Contrast Reviews

Contrast is ranked in the 15th percentile of games scored on OpenCritic.
Unscored
Dec 14, 2014

There are so many cool ideas floating around Contrast without a vessel to carry them.

Read full review

6.5 / 10.0
Aug 4, 2015

The artistic style and theme of Contrast helps push it out there and sets it apart from other games of a similar budget. Technical issues do get in the way of the fun and sometimes hurt the puzzle solving process, but not to a degree that completely spoils the game. There is a lot here to work with, but it wasn't fully utilized. I think there is a lot of potential in the future for a second game which could definitely work out to be an impressive title.

Read full review

7 / 10.0
Dec 10, 2013

Contrast isn't without its faults, but it still provides a memorable gaming experience.

Read full review

60 / 100
Dec 1, 2013

Contrast is underwhelming due to basic and unrefined platforming mechanics. The adventure fails to capitalize on strengths and the resulting experience falls flat.

Read full review

gameranx
Top Critic
6 / 10.0
Nov 22, 2013

While I'm impressed that Compulsion Games fought to make a game that would appeal to both genders and I appreciate their effort, in the end, I had my issues with Contrast. It's an adequate game but fails to live up to its full potential. I recommend it to those who desire a more story -focused title or those who have a preteen son or daughter to play with, but not for players who want a thought-provoking, puzzle-driven adventure.

Read full review

Nov 18, 2013

Pinch hitting for the highly anticipated 'DriveClub' as a part of the PlayStation 4 release was certain to be a daunting experience for the development team at Compulsion Games. Annoying bugs and short game play aside, they have nicely accommodated for those oversized shoes they needed to fill. 'Contrast' presents a wonderfully crafted and intimately personal story, while promoting an avant-garde take on the increasingly popular game play mechanics of light and shadow. The style of the game will keep you entertained from start to finish, but there isn't enough substance there to prompt a replay.

Read full review

7 / 10.0
Nov 21, 2013

Contrast is aptly named. Its disappointing instability contrasts sharply with its wonderful ambiance and concept, and you're left feeling somewhat unsatisfied. The adventure is moderately fulfilling, the story is worth hearing, and the atmosphere is captivating, but in the back of your mind, you know what it could've been.

Read full review

Dec 7, 2013

Despite some frustrating complications towards the end, Contrast has been one of the best titles I've played of the PS4's launch lineup. The noir jazz age setting is fantastic and the game's use of shadows and silhouettes for both platforming gameplay and telling the story of a struggling family is unlike anything else I've played. I only wish it lasted that little bit longer.

Read full review

Thomas Wrobel
Top Critic
8 / 10
Jun 3, 2015

Overall, the game is still highly recommended, either for people that love unique platformers or well told stories.

Read full review

Unscored
Nov 20, 2013

Contrast conjures a children's magic show - and is about as believable as one

Read full review

Digitally Downloaded
Nick H.
Top Critic
Jul 3, 2014

The platforming segments are often very creative, just not as smooth or fluid as I would have liked. Thankfully these elements, while gamifying the experience, are not the highlights of this show. The very human interactions starring a variety of flawed people through the eyes of an innocent girl who is slowly having her views of the world stripped away and altered are what make Contrast stand out. As a game Contrast works, but has a few flaws. As a creative narrative, Contrast succeeds on almost every front.

Read full review

6 / 10.0
Nov 24, 2013

I really, really wanted to like Contrast, and in many ways it is a beautiful game. The thing is, though, that however great a wow-factor devleopers can create in visuals, in compelling story, and in atmospheric music, this cannot and should not come at the expense of enjoyable, inventive and functional gameplay. Unfortunately for Contrast, too much time appears to have been spent on polishing the look of the game, and far too little on polishing the actual gameplay.

Read full review

1.5 / 5.0
Nov 22, 2013

Contrast is a mess. It's ugly, tiresome, insipid and occasionally insulting.

Read full review

7.5 / 10.0
Nov 22, 2013

Contrast is an intriguing and enjoyable title with a host of good gameplay ideas, fantastic visuals, beautiful music and an interesting and heartfelt story that succeeds in spite of its occasional technical problems and short length.

Read full review

7 / 10.0
Dec 12, 2013

Contrast works as a bite size game, and Compulsion Games were clever enough to realise that. It's a neat little puzzle platformer with a very interesting premise. It doesn't amaze, but it does satisfy. If you've got a couple of hours to spare and looking for something a little taxing but won't strain your brain tissue too much.

Read full review

2.5 / 5.0
Nov 24, 2013

I dearly wanted to enjoy Contrast. It's the kind of game that is normally right up my alley, featuring puzzles, platforming, a stylish, historically inspired world, and an intelligent young female protagonist. It simply wasn't fun to actually play. Contrast would have made a delightful short film, but I'm afraid that it isn't a particularly good game.

Read full review

6 / 10.0
Dec 2, 2013

This is a game that could have been an indie classic, but the lack of polish—and conviction—kept it from really shining the way it could have.

Read full review

6 / 10
Nov 19, 2013

Contrast is a curious, fair attempt at a puzzle platformer with some neat ideas that make it somewhat enjoyable, but is a slightly frustrating experience that in the end won't be remembered for its gameplay, but more for its world, visuals and sound.

Read full review

Nov 21, 2013

Contrast had the potential to be the breakout indie game of the new generation, but has managed to fall drastically short of what I had imagined.

Read full review

5 / 10.0
Dec 9, 2013

Compulsion Games' Contrast hints numerous excellent ideas but in its hasty execution, fails to deliver almost any of them.

Read full review