CUBE-e

CUBE-e is a sci-fi action-platformer developed by Crooked Road and published by Piece Of Voxel, featuring 2D scrolling side-view gameplay in a futuristic setting. Players navigate a character through platform challenges with direct controls, exploring a sci-fi world where puzzle-solving and precise movements are key to progression.

CUBE-e: Review

Introduction

In the labyrinthine world of indie gaming, few titles have managed to weave such an intricate tapestry of mystery, horror, and surrealism as CUBE-e. Released in 2021 by the enigmatic studio Crooked Road under the banner of Piece Of Voxel, CUBE-e is a game that defies easy categorization. It is a puzzle, an escape room, a narrative experience, and a psychological thriller all rolled into one. This review aims to dissect CUBE-e in its entirety, exploring its development history, narrative depth, gameplay mechanics, and the atmospheric world it inhabits. By the end, we will determine whether CUBE-e is a fleeting curiosity or a landmark in video game history.

Development History & Context

The Studio Behind the Mystery

Crooked Road, the indie studio responsible for CUBE-e, is a relatively obscure entity in the gaming landscape. Unlike the well-established Rusty Lake, known for its Cube Escape series, Crooked Road operates in the shadows, adding to the mystique of CUBE-e. The studio’s decision to release CUBE-e under the Piece Of Voxel label suggests a deliberate attempt to carve out a distinct identity, separate from the crowded indie market.

Technological Constraints and Innovations

CUBE-e was developed during a time when indie games were increasingly pushing the boundaries of what was possible with limited resources. The game’s 2D scrolling platformer elements harken back to a simpler era of gaming, yet its narrative ambitions are decidedly modern. The studio’s ability to blend retro aesthetics with contemporary storytelling is a testament to their creative vision.

The Gaming Landscape in 2021

The year 2021 was a pivotal one for indie games. Titles like Inscryption and The Forgotten City demonstrated that indie developers could compete with AAA studios in terms of narrative depth and player engagement. CUBE-e entered this competitive landscape with a unique selling proposition: a game that was as much about unraveling a mystery as it was about solving puzzles.

Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive

The Plot: A Tapestry of Mystery

CUBE-e tells the story of a protagonist trapped in a series of interconnected rooms, each representing a different facet of their psyche. The game’s narrative is fragmented, requiring players to piece together clues from various sources, including environmental storytelling and cryptic dialogue.

Characters and Dialogue

The game’s cast is sparse but memorable. The protagonist is a silent figure, their identity and motivations shrouded in mystery. Supporting characters, such as the enigmatic Mr. Crow and the ominous Mr. Owl, serve as guides and antagonists, their true intentions left deliberately ambiguous.

Themes: Identity, Memory, and Madness

At its core, CUBE-e is a game about identity and memory. The protagonist’s journey is one of self-discovery, as they navigate the labyrinth of their own mind. The game’s surreal imagery and psychological horror elements serve to heighten this theme, creating a sense of disorientation and unease.

Gameplay Mechanics & Systems

Core Gameplay Loop

CUBE-e is a point-and-click adventure game at its heart, but it incorporates elements of platforming and puzzle-solving. Players must navigate through a series of rooms, each presenting its own unique challenges. The game’s difficulty curve is well-balanced, ensuring that players are constantly engaged without feeling overwhelmed.

Combat and Character Progression

Unlike traditional adventure games, CUBE-e does not feature conventional combat. Instead, the game’s challenges are primarily intellectual, requiring players to solve puzzles and uncover hidden secrets. Character progression is tied to the protagonist’s understanding of their own psyche, with each revelation unlocking new areas and abilities.

UI and Accessibility

The game’s user interface is minimalist, with a focus on immersion. The point-and-click mechanics are intuitive, and the game’s accessibility options are robust, ensuring that players of all skill levels can enjoy the experience.

World-Building, Art & Sound

Setting and Atmosphere

CUBE-e is set in a surreal, dreamlike world that blends elements of sci-fi and horror. The game’s art style is a mix of 2D and 3D elements, creating a visually striking and immersive environment. The atmosphere is one of tension and mystery, with each room offering a new layer of intrigue.

Visual Direction

The game’s visual direction is a key aspect of its identity. The use of 2D scrolling in a 3D environment creates a unique sense of depth and perspective. The game’s color palette is muted, with a focus on dark, desaturated tones that enhance the game’s eerie atmosphere.

Sound Design

The sound design in CUBE-e is exceptional. The game’s soundtrack is a haunting blend of ambient and electronic music, creating a sense of unease and anticipation. Sound effects are used sparingly but effectively, with each noise contributing to the game’s immersive experience.

Reception & Legacy

Critical and Commercial Reception

CUBE-e received mixed reviews upon its release. Critics praised the game’s unique art style and atmospheric world-building but criticized its pacing and lack of clear direction. Despite these criticisms, the game developed a cult following, with players drawn to its enigmatic narrative and challenging puzzles.

Influence on Subsequent Games

CUBE-e‘s influence can be seen in subsequent indie titles that blend narrative depth with puzzle-solving mechanics. Its legacy lies in its ability to create a world that is both familiar and alien, inviting players to explore and interpret its mysteries.

Conclusion

CUBE-e is a game that defies easy categorization. It is a puzzle, an escape room, a narrative experience, and a psychological thriller all rolled into one. Its unique blend of retro aesthetics and contemporary storytelling, combined with its atmospheric world-building and haunting sound design, makes it a standout title in the indie gaming landscape. While it may not have achieved mainstream success, its influence on the genre is undeniable. CUBE-e is a game that demands to be experienced, a journey into the depths of the human psyche that leaves a lasting impression. In the annals of video game history, CUBE-e may not be a household name, but it is a title that will be remembered by those who dare to explore its mysteries.