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Tandem: a Tale of Shadows Early Impressions 

Code provided with many thanks to HomeRun PR

Light Up the Dark

I have always been a fan of the horror genre or dark themes in video games. However, it’s quite hard to strike the balance of making a game with a darker art style whilst still making it suitable for all ages. This seems to be quite a challenge in general in the entertainment industry. The most notable horror films suitable for everyone I know are Coraline and Nightmare Before Christmas.

Often it feels there are even fewer examples of this in video games. At least until now. I was grateful to be given the chance to sit down with Tandem: a Tale of Shadows. A game with an innocent yet dark art style that also makes use of that darkness in its gameplay. Please enjoy my thoughts on this very promising upcoming puzzle title. 

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Help Emma and Fenton reach the end of a level

A Girl and a Teddy Walk Into a Game

Tandem is a mix of two gameplay styles rolled into one. You play as a young girl, Emma and a teddy bear called Fenton. A famous magician has gone missing and it’s up to the duo to team up and head into a haunting mansion area to find him. Emma’s perspective of a level is top-down. Fenton’s view is in 2D with his platforms appearing more zoomed into the player when compared to Emma.

The goal of each level is to help Fenton reach a crystal. This is achieved by switching between each character with a simple button press and working through some intriguing level puzzles. Each character can activate switches which will alter something in the other character’s perspective such as removing a harmful hazard. Controls are simple to pick up and play. When a new mechanic has been introduced a button prompt pops up to remind the player how to use it. 

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Fentons perspective is 2D and a little darker

A Game of Shadows

The most unique design choice is Emma’s little lantern which casts shadows in the level. These dark shadows can then act as platforms for Fenton, enabling the bear to get to out of reach areas. Fenton can only walk about in the light and only stay on solid platforms when Switching to Emma. This appears to alleviate accidentally killing Fenton but also prevents the puzzles from feeling too complex. It’s a puzzle formula that is very rewarding and flows very nicely. Of course, the game does offer challenges.

In the demo I played I came up against creepy spiders that you need to sneak your way past. Also, oil looking Cthulhu-like monsters you need to move into different pools to avoid Emma getting snatched by them. If either character gets hit or makes a mistake you instantly respawn with no load times. Nicely alleviating potential frustration. I found it very enjoyable assessing a level and experimenting with the shadows to solve each one. When you complete a level there is this real sense of achievement when Fenton grabs the crystal and throws it to Emma. 

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Shadows create platforms for Fenton

Attention to Detail

The game is set in 19th century London. The theme of the game is quite dark but still suitable for all audiences. Haunting environments and dark shadows clashed with a sort of child-like innocence, particularly on the two lead protagonists. The lighting effects in particular are striking and it’s impressive how well the game makes use of these to create its level design.

A lot of detail has also been put into the level designs themselves. I was able to play through the first two areas of this game and got to experience an eerie outdoor area where sometimes you’ll see little children’s blocks independently walking around. I also explored a boiler room design filled with pipes hissing and chains and grates with little insects sometimes running across the floor. It just feels like the right amount of horror that won’t give you nightmares. Pay close attention to the level designs and you may even pick up some references to other popular books such as Harry Potter.

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Creepy but very detailed

The game also makes exceptional use of its sound design. Before starting each level there is a haunting clang of a grandfather clock. Then you are treated with a haunting but intriguing score as you solve the level’s puzzles.

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Sneak past spiders

Time Will Tell

Tandem: a Tale of Shadows’ unique dual gameplay spin is sure to make it stand out from the crowd. The game keeps things fresh by regularly putting new spins on its gameplay. I also liked that each level is quite bite-sized, making this an ideal puzzler to enjoy in short bursts if you lack a lot of gaming time. If you’re looking for a game to scratch that platform puzzle itch, be sure to keep your eyes out for this one. This is not a title where you need to beware of the shadows but instead embrace them.

Tandem: A Tale of Shadows is looking to light up the darkness sometime in 2021 and it is coming to PC as well as Xbox, PS4 and the Nintendo Switch.

Still a little scared of the shadows? Why not try the demo available for free on Steam.

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Don’t think about it, download the demo

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