Tandem: A Tale of Shadows

 Xbox One
Tandem: A Tale of Shadows Image
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 5 Critic Reviews What's this?

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  • Summary: Tandem: A Tale of Shadows redefines the puzzle platformer genre with a unique gameplay and exceptional aesthetics. Help Emma and the teddy bear Fenton solve the mystery of the disappearance of the famous magician Thomas Kane.

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 5
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 5
  3. Negative: 0 out of 5
  1. XboxAddict
    Nov 29, 2021
    87
    Well executed level design and mechanics, an adorable animation style, and interesting mechanics kept me engaged for the entirety of the game. Achievement bugs were my only real complaint about Tandem, and they were addressed by the team is a relatively quick manner. The story was a bit twisted, dark, and left me wanting more, but I think that is also a good thing. I would recommend trying out Tandem if you enjoy puzzle platformers and want to try something a bit different than some of the others out there.
  2. Washington Post
    Nov 5, 2021
    85
    If the measure of a good puzzle game is how many “oh wow, this is crazy” moments are packed in it, then Tandem is up there with the best of them.
  3. Xbox Tavern
    Nov 16, 2021
    75
    Tandem is a unique puzzle game that uses shadows on top of character swapping to help each character get through the levels. Emily is in search for Thomas Kane and chases after the only source of information she has. The story seems to be more an explanation to why you are solving these puzzles than a true adventure. If you enjoy a great puzzle game, then this game warrants a though I would personally recommend waiting for a small sale. The game does have value, but most will be done with the game in less than 10 hours fully and most likely not wanting to return for more unless a sequel is announced.
  4. TheXboxHub
    Nov 21, 2021
    70
    Tandem: A Tale of Shadows offers up something refreshingly different and is bursting with charm, however the premature ending will leave you wanting more.
  5. IGN France
    Nov 22, 2021
    70
    Tandem: A Tale of Shadows has a very sketchy staging and uneven technique. The game finds its strength in its solid gameplay, even though it is suffering from a lack of polish.

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  1. Xbox_Alive
    Nov 11, 2021
    7
    Tandem: A Tale of Two Shadows provides a gothic setting with a creepy doll with a hunchback and a protagonist with an uncanny look. While theTandem: A Tale of Two Shadows provides a gothic setting with a creepy doll with a hunchback and a protagonist with an uncanny look. While the setting of the world is undeniably gripping, the short puzzle game never completes its gothic vibe. Perhaps this is because the story is a little shallow, a love and hate twist ending or that the characters are mix mash of sense At its heart, Tandem: A Tale of Two Shadows isn’t a story based game as it relies heavily on its puzzle design. The presentation of the world’s gothic paradise is represented well through puzzles. However as clever as the design can be at times, the puzzles are never that taxing (possibly dulled down for audiences of any age). The puzzles work under two perspectives. You play as Emma from an overhead perspective as she wanders through forests and abandoned buildings. But, she’s not able to progress the world of Tandem alone. Locked gates, mechanical spiders, and strateicaly placed buttons. That’s where Fenton comes in as an animated teddy bear who can manipulate the shadows and reach areas Emma can’t. Playing as Fenton also adds a platforming element to the game play, as the side-scroller perspective comes complete with some obstacles to leap over. The presentation of this perspective-swapping mechanic is quite seamless, but there are a few minor sensitivity issues on the play through I experienced. It’s easy to switch between Emma and Fenton, only requiring the press of a button, but the game’s lack of clarity can frustrate. Emma needs to manipulate the light to provide Fenton with ground to stand on. As Fenton is surrounded by shadows, he can stand on those shadows to progress. But, if he’s standing in the middle of a shadow, he freezes and is unable to move. There’s minor lack of polish here, as there are times where it seems like Fenton is just being a big baby. He has a tiny foot in the shadow, and he can’t move… I experienced a time where it didn’t even seem like Fenton was trapped. There are other aspects of the game that make the puzzles feel more tedious. Stealth mechanics are snuck into Tandem, as Emma must traverse her way around a variety of enemies. One world features killer mechanical spiders, while another features some sort of squid that lives in pipes filled with oil. There are times when Emma needs to sneak past these enemies and these are by far the worst aspects of Tandem‘s puzzles. A part of me wishes the puzzles had a bit more complexity to them. The puzzles never feel too simple, but the game doesn’t challenge you as much as it could. The difficulty of the game isn’t necessarily a problem, but there isn’t a particular portion of the game that really gets you thinking too hard. Whether or not that’s a good or bad thing depends entirely on your preference. At least the presentation of Tandem’s world is well-executed, and the ability to mix in the lighting within the game’s puzzles is quite clever. As stated, these are easily the most interesting parts of the game. When you have to manipulate the light, using carts or mirrors, is when the game shines, as you have to correctly set up its double perspective. This aspect of the game can easily break into monotony, but the game isn’t that long anyway, so it never overstays its welcome. Defunct merry-go-rounds are lined up against the walls and alongside gardens or brick buildings. Tandem: A Tale of Two Shadows narrative is far less engaging and while it does take an interesting turn it’s messy for the majority of the game but the game is well priced for it offering. Tandem: A Tale of Two Shadows is a solid puzzle title based on executed premise. The game doesn’t over stay its welcome with it’s approximately five hours of playtime. If this sounds like your cup of tea then I suggest heading over to the Xbox games digital store and give it a go today. I may have seemed a bit critical despite its offering, I just suggest going in with the affordable price point in mind and you should have a great time. The games shine could also be in it’s playability for gamers of all ages.… Expand