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The brilliance of this game lies first in its physics-based gameplay, which alternates between relaxing, brain-teasing, and delightful trials of timing and dexterity. It's a special and unique mix that feels fresh and exciting even as it pulls from influences like World of Goo. The second component of the game's powerful impression is the visual and aural experience, which is dark, enchanting, and whimsical.
Giving you the eye
The goal of Contre Jour is simple: Move the eye, called Petit, to a large, glowing blue light within each level. This is accomplished by touching the screen and manipulating the environment in simple but powerful ways. At first, all you do is subtly raise or lower elements of the level to make the eye move along. This then gives way to attaching elastic tendrils to Petit, which can fling it to areas previously unreachable. From here, the game introduces ropes, portals, slingshots, puffs of air, and other devices. The tools are simple but combined in complex and often brilliant ways to let you move Petit around the level and toward the goal.
There are hazards to avoid and pits to fall into and, like the best games, Contre Jour even makes you feel smart as you work out just how the levels are meant to be completed. The experience can even be exhilarating as you deftly attach and detach tendrils to Petit in such a way as to send it swinging through a level like Errol Flynn. It's addicting and fun, as is trying to achieve a perfect rank on each level by collecting bonus lights. To hunt these on your way to the exit is to experience the inspired design of the game to its fullest.
As I mentioned, it's not only in mechanics but also in style that Contre Jour excels. The game's aesthetic expression is a complete one, with all components of its look and sound harmonizing with a singular flare. The delicate, piano-laced score by David Ari Leon works as a perfect complement to the subdued, sophisticated colors and surreal, monochromatic backdrops. The name Contre Jour reflects the French photographic term for backlighting, and the game lives up to the pretense hinted at in its title. It's a stark and beautiful game.
A tantalizing continuation
There are three different chapters in Contre Jour, each containing 20 levels and each offering up their own set of challenges and looks. The first chapter is highlighted by monsters that will snap up Petit if it comes near. The second, called Night, takes place in a dramatic, darkened space with glowing highlights and swift challenges. The third chapter, which we are just now discovering, is a place of moving platforms and increased complexity. A fourth chapter is tantalizingly shown but remains to be coming soon, hopefully in a free update.
Gameplay and presentation really come together in Contre Jour, and it's a bargain at $2.99 as a universal app or $.99 per platform. It's a fantastic experience on iPhone and iPod touch, but the game really shines on the iPad's large display.
Where to get it
Contre Jour
Price: $.99 to $2.99
Download: Contre Jour for iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch
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