it wouldn't let you advance to the final level, so I ended up having to restart from the last checkpoint about 5 times until it eventually let me play the next level. It also had a few minor glitches when jumping and would sometimes lead to getting a bit frustrated and learning where there was a few invisible walls where the character would get hit/blocked by when jumping.

    Overall was worth a play and did enjoy the game, needs quite a few improvements, so a 6/10    … Expand
  14. Krobolt
    Mar 21, 2014
    5
    Combining stylish visuals and a unique gameplay style, Contrast is full of promise combining both 3D and 2D platforming. The game, however, fails to entice any further than its unique design. Each step forward is quickly followed by two steps back. Unique gameplay styles are halted by a short campaign and beautiful visuals are crafted around a glitchy and empty world. What sounds like anCombining stylish visuals and a unique gameplay style, Contrast is full of promise combining both 3D and 2D platforming. The game, however, fails to entice any further than its unique design. Each step forward is quickly followed by two steps back. Unique gameplay styles are halted by a short campaign and beautiful visuals are crafted around a glitchy and empty world. What sounds like an excellent experience on the surface, Contrast ends up feelings like a shadow of what could’ve been a great game.

    You play as Dawn, Didi’s powerful imaginary friend who can phase between a 3D model as well as a shadow amongst the walls. Dawn acts as Didi’s guardian and travels with her on her adventures. Didi sneaks out one night to watch her mother perform and finds her father whom she hasn’t seen in a long time. It is here Dawn and Didi journey throughout the night to find out the mystery behind what happened to her father and how Didi can help mend their broken family.

    Throughout the game, players will alter lights to form and shape shadows so Dawn may traverse forward. These create unique sequences as its challenges players to think within two dimensions, the light world as well as the shadows. At the push of a button Dawn can blend into the shadows and platform along the shaping. This gives players a new way of looking at the world as everything within the room should be given attention as everything gives off a shadow. What may appear as a small piece of geometry can actually attain a large shadow that can help players reach their next objectives.

    Contrast doesn’t have much life outside of the puzzles. There are small collectibles here and there that give the world a bit of backstory such as newspaper clippings. There are also “Luminaries” outside of the world that are required to progress through the story. These are easy to find around the Hub world and take little effort in requiring enough to proceed. Aside from the small amount of collectables, you will be walking around the lifeless streets in search of your next objectives. The Hub world has such little personality other than the landmarks of key story moments such as a circus complete with a live shadow puppet show and pirate ship as well as a cabaret show with neon lights acting as its beacon in the night. The visuals and set pieces are beautifully made in itself but behind the curtain is only empty streets and darken buildings.

    The game itself however is very short, clocking in at around three hours. The puzzles aren’t too difficult so players won’t be scratching their heads for very long within each sequence. The main difficulty to the game is trying to complete sequences around the glitch riddled world. There were numerous times throughout my play through where my character would detach from the shadows only to be launched several stories into the air. As I pushed my character forward towards what appeared to be the correct way to completing a puzzle only met with Dawn attempting to phase out of the shadows and start to tremble wildly, sometimes even being oddly teleported to safety.

