wfmag.cc \ 59ReviewRated
ReviewThe epitome of enigmatic exploration
t’s easy to lose yourself in Epitasis,
in more ways than one. The distant
planet you’ve been teleported to is not
only unfamiliar and disorientating,
but thoroughly enthralling to
boot. Having left the safety of a New Mexico
observatory behind, you’ve only your ingenuity
and wits to help decipher the strange new
environment you find yourself in. Though it lacks
in traditional storytelling, I found this sense of
stumbling through the unknown captivating.
From the interconnected portals transporting you
around the varied, vibrant planet, to the peculiar
puzzles you have to complete, everything feeds
into the immersive atmosphere.
Whether you’re hoping to uncover the secrets
to an ancient civilisation or just trying to find your
way home is unclear, but the planet’s puzzles
must be solved in order to progress, even if
you’re unsure exactly where this progression is
taking you. Some puzzles require precise timing,
but most follow the same pattern of pushing
buttons and diverting beams of light. Though
they aren’t particularly challenging in themselves,
the satisfaction you feel from completing a
puzzle is amplified thanks to the complete lack
of instructions, in a manner none too dissimilar
to Jonathan Blow’s The Witness. Fall damage
and laser bots are also stark reminders of your
fragile humanity, mind – this isn’t your everyday
superhero protagonist, after all, just a soft,
squishy scientist trying to fathom an alien planet.
As much as I loved the complete lack of map,
compass, or waypoints directing me to the next
objective – something of an engrossing novelty –the occasional nudge in the right direction would
still be appreciated. Some areas are inaccessible
until you’ve completed puzzles elsewhere,
resulting in a decent amount of dead ends,
backtracking, and losing yourself in the sprawling
maze of portals.
You won’t mind too much sightseeing, though,
as Epitasis features some awe-inspiring scenery.
The sky is particularly exceptional, rich with stars
and moons, while a vast sunburnt planet looms
over the horizon. Foliage sways pleasantly in the
breeze, and the spectacle of a planet’s reflection
on the tide-kissed sand is utterly exquisite.
Not all textures are polished equally, however,
and there’s a fair share of bland-looking rocks
and boulders, but the overall aesthetic is tranquil
and pleasing. There’s also dynamic weather, and
a day/night cycle to keep everything from looking
too familiar.
This is all complemented by a smooth blend
of funk, synth, and guitar melodies from the
serene, carefree soundtrack. It’s all 1990s sci-fi,
Stranger Things, and groovy strings, and the perfect
accompaniment to the extra-terrestrial setting.
The alien ambience would have been perfect for
VR, and though the developer has stated future
plans to implement it, not including it in the base
game feels like a missed opportunity.
Epitasis offers exotic bemusement and cathartic
puzzle-solving in equal measure. Like many
first-person adventures from indie studios, it has
a few rough edges and quirks, but the overall
experience far outweighs these. Though it left me
wanting more, Epitasis provides a journey that is
undeniably worth taking.Epitasis
I
VERDICT
A tantalising yet brief
excursion, Epitasis is a
low-fat treat for the eyes
and ears.71 %
GENRE
Adventure
FORMAT
PC (tested) / Mac
DEVELOPER
Epitasis Games
PUBLISHER
Epitasis Games
PRICE
£15.49
RELEASE
Out nowInfo
ReviewRated
REVIEWED BY
Jonny FosterHIGHLIGHT
Epitasis provides a primitive
curiosity that other titles can
only fleetingly instil. I spent a
good portion of my three-hour
playthrough with head tilted
like an inquisitive puppy;
never before has a game felt
so foreign yet approachable,
relaxing me entirely despite
giving absolutely no direction. Sometimes you’ll see jaw-dropping
beauty and plain, pedestrian
textures featuring in the same view.