Don’t ya just love it when a game does something new and interesting with a tired game type? In this case, it’s block puzzlers, as Umbragram replaces the typical block pushing/pulling/sliding mechanic with something completely different: build two structures based on silhouette blueprints in each level, while making sure no shadows are cast outside the marked areas. How’s that for a different brainteaser, eh?
Needless to say, given its isometric view, perspective plays a huge role in this one. Figuring out exactly which block to place, and where to make it cast the proper shadow, can be tricky at times, although rarely head-scratchingly challenging, thanks to the inclusion of an undo feature. Don’t make the mistake of thinking this will make the game easy though. That said, after playing for a good bit, I did kinda find myself wishing for a ‘reset puzzle’ button in its place, but alas, no such thing.
Umbragram is a puzzle game about perception.
After finishing the first few constructions, the difficulty ramps up noticeably, tasking you to build some pretty complex shapes across the two walls… from a single set of blocks. These can only be placed on the ground, on top of, and on the side of blocks; needless to say, you’ll be rotating the 5×5 grid quite a bit to get the right angle for each step.
The only flaw in this otherwise entertaining puzzler is that unless you know exactly what to do and/or plan accordingly, certain puzzles might become a less than stellar trial-and-error-based affair. But in spite of that, I’d still recommend Umbragram, because, during times when everything’s going according to plan, there’s plenty of fun to be had.
