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. MrScratch
    Apr 26, 2020
    8
    I want to recommend this game. Yes, it needs a polish here and there (especially the mechanics), but it's worth the time. The world and character design, music, story... it all fits together. All combined were able to immerse me until the very end. The game is short and it can be finished in two sittings, but I recommend playing it slow and enjoy what it has to offer.
  3. 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.
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. seriimac
    Aug 22, 2016
    9
    Game is seriously underrated. It's one of the best indies alltime. I played on PS3 and it was for me a 7 or less, but now on PS4 it feels more better. And then I compared with Journey, now, after a lot of indies ahead, this is a really really good game.
  7. True_Reclaimer
    Mar 17, 2016
    9
    Got every trophy for this game. One of the only puzzle platformers Ive enjoyed, despite strange glitches (most of which actually enhance the gameplay). The only real issue I had was not understanding or timing the puzzle right, but after a few tries even the toughest puzzle is solved. The music was pretty good too.
  8. 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.
  9. 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
  10. 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.
  11. 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
  12. juancmontoya2
    Feb 27, 2015
    9
    This game brings back some 3D platforming along with 2D and it does it wonderfully. If only a bit more time was given to the game to really flesh it out and some more testing to fix the glitches I think it could of been a 10 but the game was still very enjoyable, so if you like platformers then you should give this game a try.
  13. Artur95
    Jan 26, 2015
    9
    Why is this game receiving to much hate? I don't remember the game having glitchy problems. I recommend this because the gameplay is incredibly fun, also the puzzles are interesting and sometimes a little bit hard. The story is good, i liked it a lot (won't spoil).

    This game was one of my first tries on PS4 and i had lot of hours of fun and made me fall more in love with indies.
  14. Kriostyx
    Dec 27, 2014
    0
    This is utter trash. The game has some interesting aesthetic design going for it and the story itself is somewhat interesting, but the game is designed as a 2D / 3D platformer/puzzle solving game. And the jumping mechanics, physics engine and controls in general just can't hack what the game throws at you. For the entire runtime of the game you will be bangin your head against the wallThis is utter trash. The game has some interesting aesthetic design going for it and the story itself is somewhat interesting, but the game is designed as a 2D / 3D platformer/puzzle solving game. And the jumping mechanics, physics engine and controls in general just can't hack what the game throws at you. For the entire runtime of the game you will be bangin your head against the wall with every single jumping puzzle, since the game keeps bugging out and dropping you into endless pits against it's own rules. The jumping also has no concept of momentum, it seems that both gravity and the continuity of motion sort of come and go based on pure chance. You have a dash mechanic that will cause you to fall to your doom without fail, since even when you actually reach the platform you were supposed to go to, the game decides to throw you down by the means of glitching. The controls are the worst controls of any game this side of Sonic 2006. Jumping very simply again does_not_work. And running and camera control is so wildly sensitive that you will end up just darting everywhere even if you are just thinking of moving the thumbsticks. Every puzzle is a lesson in frustration and they will eventually make you ragequit this game and go outside for a walk and hope that this idea of a game would have been made by some other dev team. There is no fun to be found here. Avoid at all costs.… Expand
  15. Game_Row
    Nov 16, 2014
    8
    It's a good puzzle game using light and shadows. Story is weird but based in the 40's-50's. Don't expect an action packed game. This game is mostly for the "sit down"/casual gamer. I enjoyed it. I wouldn't pay more than $7.99 though. Try it our Amigos!

    -Game_Row
  16. 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
  17. Steyraus
    Jul 30, 2014
    2
    Contrast was one of the first games I played on the PS4 and what a terrible way to be introduced to a new system. Im not a huge fan of puzzle games but when they are done right they can be very enjoyable. Contrast adds a slight twist of puzzles that occur once or twice in other better games. The game play graphics and story were painfully bland and uninspired to the point of being a choreContrast was one of the first games I played on the PS4 and what a terrible way to be introduced to a new system. Im not a huge fan of puzzle games but when they are done right they can be very enjoyable. Contrast adds a slight twist of puzzles that occur once or twice in other better games. The game play graphics and story were painfully bland and uninspired to the point of being a chore to play.… Expand
  18. djjohnsson
    Jul 15, 2014
    8
    Contrast might not be as clever or challenging as it could have been, or even as it already believes itself to be. Fact is that the so called puzzles are rather easy and the hours of the game scarce. But what it does actually deliever is a beautiful and atmospheric adventure with a nice little message to all of its players.
  19. 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.
  20. 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
  21. 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
  22. 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
  23. FrankTCastle
    Mar 28, 2014
    8
    Contrast is a beautifully put together game from it's art style, 2d/3d game play to the music. The game has a good story and excellent voice over.

    The game play is fun and inventive, the collection items are also fun to look for as there is some fantastic artwork to look at among those collectibles. All in all it is a charming game and well worth playing.
  24. 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
  25. 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.
  26. Lozsta
    Mar 10, 2014
    0
    Utterly horrible. Played it for a while, ghastly horrible game I wish it would never have even entered someone's head to create.

    It is just completely a non entity. As for a replacement for Drive club at release... I am astounded it made it in. Such a bad game. Don't even waste the band width downloading
  27. squall
    Mar 5, 2014
    8
    I'll just get this out of the way first, Contrast has a beautiful atmosphere, soundtrack, and art style. Now on to the other things. Overall i felt the shadow play was pretty good and enjoyable. The puzzles were nice and fun while some were simple other required you to wrack your brain a little bit to figure out which was also nice. The story though somehow felt very incomplete i feel asI'll just get this out of the way first, Contrast has a beautiful atmosphere, soundtrack, and art style. Now on to the other things. Overall i felt the shadow play was pretty good and enjoyable. The puzzles were nice and fun while some were simple other required you to wrack your brain a little bit to figure out which was also nice. The story though somehow felt very incomplete i feel as if sequel or better yet a prequel to better explain what happened to the character you play as. The game was a bit buggy nothing game breaking but your character would bet stuck on things when she popped out of the shadows or when carrying something but again nothing game breaking. Overall i really liked the game it was the first thing i beat on my PS4 and i have to say i'm not disappointed.… Expand
  28. jedi5diah
    Feb 13, 2014
    8
    If not for the weak controls and glitches that you will just get stuck in random situations, this a an class act for story telling.

    Almost every scene are wonderfully crafted except for the last chapter was forcefully created for "dragging" with meaningless "platformings" and infamous glitchy box puzzles... (Good for you if you got thru with one try.)

    Definite a worthy title of your time.
  29. 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
  30. FriedConsole
    Feb 5, 2014
    4
    This game is not good. Wonky controls. Ugly visuals. Puzzles that aren't even very interesting. Lots of just walking around trying to figure out what to do next. Boring.
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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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