Asemblance

The fact of the matter is, there aren't a ton of experiences like this around on PlayStation 4 (perhaps with the exception of SOMA): puzzle-driven psychological thrillers are fairly scarce. And though the puzzles aren't as rewarding or playful as The Witness, a small collection of my friends have been spit-balling theories and ideas back-and-forth for the past couple of days in an attempt to unravel the last mystery. For $9.99, it is an experience I highly recommend trying out, even with its faults and being designed for a niche audience.

The game’s emotive soundtrack and intriguing premise outshines its often repetitive gameplay, resulting in an experience well worth its bargain price.

However, even with an ending that takes way too much to achieve with very little pay off, Asemblance still manages to be a very intriguing and atmospheric sci-fi story. Just know that there is, respectively, little content here – even for the small £7.99 asking price – and your enjoyment will entirely depend on how much attention you are willing to give the game’s abstruse detail.

At the moment Asemblance is an interesting diversion, but it promises to be much more. Whether it fulfils that promise will depend on what mysteries can be solved.

I believe that Asemblance caters to a very specific niche of gamers. If you love tearing apart a game and trying to figure out how every little secret and every item placement is relevant to the grand scheme of things and you really love a complicated ARG, then this is the game you need in your life. Everyone else will probably only be confused and frustrated.

A walking game that stumbles.

Some parts of the Asemblance are executed incredibly well, but having clocked in at just over an hour, it’s a tough one to recommend. Those who enjoy tearing apart this specific type of interactive thriller will have a ball searching every detailed nook and cranny for fresh clues, while the majority of gamers simply “won’t get it”. Either way, we’re intrigued to see where Nilo goes next and whether its ambitions for a landmark narrative series can actually materialise.

It’s just a shame there isn’t way more game here. If this truly is the start of a franchise, I’d potentially be up for more titles, but I can’t deny how much this sparse pilot entry leaves me wanting.

Konami's PT popularized a new game genre; one filled with puzzles that gaming communities work together to collectively figure out. Asemblance is in the same vein, but does it manage to deliver a satisfying experience once all's said and done?