In Indie Game HQ’s latest review, Brandon took a look at the PC game Grimind, a horror adventure-platformer from indie developer Pawel Mogila. The game is currently available on the developer’s site for $10. Grimind is currently on Steam Greenlight as well. All needed links are after the review.
Game Info
GAME NAME: Grimind
DEVELOPER(S): Pawel Mogila
PUBLISHER(S): Pawel Mogila
PLATFORM(S): PC, Mac, Linux
GENRE(S): Adventure-Platformer
RELEASE DATE(S): December 18, 2012
We would like to thank Pawel Mogila for the opportunity to review Grimind.
About:
Grimind is a 2D physics based adventure, platform game in horror/creepy theme. Grimind casts you into forgotten caves and ancient crypts, without memories. While being there you have to demonstrate great manual skills to pass obstacles and solve non trivial puzzles to get out of scary environment and additionally discover what are you doing there alone? but is it certain… that you are there… alone?
Grimind is a PC/Mac/Linux game and is currently available directly through the developer’s site for $10. As an added bonus for your purchase of Grimind, the developer is throwing in a PDF file entitled “Secrets of Grimind“. Pawel is currently trying to get the game approved on Steam Greenlight, and he has made it clear that anyone who purchases the game direct through his site will receive Steam keys once the game is Greenlit.
Gameplay:
First off, the game requires both the use of a keyboard and mouse. The keyboard is primarily used for basic movements. Up makes you jump, left moves you left, right moves you right, and the lesser used down allows you to swim lower. Pretty straight forward and really easy to memorize. The mouse movement is generally used for looking around while left click allows you to grab and right click allows you to throw.
As previously mentioned, Grimind is a horror adventure-platformer, but the game has a strong physics system implemented to complement the core gameplay. The physics of the game are very nicely done and easily noticeable. Throwing is a clear example of the physics and you’ll have to get used to for the later levels. It will become an integral part of solving the various puzzles. Moving rocks is another valuable skill that is needed throughout the game. There will be several parts where learning to move objects with your grab ability will be a must to survive.
Grimind has a unique feeling of curiosity that keeps you wanting to play. You’re in a strange dark place, and your own curiosity keeps you going as you adventure to find out who you are, where you are, and how you got there. The game builds on that curiosity by adding mysterious levers and switches that emit strange sounds with effects not immediately known.
The platforming aspect comes into play throughout the entire game as you will be swinging from vines and jumping from platform to platform as you progress. Grimind does require some learning as the game tries hard to cause random deaths. It even keeps track of your deaths to add insult to your injuries.
Audio:
The background music that plays throughout your journey matches perfectly with the dark level design to create an eerie setting. In addition, the action noises themselves add to the atmosphere. Mentioned above, for example, if you activate a lever you’ll hear a noise, but not be aware of whats actually happening and that creates the worry of the possible consequences. This is because in some instances activating a switch could release the evil creatures and kill you, or the lever could perhaps move a wall.
Sounds will be a vital role in getting the most enjoyment out of this game. Even hearing your character jump is a satisfying and adds to the experience. That is why it is highly recommended that you play at night, or in a dark room, with a headset and the volume up for the best possible experience.
Graphics:
The graphics of Grimind are similar to the game Limbo but with a wider array of color. The dark scenery does a great job at blending certain objects that you’ll have to use to progress. For example, on one level you see what appears to be a wall with some dark brush covering it, and the only way to progress is to grasp on to this brush.
The use of color is also very interesting as it changes periodically from area to area. One area may have a red light in the background lighting up a small area while the next will be green. That just complements the graphics by creating more interesting environments throughout the game.
Down to the Nitty Gritty:
When I was first asked to review Grimind it looked like a interesting game so I decided to go for it. The game first gave off the appeal of being similar to the game Limbo with the dark and mysterious atmosphere. The controls were easy to get used to and were proficient for moving my character throughout the levels.
In my early hours of playing I amassed a lot of deaths from simple things such as spike traps or falling to death. Dying is a natural experience in Grimind, and most platformers for that matter. After a few tries you will eventually master the various traps and obstacles. Should you decide to play this game, expect to be stuck a few times. Some of the puzzles are intensely difficult and require some serious trial and error. With all that said, this game is certainly worth checking out. I highly recommend it.
Grimind | Steam Greenlight | Facebook | Twitter
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