FEZ is an adorable exploration/puzzlegame with Metroidvania elements. The twist is that the game world exists in a state of quasi-3D. Like most 2D games, FEZ presents us with an orthographic projection of a 2D world. Where it turns expectations on its head is that you can use the orthographic projection to your advantage, rotating the world in 3D to move your character from where they are actually positioned in the level to where they are percieved to be on a hypothetical 3D projection of the world. IT's an effect that has to be seen to be truly understood, but imagine playing an M.C. Escher painting from a sidescrolling perspective and you'lll have some idea of what FEZ is like.

Exploring FEZ's world involves carefully picking your way around the levels to collect all the cube collectibles and then moving to a new area to collect even more. The challenge comes from a combination of backtracking to collect previously uncollectable pieces and figuring out how to use your world-rotating powers to collect them. The joy comes from that "Eureka!" moment when you finally figure out the right combination of climbs, hops and rotations to get you to your goal. FEZ provides these moments in spades and the puzzles never seem overly obtuse or unfair. The relative lack of enemies, threats or lives means players averse to action or playing without controllers won't be left behind. The game's music and atmosphere is meditative and simplistic, giving the game a zen-like feeling while playing it.

FEZ is an indie gem and usually goes on sale at insane discounts. It's definitely worth checking out, if only to support it's brilliant creator.

FEZ is an adorable exploration/puzzlegame with Metroidvania elements. The twist is that the game world exists in a state of quasi-3D. Like most 2D games, FEZ presents us with an orthographic projection of a 2D world. Where it turns expectations on its head is that you can use the orthographic projection to your advantage, rotating the world in 3D to move your character from where they are actually positioned in the level to where they are percieved to be on a hypothetical 3D projection of the world. IT's an effect that has to be seen to be truly understood, but imagine playing an M.C. Escher painting from a sidescrolling perspective and you'lll have some idea of what FEZ is like. Exploring FEZ's world involves carefully picking your way around the levels to collect all the cube collectibles and then moving to a new area to collect even more. The challenge comes from a combination of backtracking to collect previously uncollectable pieces and figuring out how to use your world-rotating powers to collect them. The joy comes from that "Eureka!" moment when you finally figure out the right combination of climbs, hops and rotations to get you to your goal. FEZ provides these moments in spades and the puzzles never seem overly obtuse or unfair. The relative lack of enemies, threats or lives means players averse to action or playing without controllers won't be left behind. The game's music and atmosphere is meditative and simplistic, giving the game a zen-like feeling while playing it. FEZ is an indie gem and usually goes on sale at insane discounts. It's definitely worth checking out, if only to support it's brilliant creator.