Contrast is one of only two downloadable titles on the new PS4's PSN, and because of this there is no other titles to compare it's quality to. Contrast is quite a short, yet sweet title for new owners of the PS4 to play, as it comes with the 14 day trial of Sony's PlayStation Plus membership which allows you to 'rent' Contrast for up to the end of those 14 days, or more if you upgrade it with payment.
Contrast is a mystery themed platformer, with it's setting in some way or another in a wacky rendition of early 1900's Europe, probably Paris. The story isn't particularly interesting, but it's at least somewhat unique, Being a young child who seems to have an imaginary friend who can shift into walls as a shadow, to get past obstacles you try to find out more about the child's father who has come home, all of a sudden.
Gameplay wise, Contrast is solid with some enjoyable platform elements from using your ability of shifting into walls, and climbing the shadows of tables, statues and such, there is a miniature game of plat-forming to Contrast. You must do these set-platform moments to find Illuminates that can be used to power real light projectors, and search lights you can then use to transverse a hole in the streets, to climbing onto a hard-to-reach ledge.
These elements added to the very artful presentation of the game, gives it a very 1900's Paris Noir-feel to it in terms of trying to solve the mystery of the little girl's father, and trying to protect her mother from harm.
The Good:
- As one of two games on the PS4's PSN that you can download, it's a very different pace to Resogun with platforming elements and exploration.
- Some enjoyable set-levels, where you must use projectors and search lights to shift into walls and get to areas you must reach.
- The artwork, and design is very fresh in terms of the PS4's line of games out to-date.
The Bad:
- Some irritating issues in terms of camera use, and physics than can get slightly irritating if given time.
- Other than shifting, to gain access to areas, and using one ability to break weakened objects, there is not much else to do except explore, and follow the set trail of the main game.
All in all, Contrast is a fun, and enjoyable if short adventure to enjoy on the PS4, as we wait for more indie titles, and it's not a bad thing at all. Well worth checking out, for new owners of the console who have the 14-day trial of PlayStation Plus, or those who have upgraded it to a full membership, as it's free to rent.