It’s interesting how some games bombard you with tutorials even hours into the experience – I played Red Dead Redemption 2 again recently and was still being hit with tutorials some four hours in. While I appreciate the guidance, the constant influx of new information can be overwhelming.
But sometimes, it’s refreshing to play a game with simple mechanics and a clear objective. Perhaps that’s why Flappy Bird achieved such widespread popularity, despite its short-lived reign. Another game that runs that route is O.W.L Projekt; a game that embraces simplicity, tasking you with guiding a character from point A to point B across 50 levels. Sounds easy, right? Well…
O.W.L Projekt focuses on puzzle-solving and navigating intricate levels. While the game itself doesn’t explicitly convey the story, the description provides context. You play as Elysion, a young being subjected to a mysterious experiment overseen by “The Watchers.” Armed with a staff capable of manipulating objects, Elysion must escape their clutches. It’s an intriguing premise, further enhanced by the evocative level titles, such as “The Stairs of Illusion.”
The gameplay is initially straightforward but O.W.L Projekt becomes progressively more challenging the further you progress. You are left to guide Elysion through isometric 3D environments reminiscent of M.C. Escher paintings, filled with impossible stairways and optical illusions. You can rotate the map in 45-degree increments to gain a better perspective, but the overall goal of each level is to reach a glowing green pad. The thing is, obstacles impede your progress.
Early levels involve moving blocks to clear pathways. Later, you’ll ride these blocks, manipulating them vertically and horizontally to reach new areas. And then as you begin to make progress, new mechanics are introduced, such as activating triggers to remove barriers or evading watchful guardians; strange ‘watcher’ creatures that head out on patrol.
The gameplay is certainly calming and encourages methodical problem-solving. It must be said that while the difficulty curve found in O.W.L Projekt might be too gentle for some, I found it to be perfectly balanced.
Several recent games, like LEGO Builder’s Journey for instance, have utilised isometric level design, and O.W.L. Projekt is another – and it employs it effectively. The simple yet elegant visuals, combined with clever level design, create a visually appealing and engaging experience. But while visibility can be challenging at times, this often serves as an intentional element of the puzzles. Further to that the clean and concise menu design further enhances the user experience.Â
The only audio element is that of an atmospheric soundtrack that perfectly complements the gameplay. Straight out of an Ibiza chillout room, it is capable of evoking a sense of tranquillity and focus.
O.W.L Projekt is a game that will challenge your mind, all while keeping you relaxed and engaged. If you’re seeking a narrative-driven experience, look elsewhere, as O.W.L Projekt focuses solely on the journey and the satisfaction of overcoming its puzzles. I thoroughly enjoyed my time with the game, which took a couple of hours to complete and while some backtracking near the end starts to become slightly tedious, the overall experience is rewarding, especially considering the game’s budget-friendly price.
O.W.L Projekt: A Mind-Bending Isometric Puzzle Adventure Takes Flight on Consoles – https://www.thexboxhub.com/o-w-l-projekt-a-mind-bending-isometric-puzzle-adventure-takes-flight-on-consoles/
Buy O.W.L Projekt on Xbox – https://www.xbox.com/en-gb/games/store/owl-projekt/9mz0ltzs5qmw
