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Review of Attractio on PS4

by Tanya Krane Tanya Krane photo Jan 2016
Cover image of Attractio on PS4
Gamefings Score: 6.5
Platform: PS4 PS4 logo
Released: 19 Jan 2016
Genre: Puzzle-platform
Developer: GameCoder Studios, Renderfarm Studios
Publisher: Bandai Namco Entertainment

Introduction

Picture this: you're floating in the vast emptiness of space, surrounded by high-tech gadgets and deadly puzzles. Welcome to Attractio, a puzzle-platform game that has you manipulating gravity in a race against time (and potentially your own stupidity). The game is not exactly a household name, but it does pack in some clever ideas, much like that one friend who insists they can cook but always burns the toast. So buckle up, as we delve into the characters, plot, and oh-so-loopy gameplay of Attractio.

Gameplay

Attractio invites players to navigate through the Entertainment Space Station (ESS) in a series of gravity-defying levels. Imagine the brain-bending joy of Portal, but with a sprinkle of Mexican flair and a noticeably tighter budget. Your primary tools? Gravity manipulation gadgets that might make you question why you've never considered inventing these things yourself. As you solve puzzles, you'll be faced with escalating challenges that require both strategic thinking and the agility of a cat whose life depends on landing in a perfect posture. Each level feels like a performance in a twisted reality TV show where failure equals... well, a pretty colorful explosion. There's a darkly comedic edge to the experience reminiscent of shows like *The Running Man*, giving you the grim satisfaction of watching contestants clash with all sorts of physics-based traps and obstacles. As for the characters, you get to step into the well-worn shoes of two very different protagonists: the charming yet clueless D.D. and the slightly more competent antagonist, T.I. D.D. often finds himself out of his depth—think that one friend who always volunteers to lead a group project and does absolutely nothing. T.I., on the other hand, is the type of character that clearly wants to be the hero but might be better off as an anti-hero. Their dynamic is as entertaining as it is cliché, giving you the classic “good vs. slightly less good” trope witnessed in countless media throughout the ages. Navigating the game’s levels makes for an exhilarating ride, filled with moments that will have you grunting in frustration, laughing at your own misfortune, and perhaps shouting obscenities at your screen. But just when you think you’ve mastered it, the puzzles ramp up—because nothing says fun like existential dread in the middle of a puzzle-solving extravaganza.

Graphics

Graphically, Attractio straddles the line between stunning visuals and the accidental art of 'not quite there.' The game's aesthetics resemble someone’s off-brand sci-fi fever dream—think *Portal*, but if it had committed to way too many bold colors and abandoned detailed textures in favor of cartoonish charm. The environments are vibrant and creative, with an abundance of neon lights that would make even Las Vegas jealous. The level design is clever enough to impress, though sometimes it may feel like you’re running through a digital diorama rather than a fully fleshed world. The character models, on the other hand, leave something to be desired. They’re functional, sure, but they won’t be winning any beauty contests. In fact, they might lose by disqualification just for trying. Overall, while the graphics are far from groundbreaking, they hold their own and contribute to the strange, chaotic atmosphere of the game, making it feel just authentic enough not to warrant an escape pod!

Conclusion

Attractio is best summed up as an intriguing sci-fi puzzle platformer that has the potential to put a smile on the face of puzzle lovers while also serving up a side of hilarity. The characters bring enough charm and wit to make the journey enjoyable, even when you're pulling your hair out trying to figure out which gadget goes where. Despite its flaws—like the graphics that seem to take a backseat on intergalactic travels—Attractio brings its uniquely Mexican touch to the puzzle genre and provides some genuine twists and turns to keep you engaged. It might not break any records, but it offers a fun, albeit slightly chaotic, challenge for those brave enough to tackle its puzzles. So, pick up your controller, summon your inner Einstein (or your slightly dimmer friend, D.D.), and embark on a surprisingly entertaining journey across the cosmos. Who knows? You might just discover that solving puzzles in zero gravity is your true calling. As they say in space, 'Houston, we have a puzzle!'

See Latest Prices for Attractio on PS4 on Amazon

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