When this game hit my desk, my curiosity was intrigued. I’m not used to playing these types of indie games. So when I loaded up ELEMENT4L I was not quite sure what to expect. From the opening screen I was immediately fascinated with the artistic style. I admired the title screen for nearly five minutes before I actually started playing. It looks that good.
Once the game started, I was continually amazed with how pretty the graphics were. The levels are drawn well and had some amazing color combinations. Finally, I snapped out of my art induced hypnosis to see my character. Moving on the screen was a tiny air bubble. A basic control flashed on the screen and I followed it to send my bubble up skyward.
Over the next couple of levels you are given three other forms. Each one corresponds to an arrow key to allow quick switching between forms. After the first couple of levels, Element4l took off. This game became a non stop, brain straining thrill ride of a game.
In Element4l, you control four elements that are bound together on a journey to shape life, and move your bubble. Your only hindrances are nature and the sun. While the concept was simple: get from point A to point B and change forms as needed. One catch though, this title gets HARD!
Element4l becomes harder and a bit more tedious as each level passes by. Timing becomes very important and you will get frustrated during your playtime. I can’t count how many times I had to step away and catch my bearings for another go. After anywhere between fourteen and thirty five attempts I’d finally get my timing down and move on. Then not long after came the next big puzzle the required another twenty or more attempts. While these are hard challenges, they are fun and you feel rewarded for getting passed that part.
Audio in this game is top notch. I love the way the music blends in to the background and when it is noticeable it is very fitting and soothing. Also whenever you miss a jump and land in lava or something similar you explode, or pop. What sound follows actually fits in well and sounds very realistic. The full soundtrack by Mind Tree is included in every copy of Element4l. If you buy element4l through the company’s Website at http://i-illusions.com, you’ll get a steam key and a private link to download the soundtrack, provided as high quality MP3′s. Not a bad deal for $9.99.
The gameplay is very simple and the controls are nothing short of idiot proof. With easy controls and tough challenges, you can pick the game up quickly. Overall Element4l is great in its simplicity.
http://www.youtube.com/watch/?v=AWahZSXJZqo
If you want an entertaining game that presents a real challenge then go buy Element4l. I don’t know a better game to get in terms of value. Normally I’m not a huge fan of this genre, however this title has made me a convert. I give Element4l a stellar 4.5 gin gems.