In Viewfinder, you can apply a z-axis to two-dimensional images, turning them into three-dimensional images you can walk into. Initially you only have particular pictures with which to complete each stage, but later levels give you a camera, letting you take your own shots. This short experience doesn’t fully explore this wonderful concept.
The photos remain the same until they’re superimposed on the level; they replace anything behind them with whatever perspective you stamp. When positioned correctly, you can use the contents of the photo to escape. If you mess something up, you have the option to rewind time, meaning you can redo any action.
Instead of being handed pictures, you’re given the responsibility to take them yourself. You feel like a genius when you find clever ways to reach or activate the exit in this puzzler — you often feel like the “wrong” ones.
Eventually, complications like cameras in fixed positions and surfaces that can’t be erased by photos ramp up the challenge nicely, but overall the game feels a little lacking. You don’t have the camera in all levels after you get it. In one subset of levels, you’ll find optical illusions, but they don’t quite fit into the game as a whole. Several of the best things you’ll find are completely optional. Although each chapter introduces new wrinkles to the gameplay, the game’s structure can seem a bit muddled, leaving the impression that the concept isn’t quite realized.
In spite of that, the puzzle design here is excellent, and the core idea is enough to keep you interested. Setting aside the forgettable narrative, this is a truly unique puzzle game.
Pros:
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Great core mechanics.
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Visual trickery.
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Puzzles to solve.
Cons:
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An ordinary story.
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Ideas a bit muddled.
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It’s over before it really takes off.
I would rate this game for 7 over 10.