    Contrast is a game that is full of ambitious designs but is left feeling empty overall. The puzzles are few with low replay value giving players little reason to return. Overall however Contrast shows that it is unique enough that players should experience it as a whole. Its story may leave some with more questions than answers but its gameplay style and attractive visuals give Contrast plenty of heart.    … Expand
  15. xRapture
    Mar 17, 2014
    7
    VERY GOOD - The game is interesting and even though there are a few glitches the experience is worth while. The concept is original and the story gives a unique vibe from the start screen. The style and music go great with the setting of the game. Definitely a game to complete.
  16. Skullz
    Feb 5, 2014
    7
    Such a cute little game! While most of the games on the PS4 look brilliant this one is no exception, a fifties styled game with a neat little concept. Welcome to the Shadow Dimension. A little indie puzzler with a cool concept, slightly repetitive puzzles and glitchy physics comes all together for a cute little experience. The story is sweet also. A very child friendly game, and a greatSuch a cute little game! While most of the games on the PS4 look brilliant this one is no exception, a fifties styled game with a neat little concept. Welcome to the Shadow Dimension. A little indie puzzler with a cool concept, slightly repetitive puzzles and glitchy physics comes all together for a cute little experience. The story is sweet also. A very child friendly game, and a great one for the kids to play in my opinion and even for adults who enjoy a short puzzler every now and then. While a few things take away from the gameplay it's not as bad as I thought it would be.… Expand
  17. JBryant0619
    Jan 30, 2014
    7
    Fun little game. There's not much of a challenge though (unless you count the Puppet Show adventure) Puzzles also aren't that difficult. Story was alright although I was confused on why Dawn and her little friend were the only people in the game not represented by shadows. Free for Plus Members to check out but everyone else should wait for a price drop.
  18. FordPrefect
    Jan 28, 2014
    7
    I wanted to give this game a 10. It is an amazing concept with a simply gorgeous art style! Unfortunately, there are far to many glitches that makes some puzzles really frustrating and downright annoying. Putting down boxes always made my character get stuck for a few moments as she and the box tried to occupy the same space. Also, the story never made me really care or feel much ofI wanted to give this game a 10. It is an amazing concept with a simply gorgeous art style! Unfortunately, there are far to many glitches that makes some puzzles really frustrating and downright annoying. Putting down boxes always made my character get stuck for a few moments as she and the box tried to occupy the same space. Also, the story never made me really care or feel much of anything. Still, I would highly recommend this game since it is a truly unique experience.… Expand
  19. Arcendus
    Jan 24, 2014
    7
    A unique experience with a clever idea and relatively poor execution. As I understand many of the initial bugs have been patched, but playing the game as it was originally released led to plenty of frustration in terms of the character getting stuck somewhere, being able to "cheat" using shadows, etc.

    However, it's a short enough experience that it deserves a play through, not to    A unique experience with a clever idea and relatively poor execution. As I understand many of the initial bugs have been patched, but playing the game as it was originally released led to plenty of frustration in terms of the character getting stuck somewhere, being able to "cheat" using shadows, etc.

    However, it's a short enough experience that it deserves a play through, not to mention the obvious appeal of it being free to PS+ subscribers at the moment.

    It wasn't a particularly memorable game, but I had fun with it.    … Expand
  20. NkayD
    Jan 22, 2014
    7
    Contrast is beautiful. The graphics aren't the best, but it's beautiful. The short story takes you into the world of imagination in a beautiful sort of dream-like, noir France. The story follows a little girl and her imaginary friend; you. You play as Dawn, and interact through shadows, and it feels good. The gameplay has occasional drops but all in all, it's a good game. The reason I gaveContrast is beautiful. The graphics aren't the best, but it's beautiful. The short story takes you into the world of imagination in a beautiful sort of dream-like, noir France. The story follows a little girl and her imaginary friend; you. You play as Dawn, and interact through shadows, and it feels good. The gameplay has occasional drops but all in all, it's a good game. The reason I gave it a 7 however, is because it's good at it's price point; free. I wouldn't pay for this game, but as a free bonus to playstation plus, it is a welcomed game to my library.… Expand
  21. masterjohnson1
    Jan 22, 2014
    6
    I don't know what it is about contrast but I just couldn't get into the game. The puzzels where ok, it looks fine and the voice acting was great but the game as a whole had some problems for me.
    I would recomend it to people who love puzels and nobody else
  22. Magnifico
    Jan 20, 2014
    7
    I enjoyed playing Contrast from the start, story kept me playing till the end and I love the puzzles using the shadows. Voice acting too was surprisingly good. I did have a problem with glitches quite often, and the movement mechanics maybe could've been more fluent and smoother.
  23. georgegmarino
    Jan 19, 2014
    6
    An interesting idea but as other reviews have said, it feels rushed. I think a lot of this is down to the fact that they were forced to be a Playstation Plus freebie for the release date of the PS4. Driveclub had some setbacks and this was pushed forward instead, quite an afterthought.

    I think the trailer captures it's style and mood perfectly, I'd recommend watching that and if you're    An interesting idea but as other reviews have said, it feels rushed. I think a lot of this is down to the fact that they were forced to be a Playstation Plus freebie for the release date of the PS4. Driveclub had some setbacks and this was pushed forward instead, quite an afterthought.

    I think the trailer captures it's style and mood perfectly, I'd recommend watching that and if you're intrigued then pick it up. If not, give it a pass.    … Expand
  24. wike
    Jan 8, 2014
    6
    Una sombra que parece desvanecerse ante sus propios errores.

