Proteus (PlayStation Vita)
User Review
Product Information:
- Release Date (NA): October 29, 2013
- Publisher: Curve Digital
- Genres: experimental
Game Features:
Single player
Local Multiplayer
Online Multiplayer
Co-operative
Review Approach:
I saw that the game was on sale (PSN Plus), so I bought it not knowing what it was. Turns out, I got a wonderful little experimental game.
“What is a game?”
Traditionally, games have been built around the conflict between two players; ending with one player the victor, and the other in defeat. In the world of video games, the loser is often a meta-player, viewable only through the logic and dictation of the game's creator. Proteus, the brain-child of Ed Key and David Kanaga, discards these traditional ideas in order to craft a experience unlike any other.
From the first moment you step onto one of Proteus' randomly generated islands, the game confronts you with a seemly random combination of musical tones and pixelated graphics. While at first meaningless, the landmarks, gravestones, trees, mountains, and creatures of Proteus combine to form a perfect canvas for your own imagination. Proteus is more of a sandbox experience than a linear one, focusing on your own ability to wonder and imagine rather than forcing you to interpret it's symbolism in a certain way. The rows of stones, abandoned towers, and wandering paths in every island compel you to explore the worlds of Proteus, without directing you to any one point.
While Proteus does end, the ending must be discovered through experimentation. Proteus is an experience defined by your own imagination; and while it may not be a game in the traditional sense, it certainty provides the player with a unique and compelling journey.
Everything in the world of Proteus is musical. Creatures chirp and beep, stones emit musical notes, and even falling rain and snow add to the song of the island. The musical aspect of the game, created by David Kanaga, is the strongest; Discovering new sounds and altering the song of the island through interaction instils a feeling of accomplishment in the player, though it is the island that is creating the music.
While Proteus does end, the ending must be discovered through experimentation. Proteus is an experience defined by your own imagination; and while it may not be a game in the traditional sense, it certainty provides the player with a unique and compelling journey.
Verdict
What I Liked ...
- An Amazing blend of Music and Art.
- Open-ended exploration.
What I Didn't Like ...
- It's non-linear nature makes $10 a high price
5
Gameplay
Proteus is focused mainly on exploration and discovery; It doesn't have much in the way of game mechanics.
9
Presentation
The 3d world is complemented by the 2d style wonderfully.
7
Lasting Appeal
The non-linear nature of the game combined with the randomly generated islands makes this a game worth replaying.
7.9
out of 10
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