REVIEW: Degrees of Separation (Switch), a beautiful and challenging experience

Fire and ice are two completely opposite elements. Although, Degrees of separation is an unprecedented adventure that tries to show that, even separated by only a few degrees of distance, these two forces of nature are capable of transforming the world around them and bringing two young people together.

The game's developer, moondrop, gave in to showmetech a digital copy of Degrees of separation all with Switch and, after a few weeks of intense gameplay, we present you with a complete analysis of this game that promises to bring the player closer to the lives of two characters so close but so far away, at the same time.

Like fire to ice

With a simple proposal, but a very well done execution, Degrees of separation is a puzzle-platform game that encourages interaction between two players. The game can be played solo, however, it promises to provide a much more immersive experience with two players controlling the adventure characters.

That's because the game's story revolves around two protagonists, Ember e Rime. Both are elaborate and interesting, despite never expressing a line of dialogue during the game's short period.

Each represents an opposite part of the world they live in. Ember is related to heat and fire, while Rime belongs to cold and ice.

These two elements are natural opposites and the game uses this in a curious way to build the reality and thematics of the characters' world. Even without knowing each other and separated by only a few degrees of distance, the characters need to come together to collect various magical scarves scattered around the world to progress on their journey.

A magical line that runs across the screen separates the two characters and their moods. It's up to players to strategically use Ember and Rime's environments and abilities to solve various puzzles across the world.

For example, while controlling Rime, you will be able to walk on water, which freezes on your side of the world. Ember, on the other hand, can breathe under the same water and traverse areas Rime wouldn't be able to do. Using a clever combination of their skills, players can pick up the scarves and move on to other areas.

It is very simple to switch between the two characters. If the two are close, the magic line will separate them but you only need to control the movement of one so that the other (if it is in front of you) moves too. It may seem strange to look at, but this feature saves you time from having to switch characters all the time.

If Ember and Rime are too far apart, the screen is divided and adjusts as needed in the situation so that the characters have a glimpse of their surroundings.

Two worlds, many challenges

Degrees of separation has a fun gameplay system that is far less complex than it looks. The puzzles are, for the most part, never too challenging, which makes it perfect for a relaxing co-op (or solo) experience.

A moondrop I had the idea of ​​creating an online mode for the game but, as of the time of publishing this review, this functionality is still not present in the game.

To progress the plot, you don't necessarily need to collect all the scarves in a certain area, although those who like to complete all the objectives in the game will make this their main goal.

What makes the game even simpler and more inviting for casual players looking for a differentiated experience is that Degrees of separation does not have a health system and none of the characters can die or be injured.

While the story is pretty straightforward when it comes to plot (almost cliché, actually), there is narration that runs throughout the game, offering insight into Rime and Ember's past lives and helping players understand how certain game elements work. .

Narration is also useful for conveying the themes of Degrees of separation such as love, friendship, separation, sadness, among others. The game's script was written Chris avellone, who has worked on many critically acclaimed video game titles such as Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II – The Sith Lords.

Em Degrees of separation, the game's employment of minimalism works to its advantage. It is one of the biggest strengths of the title. Everything needed to create the characters' world context is there, from the visuals with landscapes that seem to jump out of a watercolor, to the soundtrack that conveys the right emotions. There are no “leftovers” or excesses.

More than just a few degrees

However, there are weaknesses in Degrees of separation that keep the game from being something worth fully recommending to your friends and acquaintances. Bugs and technical issues are everywhere, from character movement to frustrating falling issues.

In addition, the save system does not work properly and has many flaws, which can be very annoying for players.

There's also the feeling that Ember and Rime's abilities are never fully explored. There are only a few unique elements that set the two characters apart and it would have been better to see the moondrop implement a little more creativity in this department.

The impression is that the developer didn't want to overcomplicate the mechanics to keep the game as close to a simple co-op experience as possible.

However, this excuse did not justify the amount of “backtracking” and repetitive puzzles that the game has.

analyzing Degrees of separation in a profound way, it is to delve into a mixture of opinions. Certainly the game is fun and light enough that parents can easily play with their children (or even between dating couples or friends), especially with puzzles that are never so demanding.

The narrative is simple yet touching in just the right measure, and revealed in a way that feels more like a fairy tale than a tedious exposition. However, its technical flaws and gameplay issues cannot be ignored, setting it apart from similarly themed games that have a greater degree of polish.

So close but so far

There's a very interesting concept buried within the beautifully detailed landscapes and colorful characters created by Moondrop, especially in how the two main protagonists contribute to the puzzle solving.

It's a pity that Degrees of separation never go deep enough to achieve something truly brilliant and innovative. The frustrating amount of bugs and technical issues that hamper progression seems to separate the player from the game world much more than fire and ice separate Ember from Rime.