September 12, 2021

Tandem: A Tale of Shadows- Early Impressions

This post may contain affiliate links from places like Amazon and Green Man Gaming — and we may earn a small commission when you click these links. All earnings will go to keeping this website as minimally ad-free as possible. Learn more here.

Tandem: A Tale of Shadows- Early Impressions

By Joel | September 12, 2021

Tandem: A Tale of Shadow's beautifully rendered intro anchors an old-fashioned puzzle/adventure story that reveals unimaginable truths after a shocking mystery. Identifying more to titles like "Little Nightmares" than to traditional puzzle games, it’s a very impressive mood generator, the kind that wants you to be unsettled from its very beginning all the way to the end. And for the most part, it gets the job done.

You play as Emma who has been struck with the urgency of exploration and it’s the kind of exploration that comes with a side of wonder as she explores the dark seedy streets of London along with her teddy bear, Fenton, in a journey of light and shadows to locate the whereabouts of a missing magician, Thomas Kane.

A dream-like environment is the key aesthetic choice here but creating this kind of sensory assault and not getting lost in the noise is much harder than it looks, and it is one of Tandem's top accomplishments.

Emma is played from a top-down perspective and moves about in a world of color and familiarity. Fenton is regulated to the platforming darkness and can only move about where shadows exist. The dichotomy of such extremes works well between the two as there is a give-and-take approach to the gameplay: the light Emma uses to explore her surroundings becomes the shadow Fenton can walk on to complete the level.

The title never loses the characters in the action like so many other similar games tend to do. While Tandem can often feel like a rollercoaster with squeaking brakes, it’s actually a very well-calibrated action adventure with bursts of humor.

In terms of creativity, it’s the best one yet from developer Monochrome Paris as they precisely slide the camera through the increasingly discomfiting life of a little girl who is learning that things seen aren't always how they appear. With top-notch sound design and graphics that contrast the brightness of white and the solitude of night, Tandem: A Tale of Shadows is a game that puzzle/adventure fans need to experience.

I'll have a full review of the game once it is officially released.

June 4, 2023
Blood and Greed: Greedland Demo Impressions and Feedback

Unleash chaos in Greedland, an electrifying shooter where you traverse dynamic levels and showoff you skills as an interstellar mercenary

Read More
June 1, 2023
Why a Sony PlayStation Only World Could Destroy the Gaming Industry

The gaming industry thrives variety and a Sony PlayStation-only world would close the door on millions who deserve a chance to enjoy the magic of gaming

Read More
May 31, 2023
Scramble All Fighters (Steam) Review - Because Sitting Calmly Doesn't Win Wars

Scramble All Fighters: Where crashing into each other and shooting down your own teammates is strangely satisfying!

Read More

POPULAR POSTS

April 2, 2022
Wanna Fight? Fighting Games and Why They’re So Addictive

What makes games, specifically fighting games in general, so addictive? Read on and find out why.

January 25, 2023
A Star is Born - Galacticon (Steam) Review

Relive the glory days of arcade gaming with Galacticon, a new game that combines the look and feel of classic 80's games like Defender and Joust

April 3, 2022
Low Engagement on your Game? Tips to Help Increase Player Interest

In this article, we'll explore the causes of low engagement and offer some tips on how to increase it.

September 26, 2022
Play Homicidal All-Stars for Free during Steam Next Fest!

the original turn-based strategy game set on a sensational reality game show in a dystopian future, will have a free demo playable as part of Steam Next Fest from October 3-10.

April 13, 2023
Hear Ye, Hear Ye! Medieval Slasher, MORDHAU, Free on Epic Game Store

Hear ye, hear ye! Tidings of great joy, for Mordhau, the medieval multiplayer slasher game, is currently free on the Epic Game Store!

envelope
linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram