Superliminal

 PlayStation 4
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 11 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
  1. Push Square
    Jul 23, 2020
    70
    There's more here than just brainteasers, though. An understated narrative moves with you, again taking cues from Valve's seminal puzzler, but doing enough to stand by itself. Tonally, the game shifts between light and dark, dipping its toes in comedy and horror in equal measure. There are some surprisingly tense moments throughout the short runtime. This story element somewhat takes over as you get towards the end, and while it's a shame the puzzles lose steam, it all culminates in a surprisingly profound message. It might not push its core concept to the absolute fullest, but the overall experience is a charming and enjoyable one.

Awards & Rankings

48
#48 Best PS4 Game of 2020

User Reviews

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User Score
6.8

Mixed or average reviews- based on 52 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 31 out of 52
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 52
  3. Negative: 12 out of 52
  1. sektooor
    Jan 6, 2021
    2
    Do not buy for more than 5$ This game could have been great but: Bad controls Poor level design Pretty ugly Very short That kind of game needDo not buy for more than 5$ This game could have been great but: Bad controls Poor level design Pretty ugly Very short That kind of game need to be precise.… Full Review »
  2. jwheeties
    Jan 27, 2021
    7
    Superliminal is a solid take on the concept of perspective in a puzzle game. Though very short, the game never feels like it falters inSuperliminal is a solid take on the concept of perspective in a puzzle game. Though very short, the game never feels like it falters in quality, with each level introducing new mechanics to add to the complexity of the puzzles.

    I've seen many compare this game to The Stanley Parable or Portal, and it's undeniable that Superliminal takes inspiration from them. However, this seems mainly surface level stemming from its tone and puzzle design. The game never feels clever enough to reach the heights of those other games. The story is bland, focusing mainly on the player escaping a recurring dream state. This mainly feels like a way to explain the reason for this world existing the way it does. However, there are some good moments of humor, especially in level design. A favorite of mine is the fourth level, Blackout.

    Additionally, the game is really easy. The only puzzle I had trouble with was in Labyrinth, the seventh level. Most of the game, the mechanics brought up in a level will generally only be used in that level, which is a little disappointing. For example, the cloning mechanic introduced in level five is only really used in that level. I would've liked to see more of a mixture of concepts in later levels, which would've made the game more challenging, in my opinion.

    However, there is a caveat to the difficulty, and that's if you're a completionist or not. The collectibles in this game are devious, especially the chess pieces. Your playthrough will likely triple in length if you decide to find everything without a guide. I personally recommend trying to find as much as you can, as the placement of these collectibles provide even more rewarding puzzles to solve.

    Overall, Superliminal is a worthwhile, if not slightly disappointing, experience that most people would enjoy. Good 3D puzzle games are rare, and I'd like to see the folks at Pillow Castle do more stuff like this in the future. The PS4 version seems really stable as well, I didn't have any problems with it. I picked it up while it was on sale, but if you have the funds and you enjoy these types of games I would recommend picking it up as soon as you can.    … Full Review »
  3. LJN
    Aug 23, 2020
    9
    Amazing game. It kinda feels like The Stanley Parable mixed with a bit of Portal. The game is not very challenging but very engaging fromAmazing game. It kinda feels like The Stanley Parable mixed with a bit of Portal. The game is not very challenging but very engaging from start to finish. It has very cool and mindblowing ideas and concepts about perspective and it keeps mixing things up. It's very short but I also think that the length is perfect. It never drags on. The story was pretty interesting as well. Overall a very enjoyable, relaxing yet exciting game and I don't regret spending 20 bucks on it. I'd love to see more of this.… Full Review »
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