Puzzle Platformer Monochroma Gets Release Date

 

Nowhere Studios has announced that Monochroma, its cinematic dystopian puzzle platformer, will launch on Windows PC, Mac and Linux on Steam on May 28th. In Monochroma players are transported to a dystopian state during the 1950’s, after two brothers witness a horrific crime committed by an evil corporation. Without cutscenes, text or spoken words, players must delve intellectually and emotionally into the story to help the brother’s work together to progress past mind-bending puzzles and save the world from tyranny.

Inspired by the developers’ childhood memories of moving from the countryside to urban Istanbul and the “Gezi Protests” of 2013, the most violently oppressed protest in modern Turkey, players discover the environment and follow the story through a carefully constructed black-and-white palette with splashes of red. As a result, the story is instantly understandable by players of all nationalities – without any localisation required.

Spread over four chapters; discover vast ghettos built upon thousands of tenement buildings that reach into the clouds, a labyrinth of sewer tunnels, factories bellowing out industrial smoke and a city sized zeppelin hovering in the sky. The puzzles encountered in Monochroma are realistic and use physics to naturally blend with the environment.

Another Monochroma trademark is the relationship between the two brothers. Early in the game, the younger brother injures his leg after an accident, and must be supported by his older sibling. At times, the player needs to temporarily stop carrying him in order to solve puzzles. However he can only be placed near safe, bright areas—because like most kids, he’s scared of the dark. This gameplay mechanic defines Monochroma as a cerebral, methodical puzzle game that rewards players who are caring and brave at the same time. Being a responsible older sibling is mandatory—just as in real life.

We reported on Monochroma releasing a new cinematic trailer (as seen above) last month and the art style still looks wonderful, no matter how many times you look at it. With such a heartfelt story being key to the development of Monochroma, it almost seems reminiscent of Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons as the main characters are brothers and the emotional story is crucial to the game. Only time will tell if Monochroma will be as special as it looks in the pre-release screens and trailers. It’s a case of so far-so good for Nowhere Studios.