Are you looking for a game to take a break from the same ol’ AAA nonsense that you have to pay $60 dollars to look at the opening cinematic, just to pay another 20 to open loot crates to make the game work? I would like to recommend Degrees of Separation for the Nintendo Switch. A hot (and cold) take on the puzzle-platformer genre that is beautiful, beautifully choreographed, and beautifully executed. I was personally intrigued by the artistic format of the game from the eShop menu. Being a sucker for elemental differences, I decided to boot up the game and I was for sure not disappointed based on what you will read from here on down.
From the mindset of Modus Games, This follows the story of two different, unique individuals, Ember and Rune, living in stark contrasts of one another’s surroundings. Ember living in a hotter atmosphere, and Rune living in a frozen wonderland, meet each other whilst trying to return to one another’s homes. The screen is split between the titular characters. Depending on who you are playing as, you must use each other’s abilities to the other’s benefits. An example being that Rune, being one who controls the cold, can walk over bodies of water as ice. Ember, however, can only swim in the warm water.
The climate changes based on what character you’re using, and how the screen is split, a task easier said than done. You (and a partner, if you choose to play co-op) must figure out how to collect different scarves throughout the game. The game makes you think and plot out your next move as certain objects, such as lamps make platforms move back and forth, depending on if you are heating it up or cooling it down. A fun challenge that stimulates the mind, while platforming along with a soothing narration talking about how your characters better their relationship because of your efforts.
Of course, there are a couple of gripes with trying to adjust your characters’ positions, so you can actually do what you need to do. Nothing bad like certain bad pedestrian games, but still a nitpick. I could also say that since I played this on the Switch, I was a victim of a few frame drops in portable mode, but that I can blame on the power of the Switch. It’s not bad, but be wary if you are a frame junkie like myself.
Overall, if you are looking for a game that gives you a beautiful look at what an Elemental based game should look like, this is a game you may like. If you are a platform junkie looking for the next Super Meat Boy, or Fez, this is a game you may like. If you like stimulating games, that challenge you to look at the environment and plot out your next moves in order to get some wicked sweet scarves, this is a game you may like. I am glad to know that Degrees of Separation exists, not only for Switch, but for other platforms, like Xbox, PS4, and Steam. So if any of what I have said, peaks interest, be sure to check it out, and give Modus Games a little love today!
This was a guest review, written by @Stratolicious. This version of the game was played on the Nintendo Switch. The opinions expressed here are theirs, and may not reflect the opinions of TheLizardRock or Branden.
Degrees of Separation is available on PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and Steam PC for $19.99. For more information, including where to buy, visit the official website.
