Semblance Reviews
Unique puzzle platformer with some great ideas. Just without certain story and adequate ending.
Review in Slovak | Read full review
Semblance is a different type of puzzle/platformer that brings something new to the table. I had a lot of fun playing the game on Nintendo Switch on my TV and on the console's screen, finding the right way to bend platforms to do my will as I grabbed all spheres in my path. The game can be completed in around four hours or so, but your mileage may vary depending on your experience with games in the genre.
It's a good lesson for approaching Semblance, too; you'll need an open mind and some flexible thinking in order to overcome its ingenious (if sometimes frustrating) puzzles. Between that design creativity and the sheer stylistic beauty of it, Semblance is a game that'll stick in my mind for a long time.
A charming and interesting puzzler, with a refreshingly accessible approach to level design.
Semblance offers an intriguingly fresh take on the age-old 2D platformer. Its story may be all visual and very much open to interpretation, but what it lacks in narrative density it more than makes up for with a generous helping of levels to explore where the platforming itself is a vital part of the puzzle to be solved. While it's lacking in long-term replay value, it's a definitely worth your time if you're looking for a new 2D challenge.
Semblance is a unique platformer whose minimalistic environment is the perfect background to the satisfyingly challenging puzzles that must be solved in order to save the adorable Squish's world. It's relaxing, aesthetically pleasing, and gradually increases its difficulty in a way that is fresh each time and does not get repetitive.
Semblance is a fresh and interesting take on puzzle platformers. Players who like testing their mental fortitude will want to jump right in. Those who struggle and are easily frustrated might have more reason to be cautious though.
A fun puzzler platformer that may be too easy to become a real milestone for the genre.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Overall, the handful of hours I spent getting to Semblance’s conclusion were rewarding and well-spent. Having played so many indie titles on both the PC and Switch I’m always taken aback when I run into something so fresh and new, and from its terrific visuals and music to its continuously evolving challenge this game manages to check just about every box I can think of. When you throw in its extremely reasonable price I consider Semblance to be an absolute steal and a title anyone who enjoys puzzle platforming should be looking to pick up.
I love that Semblance is challenging, and its presentation is lovely as well. It has a unique look, full of organic shapes and eye-catching colors. Though it's light on story, it's worth dying a few dozen times to experience.
Semblance is yet another Switch title that’s easy to recommend. The excellent level design, the ‘platformer-is-a-mechanic’ headline lives up to its promise and then some, with a wondrous visual style and a heartbeat throughout which pumps the blood of a revitalised genre through every vein of its code.
What happens when you give players rules and powers that let them shape the world around them? Puzzles no longer need a key to solve as everything becomes a tool. Semblance is smart and satisfying and will squish its way into your heart.
Whether it was deforming surfaces or squishing the character to yield completely new physics, I was never disappointed. Some of the later platforming can be a bit frustrating, but with the option to move onto another puzzle it never bogged down the experience. With a unique hook that is constantly building upon, this is an easy recommendation and one you won't want to miss.
Semblance goes beyond the puzzle genre and adds their own special take on platform games.
Semblance is an astoundingly enjoyable puzzle game that never outstays its welcome.
In a year with more than a few solid platformers, Semblance still manages to stand out.
Semblance is a clever, intriguing world of likable, entertaining challenges.
A slight but smart adventure it's hard not to be charmed by.
Gameplay is king and it shows in this title. The game oozes fun and lightheartedness, but beneath that is a powerful story told through some of the best environmental storytelling I've seen since Gone Home or RiME. Semblance was made by a group of students as their final university project. But in my opinion, it should be taught to design classes for its expert execution. Semblance is a masterpiece.