    Nos encontramos frente a uno de los títulos que acompañan al PS4 en su lanzamiento, y tal como el estilo gráfico que maneja, nos entrega varios claroscuros en cuanto al modo de juego. Contrast es un adventure/puzzle, el cual nos cuenta una historia ambientada en una versión surrealista Tim Burtoneana de los años 20’s, con    Una sombra que parece desvanecerse ante sus propios errores.

    Nos encontramos frente a uno de los títulos que acompañan al PS4 en su lanzamiento, y tal como el estilo gráfico que maneja, nos entrega varios claroscuros en cuanto al modo de juego.

    Contrast es un adventure/puzzle, el cual nos cuenta una historia ambientada en una versión surrealista Tim Burtoneana de los años 20’s, con tonos oscuros y abismos entre calle y calle, los cuales podrán gustarnos o no, pero le dan una personalidad única al juego.

    La gente de Compulsion Games nos mete en su mundo sin avisarnos, ni pedirnos permiso, ya que apenas comenzar el juego, no sabemos nada de nuestro personaje, solo vemos a la pequeña Didi, quien parece conocernos mejor que nosotros mismos.

    Toda la trama gira en torno a ella y su historia familiar, pero durante la misma, iremos descubriendo cosas de nuestro personaje, una chica de apariencia delgada y oscura, pero a su vez fuerte y amigable.

    El título se maneja en tercera persona, pero la dinámica principal no solo es caminar o saltar en este mundo bizarro, sino que se centra en nuestra habilidad de convertirnos en sombra, utilizando así las siluetas de las demás personas u objetos para resolver diversos acertijos y poder continuar con la historia.

    Durante las diversas acciones del juego, deberemos de alcanzar alguna plataforma lejana, mover cajas, apretar switches y jugar con las luces para entonces poder cruzar a través de las sombras que los diversos objetos proyectan.

    Podemos decir que la idea de Contrast es entregarnos un puzzle artístico e innovador, y lo logra, solo que parece que al enfocarse en estos aspectos descuidaron otros, como el control y la física de los objetos.

    Algunos saltos que pudieran ser simples, llegan a complicarse por estar luchando con controlar a nuestro personaje, además de que será muy común durante todo el juego, el ver que quedamos atrapados entre el gráfico de la pared o inclusive al momento de dejar las cajas que cargamos.

    Todos estos errores dan al traste con las buenas intenciones del juego, denotando así un pobre proceso de testeo durante su desarrollo, ya sea por las prisas de tenerlo listo para el lanzamiento o por la falta de experiencia de sus creadores.

    Musicalmente Contrast cumple al sumergirnos en el estilo noir de su propio mundo, destacando la canción de cabaret que interpreta la mamá de Didi.

    Contrast está disponible como título de lanzamiento en PS4,llegando de manera gratuita a los usuarios con PS Plus, pero también saldrá para PC, Xbox 360 y PS3, por lo que se hace más evidente que no fue desarrollado para la Next-Gen y solo entro al quite después del retraso de Driveclub.    … Expand
  25. OMGtoasty
    Jan 6, 2014
    6
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Contrast is one of the more unusual games that I have played. The game itself takes only a few hours to play through. The story itself is entertaining. You play as a invisible person named Dawn who accompanies a little girl while she tries to bring her family back together. Its simple and somewhat of a cliche. The father was kicked out because he was a con man. The daughter believed he just left. The mother is the worst character seeing as she jumps from pushing away the father one minute and then clinging to him the next minute. All of the characters in the story except for you and the girl are shadows. Thats right, they only show up as black figures on walls. There's more that happens, but I won't spoil it all for you. Enough about the story.

    Contrast is a puzzel game. Unlike other puzzel games, contrast takes to the shadows. That mechanic itself was appealing enough for me to start playing it in the first place. As you progress in the story, you come across obstacles that would otherwise be inaccessible without your shadow ability. Even with that ability you will sometimes need to take crates with you into the shadows in order to complete some areas. The game doesn't really have a tutorial to speak of, so you will be left figuring out some tricks on your own. Even with the lack of help, the obstacles re never to tough for you to finish. In fact, most of the game was pretty easy to beat. The main reason I finished was the game was to see what happened at the end of the story, which for the most part was predictable except for one small part at the very end.

