I entered the world of Fez without any expectations. I’d heard its name pop up from time to time, but when a game takes years to finally see release, it’s easy to forget about. I’m glad I had no preconceived notions about the style of gameplay, as I probably would have imagined a series of puzzles based around perspective shifting, like the PSP title Echochrome. This expectation would have certainly left me disappointed, as I quickly found that the game’s most unique feature isn’t what really makes it fun. Instead, I became smitten with the charming art style, catchy music, and puzzles unique in ways other than a simple shift of the camera.
For those unaware, Fez tells the story of Gomez, the pixelated Pillsbury Dough Boy, whose whole 2D world is turned upside down (or side to side, I should say), when he’s given the ability to perceive a third dimension. This power allows him to turn his scenery around, changing perspective and cleverly altering the layout of things around him. Although the levels are technically 3D, everything plays from a side-on perspective, so if you shift the camera and things look close together, then they are close together. This is how you’ll navigate Gomez around the world - bringing platforms in line, connecting up sections of ladders, and other similar viewpoint-based stuff.
The mind starts to reel when considering all the crazy, complex puzzles this M.C. Escher-style physics system could bring, but as I mentioned before, the perspective changing isn’t really what makes this game great. In all honesty, it’s quite easy to get around the levels - if a platform isn’t close enough, just swing the camera around and it probably will be. However, it isn’t long before you start facing some seriously devious puzzles, whose answers lie in the most unexpected of places. It’s tough to review a game such as this without spoiling anything, but lets just say you’ll have to think outside the box in order to collect some of the hidden objects within. Anyone who felt the best aspect of Metal Gear Solid was the fourth wall-breaking puzzles should have many a smile on their face throughout Fez.
You’ll also be smiling at the wonderful art style and chiptune music that plays in the background. As with many recent platformers, there are some very obvious homages to games of old, so long-time fans of the genre will have plenty of nostalgia-inducing moments, especially in certain areas. One aspect that may be surprising, though, is the lack of enemies anywhere in the world. There’s also no life system or energy bars to worry about - the challenge lies entirely in figuring things out rather than fast reflexes and hand-eye coordination.
It’s not all sunshine and smiles, though. Things can get a little overwhelming when you realize how labyrinthian the level structure is - there are literally doors everywhere, each one leading to a different area, which in turn has doors leading to other areas. Thankfully, there’s a world map to help you get your bearings, although it’s not as helpful as some may like. Instead of the traditional flat map of old, each level is contained within a cube, which is joined by lines to its neighbouring level cubes. It’s hard to explain, and once you get the hang of it, it does become useful, but relocating hidden doors in order to find objects you missed the first time around can lead to moments of slight frustration.
One good thing about the map, though, is its clear marking of things you haven’t collected yet. You don’t have to find everything to reach the end credits, but completionists will be happy that all unfound objects, unsolved puzzles, and unentered areas are indicated next to their respective level cubes, making clean up a little easier. That is, if you remember exactly how you got to those levels to begin with, and assuming you can wrap your head around some of the diabolical puzzles you’ll find. Those who refuse to cheat by referring to Gamefaqs could be playing for quite some time in their efforts to collect everything.
The best aspects of Fez are the moments I’m trying really hard not to ruin - those unexpected parts that made me laugh, smile, or simply scratch my head in bewilderment. It may have its slightly frustrating moments, but I’m sure it won’t be long before I’m drawn back into its colourful world to solve puzzles I skipped and unlock a few more achievements along the way. As consoles made the jump into 3D, I was sure the days of the excellent 2D platformer had died, but Fez (along with Braid, Limbo, Splosion Man, and Super Meat Boy) has certainly changed my perspective on the matter, and from this angle, the future of the genre definitely looks bright.
