Although it looks like a platformer, The Swapper is really a puzzle game at its core. And a fantastic one at that. You play as a survivor in a desolate space station, trying to find a way to escape. In order to do so, you have to solve a series of puzzles that involve creating clones of yourself. Using the "Swapper" device, you can create up to 4 clones, each of which duplicates your exact movements. Additionally, you can swap your consciousness to any clones that's within your line of sight (i.e. change the clone controlled by the player). But of course, there's a catch - light. Some rooms contain blue and/or red light. In blue light, clones can't be created, but can be swapped into; and in red light, clones can be created, but can't be swapped into. Put all of these elements together, and it's a mighty fine recipe for some mind-bending puzzles. The game starts off simple enough in order to introduce all of the mechanics, but once you've been taught what you need to know, get ready for a challenge. The level/puzzle design is nothing short of brilliant. You will get stuck at some point, but eventually the solution will click and you'll feel a real sense of accomplishment. There is nothing unfair about any of the challenges you'll face. It just comes down to you, patience, and working out the solutions. One cannot ask more from a puzzle game. Gameplay aside, The Swapper also excels in its presentation. The visuals (comprised of clay models) and music (which is minimal but great) combine to create an amazing atmosphere. Think Metroid by way of Alien, except there are no enemies to fight - only puzzles to solve. If you enjoy cerebral puzzle games, The Swapper is a no-brainer. This is absolutely one of the best games of its kind I have ever played, and that it was created by such a small team is extremely impressive. Check it out.

Final grade: A-

Technical notes: I played the game right at launch, and apparently there were some issues for a few people running the game. I encountered no problems myself, but you may just want to take a look at the discussion forum first to see if your PC could be affected (for instance I think Intel graphics don't currently work with it). Secondly, in terms of control method, while this may look like the type of game that would benefit from using a controller, I don't think that is the case. From my experience, mouse and keyboard is the most efficient, ideal control method. And finally, as far as gameplay, one thing to keep in mind is that the final 124 Orb door is a "point of no return". Once you enter the final area, your saved game will not be able to continue where you left off - only restart from scratch. So if you wish to explore the station to find any secrets or collect all the logs, make sure to to do so before opening the final door.

Although it looks like a platformer, The Swapper is really a puzzle game at its core. And a fantastic one at that. You play as a survivor in a desolate space station, trying to find a way to escape. In order to do so, you have to solve a series of puzzles that involve creating clones of yourself. Using the "Swapper" device, you can create up to 4 clones, each of which duplicates your exact movements. Additionally, you can swap your consciousness to any clones that's within your line of sight (i.e. change the clone controlled by the player). But of course, there's a catch - light. Some rooms contain blue and/or red light. In blue light, clones can't be created, but can be swapped into; and in red light, clones can be created, but can't be swapped into. Put all of these elements together, and it's a mighty fine recipe for some mind-bending puzzles. The game starts off simple enough in order to introduce all of the mechanics, but once you've been taught what you need to know, get ready for a challenge. The level/puzzle design is nothing short of brilliant. You will get stuck at some point, but eventually the solution will click and you'll feel a real sense of accomplishment. There is nothing unfair about any of the challenges you'll face. It just comes down to you, patience, and working out the solutions. One cannot ask more from a puzzle game. Gameplay aside, The Swapper also excels in its presentation. The visuals (comprised of clay models) and music (which is minimal but great) combine to create an amazing atmosphere. Think Metroid by way of Alien, except there are no enemies to fight - only puzzles to solve. If you enjoy cerebral puzzle games, The Swapper is a no-brainer. This is absolutely one of the best games of its kind I have ever played, and that it was created by such a small team is extremely impressive. Check it out. Final grade: A- Technical notes: I played the game right at launch, and apparently there were some issues for a few people running the game. I encountered no problems myself, but you may just want to take a look at the discussion forum first to see if your PC could be affected (for instance I think Intel graphics don't currently work with it). Secondly, in terms of control method, while this may look like the type of game that would benefit from using a controller, I don't think that is the case. From my experience, mouse and keyboard is the most efficient, ideal control method. And finally, as far as gameplay, one thing to keep in mind is that the final 124 Orb door is a "point of no return". Once you enter the final area, your saved game will not be able to continue where you left off - only restart from scratch. So if you wish to explore the station to find any secrets or collect all the logs, make sure to to do so before opening the final door.