Teslagrad Reviews
Like one of the real Nikola Tesla's fantastic ideas, [Teslagrad] shines bright and strong, bringing its own unique spirit into an overly crowded industry. And making it through to the game's conclusion is well worth the wait.
Adding to the old school woes is a small collect-a-thon element that could have been handled much more elegantly. Hidden throughout the tower are 36 capsules, each containing one of the aforementioned still images explaining Teslagrad's back story. Often, they are presented clearly in a room as a reward for completing an optional, more difficult puzzle than the standard one in that location. In that form, the optional capsules are great. Elsewhere they are hidden from plain sight and only attainable through tedious exploration of every room. Compounding on that is the largely unhelpful map screen, which gives no indication of even general areas in which any missed capsules reside. Toward the end, there are hints that something special happens if a player were to collect all 36 capsules, but only the most meticulous searchers would be able to find them all without outside help.Taking all of that together, it is not obvious for whom Teslagrad was created. It requires a very particular set of interests and skills to fully enjoy. The incredible artwork and wordless storytelling style invite those who want to experience a unique narrative, but the difficult action gameplay and tedious exploration for capsules actively work to keep players from that experience. For those who are interested in the history to be discovered and who are able to persevere through the products of old design philosophy, Teslagrad is highly rewarding and an ultimately fantastic game. However, I would not be surprised to hear of others unable or unwilling to see it through to the end.
Teslagrad is an exceptional example of non-verbal storytelling, relying on delightfully smooth animation and clever puzzles to see the player through to the end.
All in all, Rain Games' little gem is quite the bundle of joy. It is a little bit on the short side, but that's to be expected from a 2D platformer.
Nevertheless, despite its unevenness and occasional cruelty, Teslagrad is a bold and captivating proposition. The unusual and elegant aesthetic is persistently attractive, and the lightness of touch with the storytelling brings the world-building to the fore. Its Nordic development team are fledgling (this is only their second game) and there's fidgety keenness to the game's ideas and creative execution. Teslagrad would have benefited from a more experienced publisher to help round off the sharp edges and better balance the challenge. But in the meantime, this is a rough yet worthwhile jewel.
Teslagrad is a suitable platforming outing, but I'm much more excited for what the developers have next in store with this experience under their belt.
Teslagrad suffers from a few frustrating moments, but it more than compensates for these issues with a beautiful visual style, impressive puzzles, and smart storytelling.
All in all, Teslagrad is a captivating game that showcases the journey of a boy who is seriously good at using magnetic and electrical weaponry. Even though it has a few minor hiccups here and there, I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone needing to scratch that puzzle platformer itch, or just someone in need of a new game that has Nicola Tesla references.
Teslagrad is everything we love about download gaming on Wii U. From the flawless opening scene to the nostalgic music to the luscious hand-drawn artwork to the brain-bending puzzles, Rain Games has a certified hit on its hands. The extreme difficulty will be hard for some to swallow, but it never feels unfair; anyone who appreciates an old-school challenge will find something to enjoy here. If you've finally torn yourself away from SteamWorld Dig, Teslagrad is the worthy heir to the Scandinavian throne.
Even with its frustrating parts, I still enjoyed my time with Teslagrad immensely. If you're hungry for a moody, isolation-themed platformer on the Wii U, this is definitely the cream of the crop. Teslagrad may have been a long time coming on Wii U, but it was worth the wait.
Teslagrad from Rain Games has at long last arrived on the Wii U. But was it worth the wait? Fortunately, the answer to that is a resounding yes. The game is positively brilliant and nails everything it sets out to do, from the unique visuals to the ambient music to the elegant gameplay.
Teslagrad combines puzzles and platforming in a way that feels both familiar and new. The Wii U version is the first out of the gate on consoles, and thanks to off-TV play, will likely be the definitive version of it outside of the PC.
Rain Games have created something beautiful in Teslagrad. Its opening scene alone should win some kind of award. Its mix of mind bending puzzles and unforgiving boss battles, not to mention some pretty hit and miss platforming, make it a game that will really split opinions. Fans of the genre will find a new hero in Teslagrad – but casual gamers should be wary.
While it starts slow and simple, Teslagrad grows into something worth mentioning and definitely worth playing. Its occasionally unpredictable or unreliable magnetism gimmick doesn't detract considerably from the satisfaction of succeeding in said gimmick, and using the power of magnets like a pro makes the little boy feel like a bona-fide superhero - a regular Samus Aran.
Teslagrad is one of the most original and welcome titles to enter the Wii U's catalog. An awe-inspiring game with a plot that is certain to grab the players' attention due to its throwback storytelling techniques and its clear inspiration in the Metroidvania style will not disappoint those eager for a fresh and original title on Nintendo's system
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
With stunning presentation, and a clever core mechanic, Teslagrad does a lot to impress. Unfortunately, its occasionally unwieldy controls, inconsistent difficulty, and needlessly challenging boss fights mar the experience. However, if you can look past these infidelities, you'll find an incredibly unique and often satisfying puzzle platformer.
Teslagrad is a gorgeous, clearly guided journey in a genre that's become more and more uninspired and cluttered.
A very clever and well crafted game. The constant climb up the castle and gradual revelation of the mystery within it are engaging and will likely keep you striving until you reach the end.
Teslagrad is a unique game, cleverly telling a thought-provoking story without any dialogue or verbal narrative, supported by beautiful aesthetics. If the game had been trusted to tell its tale, supported by the clever electromagnetic puzzles, then it would have been a truly excellent game. Unfortunately, the frustrating platforming sections and incongruously punishing boss battles slightly mar the experience and hold Teslagrad back from true greatness.
If you're entirely new to this experience, I absolutely recommend Teslagrad as a great puzzle platformer. It arrived a bit before the genre became way too crowded, though the two years that have passed since then certainly haven't helped. What we have here is a well made 2D effort, and explorers who aren't tired of the genre will enjoy this one for its silent storytelling and magnetic puzzle mechanics.