Full Void

Fantastic old school platformer, but less punitive and cryptic (I have Flashback or Heart of Darkness in mind). Still, the stiff controls and die/retry loops may not be for everybody. Narrative design, even without text, is also top-notch, and I found the art more impressive than most souless realistics AAAs.

Fans of Amiga classics like Flashback or Another World will instantly feel at home with this game and will know exactly what to expect. Anyone else needs to read the full review to decide whether or not it's for them.

First of all, the graphics do a fantastic job of capturing the 16 bit era. Lovely detailed sprites and backdrops really invoke a sense of nostalgia. The same is true for the sound effects.

The gameplay is also strong with an intriguing plot that pulls you in. For much of the game, your objective is not clear - you just know you have to keep going and escaping the dangers you face. As you progress, you uncover little clues which prick your interest further, before you finally uncover exactly what is happening. Plotting is well-paced and tight.

The game itself is a puzzle-platformer that will be instantly familiar to older gamers - pixel perfect leaping, precise timing to escape hazards and lots of use of switch mechanics to unblock the way forwards. There's nothing revolutionary here, but it's all really well implemented.

BUT (and it's a big but), you need to be patient because throughout the game, you will die a lot. Touch water? You die. Mis-time a jump? You die. Fall too far? You die. Don't run fast enough.... you get the picture. Thanks to the game's plot, mechanics and liberal use of save points this never gets too frustrating, but if you're type of person who hates frequent (often hidden) deaths, this isn't the game for you. Personally, I enjoyed it - each time you die, you learn how to do better next time and the game somehow never feels unfair, even when it is! I was completely addicted and played it until I uncovered the whole plot.

The other thing to be aware of is the playing time. The game is very short (the frequent deaths are partly there to mask this). The playing time logged at the point of this review(around 3 hours) is how long it took me to complete the main game (although not to complete all achievements). It's not a long game by any stretch of the imagination and once you know what you're doing, you can probably play through from beginning to end in around an hour. Still, I'd rather play a short, well-put together game like this than one which feels drawn out and becomes a grind to play

If you're happy to accept the frequent deaths and short play time, Full Void comes highly recommended. Easily one of the best games I've played in 2024.

Controls are a little clunky but that goes quite well with the aesthetic of the game. The graphics and music definitely set a vibe similar to media of the 90s, complete with nostalgia for a time I wasn't alive to experience. Highly recommend, my only complaint is that some interactable surfaces (walls, floors, etc.) don't stand out against the background well enough. You can get stuck simply by mistaking the next step for a background element. You eventually get used to it though. Aside from that, the game is extremely polished and simple, two things that are fairly uncommon in games these days.

this game is sooo good. reminded me of another world. also very impressive that the entire game is just 46 mb! great job devs!

A small sized cinematic platformer that you can finish in about 3 hours. It's incredibly on point when it comes to recreating the vibe of the 16bit wave of the genre. I think it could've gone for longer, specially since the last third of the game is when it starts introducing more original imagery and situations. It's consistently good, but nothing outstanding.
If the developers keep making cinematic platformers in this vein, I bet they could make a classic. They just need to cut down the time you spend in ventilation vents, focus more on dynamic/original situations, and double the length. As it is, Full Void is neat. A nice time. I would easily recommend it if you crave a game in the same gameplay and visual style as Flashback and company. Could've been more, but it's still really cool to get a game like this when Inside/Planet of Lana and other modern approaches are dominating the subgenre.

Full Void is a stunning cinematic platformer that pays homage to the classics while carving out its own identity. With challenging gameplay and mysterious narrative, the game captivates from start to finish. The gameplay strikes a fine balance between platforming and puzzles. However, be prepared for moments of frustration, as some puzzles require precise, split-second timing to conquer.
It tells the compelling story of humanity’s struggle against a despotic AI. The narrative unfolds through the environment and your character's interactions within it, without any dialogue.
Its pixel art style creates an authentic touch to its 16-bit inspirations. The sound design and music are powerful, supporting the game’s tense and alien atmosphere. There's also a free soundtrack available.
Overall, Full Void is a game that not only respects its roots, but also understands the advancements in gaming to provide a fresh experience. It's a must-play for fans of the genre and newcomers alike. Its blend of beautiful art, solid gameplay, and rich storytelling creates an experience that’s both nostalgic and brand new. It’s something that will linger in your memory long after you’ve put down the controller.
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Let me say this first: this was not my type of game. I did not enjoy the gameplay, the controls were a clunky sometimes and the ending was unsatisfying. However, the graphics were well-done, same with the atmosphere. For this reason, I can't say I would not recommend this game to someone who enjoys these types of games.