Summary
- Release Year: 2014
- Genres: Indie
- Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows)
- Developers: Propelled Bird Software
- Publishers: Propelled Bird Software
TesserAct: A Mind-Bending Puzzle Platformer
Released in 2014, TesserAct is a first-person puzzle platformer that challenges players to think outside the box and use their creativity to solve puzzles. The game is set inside a universe based on scientific theory, and players take on the role of Sam, a college student who is inexplicably teleported to the decaying Heywood-Bowman facility.
Upon arriving at the facility, Sam stumbles upon the Catalyst, a device that can manipulate the laws of physics. The Catalyst allows Sam to temporarily walk on water, climb falling water, run faster, and stop objects in mid-air to create stepping stones.
Sam quickly learns that a malfunctioning experimental stardrive, deep inside the facility, is threatening to rip space-time apart. She must use the Catalyst to find a way to destroy the stardrive and ultimately find a way back home.
TesserAct’s puzzles are clever and challenging, and they require players to use all of the abilities that the Catalyst grants them. The game’s levels are also visually stunning, and they feature a variety of different environments, from crumbling laboratories to lush gardens.
One of the things that makes TesserAct so unique is its use of physics. The Catalyst allows Sam to manipulate the laws of physics in a variety of ways, and this opens up a whole new range of possibilities for puzzle-solving. For example, Sam can use the Catalyst to create stepping stones out of thin air, or she can use it to slow down time to give herself more time to solve a puzzle.
TesserAct is a challenging but rewarding puzzle platformer that will appeal to fans of Portal and The Stanley Parable. The game’s clever puzzles, stunning visuals, and innovative use of physics make it a must-play for any fan of the genre.
The Catalyst: A Tool of Infinite Possibilities
The Catalyst is a powerful device that grants Sam a variety of abilities that allow her to manipulate the laws of physics. These abilities include:
- Water Walking: Sam can walk on water as if it were solid ground.
- Water Climbing: Sam can climb up waterfalls and other bodies of falling water.
- Super Speed: Sam can run faster than normal, allowing her to quickly traverse large areas or dodge obstacles.
- Time Stop: Sam can stop objects in mid-air, creating stepping stones or platforms that she can use to reach new areas.
The Catalyst is a versatile tool that can be used to solve a variety of puzzles. For example, Sam can use the Catalyst to create a path across a body of water, or she can use it to stop a fan blade in order to create a safe passageway.
The Heywood-Bowman Facility: A Place of Mystery and Danger
The Heywood-Bowman facility is a crumbling and abandoned research facility that is home to the malfunctioning stardrive. The facility is filled with a variety of hazards, including deadly traps and dangerous machinery.
Sam must use her wits and the Catalyst to navigate the facility and find a way to destroy the stardrive. Along the way, she will encounter a variety of strange and mysterious creatures, including the enigmatic Dr. Heywood and the deadly BOWs (Bio-Organic Weapons).
A Journey of Self-Discovery
In addition to its challenging puzzles and innovative gameplay, TesserAct also tells a compelling story about Sam’s journey of self-discovery. As Sam explores the Heywood-Bowman facility, she learns more about herself and her abilities. She also begins to question her own place in the universe.
TesserAct is a thought-provoking and introspective game that will stay with players long after they finish playing it. The game’s clever puzzles, stunning visuals, and innovative use of physics make it a must-play for any fan of the puzzle platformer genre.
Review Score
8/10
Art
Cover Art
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