Isolation is a bizarre factor; we’re all somewhat accustomed to it now, however having to determine issues by yourself might be fairly daunting. Elechead revels in isolation; it was made by a sole developer, NamaTakahashi (Developer of 2019’s eShop recreation Battlloon), and in the course of the course of the sport all you might have is your self, and your head.
Elechead is a puzzle-platformer during which your character’s head is a supply of electrical energy. The start of the sport consists of straightforward platforming challenges revolving round this mechanic. Nevertheless, in a short time you achieve the flexibility to throw your personal head and what was a easy puzzle-platformer turns into probably the most satisfying and surprisingly deep puzzlers lately. Even when it would not stick round for lengthy.
Now we aren’t speaking Baba Is You ranges of mind-bending that may actually fry your mind. Elechead isn’t essentially tough. It does, nevertheless, strike an virtually good steadiness of being straightforward sufficient to not be irritating; however tough sufficient to hit you with the large satisfaction if you lastly determine the answer to a puzzle.
The place Elechead actually shines is in its potential to introduce mechanics in a single part, after which have you ever fully rethink what in regards to the recreation the subsequent. Puzzles can span a number of screens, making you actually assume exterior the field (actually). Each mechanic is put to make use of ingeniously; even issues as unassuming as the extent resetting checkpoints are utilized in fascinating methods. The sport’s finale completely reveals this type with probably the most spectacular puzzles we’ve seen on this type of recreation
If the core puzzles aren’t fascinating sufficient for you, there’s additionally the inclusion of collectibles, which require you to rethink some components of the sport fully. These vary from new color palettes for the sport, remotes — of which gathering all 20 grants you entry to an alternate ending — and even new strikes in your Elechead. These might be deviously hidden, whereas others might be in plain sight however require a radical examine of the room to accumulate.
Elechead is offered in a easy two-tone type with pretty primary pixel artwork, however there’s one thing very charming about the way in which it’s offered. Your titular hero could be very cute, and there are good little animation touches, like his head generally going the other way up relying on the way you catch it. The rooms evoke a Mega Man vibe with massive industrial platforms throughout a serene space-like background. The aforementioned hidden coloration palettes change issues up if you get tired of the blue and orange, nevertheless, a few of them ( you, black and white) are a bit headache-inducing.
A terrific chiptune soundtrack courtesy of Tsuyomi caps issues off; it completely encapsulates that quiet, remoted feeling, whereas figuring out the right time to ramp issues up. Whereas the sport doesn’t final lengthy (clocking in at round two hours), it makes use of each second correctly and by no means outstays its welcome, even if you’re left wanting a bit extra.
