White Shadows Review on Xbox

White Shadows is best described as a 2D puzzle platformer with a black and white visual style, and a George Orwell' Animal Farm influence. All reviews (unless stated otherwise) are based on the Developer/Publisher providing myself with a review code, which i am grateful for, but does not influence my outcome.

 The premise is you play as Ravengirl, who travels through the huge city’s brightest highs and delve to its darkest depths on her perilous journey of discovery and finding her destiny.  This is set in a brutal dystopia founded on oppression and violence that puts the player at the bottom of its hierarchical social ladder.

The game boasts a unique story with a critique of society, varied platforming and puzzles, a unique art style and simple control system.

Gameplay

 The gameplay starts very abruptly as you make your way out of a cuckoo clock and from there is really is a matter of following the restrictive path set out in front of you. As you progress the story of how things got the way they are soon explained through adverts, and back ground signs. In essence you find out that to protect against a deadly pandemic, those who can afford it, are trying to keep themselves alive by covering their skin in bright white light. 

But their safety is based on a lie, brutally exploited by the ruling wolves. To keep order. To keep themselves in power. But as you move forward, you can see that their grip on the world is starting to crumble. Something is starting to break.

The majority of your adventure will be spent moving forward jumping and running, and in between there will be some odd puzzles hindering you from access the next path. The answer to most puzzles is either very easy, or you'll just need to backtrack and find another box to use as a platform. You never really spend too much time on any puzzle because of this, and in essence are there to act more as aesthetic hindrances during your playtime.

When you are not puzzle solving, the majority of the game has a fast, frantic and fun pace, which ramps up the tension. These aspects of the game really was fun and indeed provided more of a challenge than the puzzles themselves. 

However, this game is really about social commentary with a fun gameplay added, and the tones and story aspects do hit home well it you are more social aware of the current events. The game does a great job of how it describes the history of the city, how the society turned into an industrial hell, and other elements I won’t go into here. The only gripe I had was the ending and its abruptness which is a directly replica to the abrupt beginning.

Control wise, the game is responsive and smooth, with action and jumping being both put down to a single button push. This is great for those that might find the usual control system for a platformer too much to handle.  The gameplay is solid and short enough for any hard working individual to enjoy something without the worry of setting aside a full weekend, which few seem to realise is a good thing.

Graphics

The games visual style is its most striking element with a strong resemblance to Limbo’s graphical style. However, the use of dark and light have been carefully integrated to ensure that its just as an integral part of the storytelling as the gameplay. This grim dystopian city feels alive in a way that few do in gaming, which is especially impressive, as most of it exists in the background as the player is passing through. 

When you do come close to a particularly impressive set piece, the game makes incredible striking scenes with its use of light and dark. Its clear the developer took their time in really setting a tone that will stay with you long after the ending has come and gone.

Sound

The game doesn’t have voiced characters with the protagonist being silent throughout. This plays well into the games visual style as the sound that is there has been created to really hone your senses. Classical musical songs have been expertly woven into specific moments that a showcase of the scene tremendously. 

For those that have seen the classic 1927 ‘’Metropolis’’, you will easily be familiar with how the music is being use to set the scene. Sound wise, this game knows how to create the mood it needs and I for one was pleasantly surprised and enjoyed my time.

Verdict 
This leads me onto the rating of the game:-
Now I rate games in order of, avoid, on sale, great purchase and must own. My rating for White Shadows is a "Great Purchase".

This is a game a nice short enjoyable platformer, with the platforming taking a step back to the games main focus, the striking visuals, sound and social commentary.

The game is currently priced on Xbox at £16.99 or approx $20, and depending on skill and patience would give you about 3+ hours worth of gameplay. There really isn’t any need to replay the game except if you wish to complete all the games achievements.

This game is unique, and is perfect for those that like to gain achievements easily, complete a game in a few lunchtimes, and those that want a game that makes then think about society as a whole. This is a game that tells a story and ponders aid of adage ‘’ are all animals equal’’.