by Michael Tucker - 10.12.07

Games with gimmicks usually suck, right? Gimmicks tend to be little tack-ons that try to trick players into thinking they’re having more fun then they really are. They can include things such as active command inputs in turn based RPGs, answers that are given in the forms of questions, and watergun jetpacks. Now imagine, if you will, a game that not only looks to have a good gimmick, but one which really could make for a totally unique experience.
Enter Kokoromi’s Fez.
At first glance you’d probably think the game would be a standard if high quality platformer, but after watching the trailer you’ll find that the game actually has quite a bit more, ahem, depth to it. I really don’t want to spoil the surprise and while there’s a game that I really want to point out the similarities to, I think you’ll see it for yourself when you watch the video. Hit up the developer’s site for more info and, if you’d like, click past the cut to see the trailer for yourself.

Looks to have 2D pixelated charm mixed with the depth that the 3rd dimension brings. I can’t remember the last time I saw a gameplay mechanic revealed that made me literally say “wow”. To top it off, the slick music and sound effects for the game are being done by 6955, one of the best chiptunes artists out there.
Aquaria has found a friend on the “indie games I’m eagerly looking forward to” shelf.
source: TIGSource











Er, yeah, what about Crush?
A guy - 10.12.07 12:25 am
I actually heard about Crush in reading up on this game. I haven’t tried it yet, but will definitely get to it within a few days.
There’s already a lot of talk about the similarities between the two in the TIGSource thread, but we’ll really have to wait until Fez comes out to see how similar they actually are.
Michael Tucker - 10.12.07 12:33 am
Holy crap 6955 is awesome. He uses the the Gameboy Camera’s DJ mode to make his music.
NoBullet - 10.12.07 1:19 am
That game looks sick. Certainally has that SPM kind of vibe to it.
Mofax - 10.12.07 1:21 am
4cr needs to interview the dude that is doing The Underside.
Yes, it is a Cavestory rip-off, but the dialogue is inspired by Earthbound!!!!!
rbelmont000 - 10.12.07 2:20 am
Looks dope, definitely takes from SPM, which is probably the comparison you were getting at.
Sketch - 10.12.07 4:30 am
Nice writeup.
I have full faith that Fish will deliver.
P.S. — The game is already awesome.
BMcC - 10.12.07 4:50 am
grrrr, no knocking fludd >:o
and yup, fez looks excellent, there was a few hints to this in some earlier screens such as signs facing the wrong way that you just can’t read etc.
can’t wait
TakaM - 10.12.07 6:55 am
hey there, thanks for the writeup!
for a better look at the pixel art, which gets totally mangled on youtube, check out my deviantart gallery where i posted some pixel art from all stages of development.
yes, it does actually start off as actual pixel art.
http://phishy.deviantart.com/gallery/
fish - 10.12.07 10:08 am
shame they didn’t get it out b4 SPM, looks very derivative now.
Like the style tho.
Block - 10.12.07 11:26 am
Fish loves 4cr!
This games looks sweet.
Dean - 10.12.07 11:30 am
SPM sucks, this one doesn’t. Just saying it ‘graphics’ wise. Poor Adobe Flash-ish graphics can’t be compared to good old pixel art. =)
Dym - 10.12.07 12:39 pm
damn right.
SPM was a terrible, terrible game.
biggest dissapointment of the year.
CRUSH on the other hand, i havent played.
on purpose.
fish - 10.12.07 1:30 pm
Looks more like EchoDrome to me than Super Paper Mario, changing perspective rather than dimensions.
Cam - 10.12.07 2:17 pm
*EchoChrome
Cam - 10.12.07 2:21 pm
Although the SPM comparison is obvious, at first glance it actually reminded me of Megaman Legends. The Art style struck me as such anyways, although you can call me an idiot if needed.
Martini - 10.14.07 12:28 am
SPM did suck. But the art did not, just the gameplay.
rbelmont000 - 10.14.07 12:54 am
yeah I have been following phishy’s art for this for a while now and I wanted to play the game so bad and then I find out it has awesome 3D action which blew my mind! I neeeed to play it.
kaizokurisu - 10.14.07 2:00 am
Goob! That’s beautiful and the music just adds to it. Oh how I wish I had a Wii. Then again, fresh air and sunshine are nice to have once in a while.
benben - 10.14.07 12:50 pm