forma.8

It isn’t without its problems; the lack of almost any UI or detail on the map can be annoying, and the gameplay can be stiff and frustrating at times. Fortunately, the other parts of the game create such a undeniably enjoyable atmosphere that I even found myself relaxed and smiling in some of the more frustrating parts of the game as I made my way through this foreign world that I can’t wait to hop back into and explore again.

Beautiful and surprising, forma.8 is a great mix of platform gaming and atmosphere from "another world", with a lot of puzzles.

With its gorgeous, minimalistic visuals, Forma.8 is a cool metroidvania game with something to say. Backtracking is well-implemented, while the lack of a detailed map could be considered one of the few weak points of an awesome production.

Well-studied backtracking, brilliant puzzles, a compelling sense of discovery.

Forma.8 may not be perfect gameplay-wise, but gorgeous visuals and a true sense of exploration and discovery elevate it above other Metroidvania titles.

Forma.8 puts its best foot forward with a minimalist, abstract style that works wonders. More direction would be nice and the plot quickly vanishes but the pull of exploration offers enough to propel curious players deeper under the surface. It’s a great addition to a much-loved genre which carves its own place with some striking aesthetic choices.

There’s a lot to like about Forma.8. While it does invoke the style of some other titles, it has enough charm and character to stand out. Its gameplay is unorthodox, yet mostly rewarding, and it doesn’t outstay its welcome. Sometimes the logic of the task at hand is not obvious and it took me a short few hours to get the Platinum Trophy on PS4, but while it lasts it’s an enjoyable romp.

[Forma.8‘s] gameplay is solid, if not a little frustrating at times, but its great sound design and brilliant aesthetic really sets it apart from the crowd.

Forma.8 is an utterly gorgeous and affecting take on the familiar 2D Metroidvania style game with some clever puzzles for your plucky little probe to navigate.

forma.8 is a great addition to the metroidvania genre, a compelling tale of exploration in a strange and unknown planet which lean on some great ideas and a couple of excellent puzzle.

Overall Forma.8 is a good, if slightly flawed take on the Metroidvania genre. Its barebones story is divisive as it depends almost entirely on players’ interpretations. The gameplay is satisfying at times and thrilling at others though its inconsistency is what holds the game back. For those wanting to explore seriously stylish and striking environments, you could do much worse than Forma.8.

The unnecessarily slow movement speed turns Forma.8 into a bit of a slog at times, especially during long straight passages and when backtracking. The combat, puzzles, and exploration are all quite enjoyable as is the trust in the player to solve problems without putting the answers directly in front of them. Overall, Forma.8 functions as a competent Metroidvania as long as you have plenty of patience.

Forma.8 isn’t the most original metroidvania-type in mechanical terms. It’s also a touch obtuse in its early hours, but the pulp sci-fi novel visuals, electronica soundtrack, and intriguingly drip-fed storytelling are reasons enough to warrant your attention.

Despite its simplistic premise and exterior, Forma.8 lacks neither ambition or challenge. [Apr 2017, p.90]

Forma.8 is an aesthetically pleasing, exploration title with a great variety of environments and enemies to discover. Its presentation is wonderfully abstract, with ambient noise and a sense of loneliness creating a mysteriously enjoyable game that we recommend.