Contrast by Compulsion - Having fun with an imaginary friend, PAX 2013
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Contrast definitely stands out amongst the crowd(bad pun?). The story line is actually quite deep and with a real world reference that is a little too close for comfort for one of the members of the team. Sponsor Links: linustechtips.com Read more & join our community forum: bit.ly twitter.com twitter.com @LinusTech
Contrast by Compulsion presents a hands-on interview from PAX 2013 focusing on the indie puzzle platformer Contrast. The interview introduces the core premise: you control Dawn, the imaginary friend of a girl named Dee, and move through a noir-inspired 1920s world where shadows are literal platforms. Dawn can run in 3D, press against walls to shift into a wall projection, and then jump across shadows to solve space-defining puzzles. The developer explains that Deus ex Machina-like mechanics mix light and shadow, allowing players to manipulate the environment by moving light sources and shifting shadows to reach new areas. The relationship between Dee and Dawn is explored: Dee acts as guide and motivation, while Dawn’s abilities help her navigate a difficult family situation Dee faces. The discussion covers additional mechanics, including a dash for traversal, the possibility to move light sources, and the way shifting shadows ties into the game’s storytelling. The interview touches on personal inspiration behind the game, highlighting a recent single father as studio head whose experiences inform the narrative. Viewers learn about the game’s intended launch platforms (PC, PS3, PS4, Xbox 360) and the planned release window, while the host encourages listeners to subscribe for more coverage and related content. Overall, the segment blends technical explanation with emotional context, underscoring how real-life experiences influence the game’s design and how its mechanics reinforce its storytelling themes.
Topics · Gaming · Indie Games · Video Games · Game Development · Technology
Questions answered
- What is the core mechanic that defines Dawn's gameplay in Contrast and how does it relate to the game's setting?
- Dawn can shift into shadows projected on walls, allowing 3D movement to become 2D platforming across shadows, which ties directly to the noir, lighting-focused world the game presents.
- How do the characters Dee and Dawn relate to the story, and why was an imaginary friend chosen as a narrative device?
- Dee is a girl coping with family difficulties, and Dawn, her imaginary friend, guides and assists her through puzzles, providing a vehicle to explore the emotional core of Dee's experience.