divergence

Introduction

Divergence is a puzzle game created for the McBacon Jam #1 contest, and I'll admit upfront that I don't have much love for puzzle games. In fact, it wasn't for the Strawberry Review Jam I probably would have never looked at this game. This isn't to say that variety isn't the spice of life, but that I really have little love for puzzle games. And considering the fact this game gave me a black screen of death and shut itself off in the middle of a run I think it's safe to say that this game has no love for me either.

Story

Well, seeing as how I never got more then ten minutes or so into this game before it glitched out I have no idea what the overall story is. Based on the beginning I would assume it's about a lone explorer trying to survive in a base that is being overrun with monsters located in another reality or something like that.

Gameplay

Divergence is a puzzle game where the world is constantly shifting between the real world and a world contained within another dimension I believe. These shifts can allow the player to advance to new areas, but can also lead to the player being in locations that are inaccessible in one world or the other leading to death by fragging. As such the game requires a system of trial and error to figure out when to advance at times in order to progress safely through a stage. Though the game is rather generous with check points and continues so assuming the game doesn't bug out on you like it does for me. You should be able to beat this game given enough time and patience.

Graphics

Graphically speaking the game is a treat. The constant shifting from the real world to the world contained within pandora's box is spectacular, but the shifts can cause some gameplay issues where the player will be shifted into locations where they can't be leading to them being fragged.

Sound

While the opening music during the games intro helps to set atmosphere the lack of music once you begin the game also helps to make you feel alone and isolated. Though, the sound effect for when the voice is talking through the radio is a rather quick irritant for me that leaves my ears bleeding.

Conclusion

Divergence doesn't fit into my usual taste in games and as such I'd suggest taking my opinion on the title with a grain of salt. This isn't the kind of game I play on a regular or even routine base. With that being said I wouldn't have a problem with recommending this game to puzzle fans if the game was less buggy. Though, maybe I'm the oddball out when it comes to issues with running this game.