Taken for a Quickie | Semispheres

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Vivid Helix’s Semispheres releases on Nintendo Switch today, so we’ve taken the meditative parallel-puzzler for a quickie to see how it fares on the hybrid console.

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​by Liam
Andrews

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​@pass_controller

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Developer: Vivid Helix
Publisher: Vivid Helix
Platforms: Switch, PS4, Steam
Players: 1

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What exactly is a “meditative parallel-puzzler”?
 
It’s an atmospheric puzzle game that tasks players with navigating two orbs of light (or are they jellyfish?) through a series of mirrored levels displayed side by side on the screen, the twist being that each stick on the controller corresponds to one of these orbfish, so you simultaneously move both through their respective areas.

Does it play well?
 
The idea of each level is to sneak your way past the sentries that are blocking your path to the end goal. Although the action may be split between parallel worlds, orbfish can interact with the other’s level thanks to some clever use of portals and pick-ups that allow you distract sentries and temporarily switch sides, leading to some ingenious puzzle designs.
 
There are some especially tricky challenges in the later levels that require you to move both orbfish at the same time to progress, which, if you’re as bad at multitasking as we are, can feel like your brain is being torn asunder.

It’s almost worth playing Semispheres solely in handheld mode for the easier headphone use, letting you really appreciate the mesmerising soundtrack.

Sounds tough!
 
Don’t worry, there are only a few fiendishly difficult puzzles, with most taking only a few minutes to beat, and the game is good at easing you in as new abilities are introduced. If you do end up stuck though, you at least get to enjoy the excellent soundtrack while you mull over the solution.
 
How’s the presentation on the whole?
 
Semispheres is described as having a “soothing” art style, and it’s hard to disagree. The soft, warm colour palette and impressive use of light, coupled with composer Sid Barnhoorn’s atmospheric score, can feel almost hypnotic at times.
 
While it may look best on a bigger screen, it’s almost worth playing Semispheres solely in handheld mode just for the easier headphone use to really appreciate the mesmerising soundtrack.

​Is there a story to go with all this?
 
Sort of. After every few levels, you’re presented with a storyboard sequence depicting the tale of a young boy and his robot. There’s no dialogue, with the story simply told through a series of images.
 
What relevance, if any, this side-story has with the rest of the gameplay isn’t obvious at first, but it does at least serve to break up the sequence of levels.

Would you recommend it?
 
Yes. With more than 50 levels on offer, there’s plenty of value for money here. And if you’re willing to sacrifice a portion of the challenge when playing solo for some local co-op, the Switch’s Joy-Cons facilitate that.

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Semispheres is available now on the Nintendo Switch eShop for $9.99/€9,99/£8.99. If you don’t own a Switch it’s been knocking around on PS4 and Steam since February, and is also making its way to PS Vita in October and Xbox One soon after.