LBR received a Nintendo Switch review code from Flynn’s Arcade to review Colored Effects.
Colored Effects is a 2D puzzle platformer from indie developer TacSou. There are 40 levels to complete in a minimalist world. It has a casual tone, with no timer or dangerous enemies, aside from the boss levels. The obstacles are mostly based on access points to outwit using blocks and switches, fans, and more.
In Colored Effects, players must use special abilities identified by their color in order to collect different keys throughout a level and progress. You can only harness one ability at a time, so you’ll have to juggle your access to them carefully. Boss levels demand more intense platforming skills, and defeating them earns you new powers.
Colored Effects originally launched on PC earlier this year, and is available now via Steam. It launches onto the Nintendo Switch next week on November 23rd, 2023. You can watch a full gameplay trailer on the TacSou YouTube channel:
Colored Effects is a relatively short game for the puzzle genre, and its world is small in scope. However, it builds an extraordinary amount of mileage with very little. The puzzles, interactive objects, obstacles, and abilities consistently evolve.
The boss fights gradually earn you brand-new abilities, a clever approach that feels rewarding and gives you a proper sense of progress. It also allows the game to repurpose different ideas, creating challenges for all-new combinations.
The puzzles are also balanced and maintain a casual tone throughout, although they don’t really escalate. This game mostly plays like cozying up to a crossword puzzle in a warm nook. Even the platforming boss fights shouldn’t be too much of a threat for beginners, with a bit of practice.
Further, there are handy save points to keep your progress and avoid full restarts, though you can also refresh the level at any time. This reinforces the patient, trial-and-error gameplay. It mostly matters what order in which you use your abilities.
While this easygoing attitude might disappoint some, those who prefer that friendliness will be pleased. It also means that Colored Effects is sure to thrive on the Nintendo Switch. Its gameplay is well-suited for a mobile experience.
It also runs smoothly, and I encountered no bugs whatsoever. Hopefully, the Nintendo Switch release draws more eyes on this small game.
I found its world and tone charming enough to lose hundreds of hours in. I genuinely wish there were more content, or at least a sequel on the horizon. Ideally, any follow-up would have a better variety of music, though. While the soundtrack is enjoyable, the loop starts to feel annoying by the late game.
Final Thoughts
Colored Effects doesn’t get lost in lofty ambitions. It’s a short and sweet puzzler, and although it has some familiar elements, it wields them creatively and effectively. The stages are inventive and cute, introducing enough twists to keep up the pace and your interest. Fans of the genre are certain to enjoy this one.
Score: 8.5 / 10
Support LBR and artists by reading more of our Tabletop and Video Game posts!
Leaderboard Reviews 