Semblance is a platformer that warps the idea of what a ‘platform’ can amount to. The game prompts players to reshape or deform the world around them to strategically solve puzzles and create an entirely new setting.
The world of Semblance is soft, minimalistic, and filled with vibrant tones. The game does not attempt to be difficult or challenging, necessarily, but instead implore an experience with myriad probabilities. There are three distinct worlds that can be explored and manipulated in their entirety. The world has been overtaken by a mysterious dark force that causes the bizarre structures sprawled throughout. In manipulating the platforms, players slowly begin to free the original world’s essence, which also begins to reveal what initially caused the change.
The deformation mechanic allows players to reach items or explore seemingly obtuse areas by changing them whichever way is necessary. Spikes can be pushed down, openings can be widened, and obstructions can be eliminated, with various other possibilities occurring to each player’s preference. As the game isn’t linear, player’s can still manage to explore the world while moving between puzzles, and don’t have to worry about a lack of progression if a given puzzle isn’t easily solved. A solution is never needed to progress in the story, and all aspects can be revisited at a later point. The non-linearity translates to the narrative as well, meaning the story must be pieced together as the surrounding world continues to be explored.
Semblance has no official release date yet, but is said to be available early this year. Those interested can expect it on Steam and Nintendo Switch.