    Overall the game was interesting enough for at least one play through. Sadly the game has no replay-ability unless there was something you missed in the story. The voice acting was good and the visuals were spectacular. It was a great effort buy the developers and I would really like to see more content by them. They just need some more practice. The game is worth every penny. I have PlayStation plus so I didn't have to pay for it.    … Expand
  26. mosessaur
    Jan 5, 2014
    6
    The game is fine. Just little bit buggy and dodgy sometimes. However I enjoyed the story. It was 7hrs of game play to collect all the trophies. I was happy with at the end. But can't really give it more than 6.
    Interesting puzzles that I really liked. Playing with shadows and switching between 2D and 3D was interesting.
  27. Steeliosis
    Jan 1, 2014
    7
    I have played little of this game, but from what I've seen it has it's ups and downs. Something which could be considered somewhat in the middle is some weird spiraling transition between being cutesy and adorable, a tale about a young girl and her seemingly cross dimensional friend. It then transitions into a darker half, about divorce and abuse and shady gentleman who, from what I couldI have played little of this game, but from what I've seen it has it's ups and downs. Something which could be considered somewhat in the middle is some weird spiraling transition between being cutesy and adorable, a tale about a young girl and her seemingly cross dimensional friend. It then transitions into a darker half, about divorce and abuse and shady gentleman who, from what I could gather, seem to be some kind of loan sharks. It does this well, but I am still deciding whether or not I like it. You play as the shadowy friend who seems to only be able to see the remnants of people through the shadows they cast. The only person you see clearly is the young girl, who seems to kind of have one foot in one dimension, and then the other in the opposite, hence being able to see both you and everyone else. This is just an assumption, however; the game is far too surreal to pinpoint exactly what is happening,and I guess I must complete it to fully appreciate it.

    Overall, the game makes good use of puzzling situations and some rather emotional story telling. The game has already lost me, so I guess I need to complete it to understand it. The gameplay itself is unique, but can feel a bit dull and plastic, just wandering around a city which has been designed with a fantastic art style in mind, but seems somehow cheap and thrown together in a rush. I do like this game, but I do not strictly love it as such. Perhaps I'm just maturing to a state at which I am incredibly picky with which games I play and wholly enjoy.

    My final verdict; a good game with great mechanics and fantastic story telling, not to mention the stunning art style and surreal world design, but seems to lack flow and full player involvement.    … Expand
  28. BryanCalabro
    Dec 15, 2013
    7
    Great start on the PS4 system but it was a tad buggy with the glowing boxes. I loved the story, concept of moving through shadows and the art style. I wish it was twice as long, a lot more challenging and had a couple different environments to play through though.
  29. smoovelai
    Dec 10, 2013
    6
    interesting and impressive features and decent story but i found the game boring

    its style of platforming intigued me to play at first i stopped caring about the story halfway thru then the game just started to get really stale for me
  30. loadstone007
    Dec 8, 2013
    7
    Eek. The premise of the game, a shadow-inspired platformer, is OK and not too exciting. Game has some bugs and is not very fun to play, especially since there are lots of top games like Killzone Shadow Fall and Assassin's Creed Black Flag. You get the game for free with PS+, so this makes this game just fine. Get it and try for yourself.
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Awards & Rankings

24
#24 Best PS4 Game of 2013
12
#12 Most Discussed PS4 Game of 2013
25
#25 Most Shared PS4 Game of 2013

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
59

Mixed or average reviews - based on 39 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 39
  2. Mixed: 28 out of 39
  3. Negative: 6 out of 39
  1. Playstation Official Magazine Australia
    Mar 3, 2014
    65
    Great idea, not so great execution. Contrast's really only suited for the hardcore puzzle lover. [January 2014, p82]
  2. CD-Action
    Feb 10, 2014
    40
    Calling a game with a gameplay based on shadows a shadow of what it could’ve been is a cheap trick. So is joking that Contrast contrasts with the vision of itself depicted in the previews and press releases. Still I couldn’t resist to do both because what we got is a half-baked mediocrity that has too little good moments but loads of wasted potential. [02/2014, p.62]
  3. XGN
    Jan 3, 2014
    50
    Contrast could have been a great game, but it feels too rushed. The controls are stiff and the platform elements aren´t that challenging. And we aren´t even talking about the countless bugs we found in the game.
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