Review: Metrico

PS Plus members got a special treat that shouldn’t be overlooked.

There is something inherently beautiful about simplicity. A functionally perfect causal relationship in which every action equally affects another. A construct where “if  X then Y” becomes more than an abstract logical statement. It becomes the very rule you live by.

Upon first playing Digital Dream’s newest title Metrico, I had no idea what to expect. I saw a big blank white screen a dude standing there and was like, why is homeboy floating in space?

This game takes time to get the hang of, Newton’s third law is seriously in effect. Especially when you find platforms disappearing and you are sitting there scratching your head staring at your Vita thinking, as soon as I finish this puzzle I’m going to put it down. Six puzzles later I’m still at it.

Metrico has some of the most clever puzzles I’ve ever seen. If you are a fan of games like Braid, Thomas Was Alone. and Ibb and Obb, then you’ll feel right at home with this game. But unlike the aforementioned titles, Metrico was built specifically for the Playstation Vita, being one of the few games to utilize all of the input methods the Vita has to offer. Yep you use it all, D-pad, sticks, touch screen, rear touch pad, accelerometer, face buttons. So the user experience is not only fluid, it’s unlike any multi platform puzzle game.

The control scheme is so unique that by the time you get to the third level in Metrico. the possibility of playing this game in public goes out the window. That is of course you’re either an exhibitionist or you’re auditioning for Cirque Du Soleil.

You’ll be contorting yourself six ways from Sunday trying to move a platform, while holding the X button while trying to shoot. But just because you look stupid playing it doesn’t mean the game isn’t fun. In fact the more you play Metrico the more intuitive and enjoyable the alternative control scheme becomes.

Metrico carries with it a unique soundtrack, designed to immerse the player. Headphones are pretty much required. The game visually is simple, but crisp, colorful and vibrant, going from a bi-chromatic world to a lush, logical, angular world awash in color and sound.

All in all, you get a unique, challenging, fun, thought provoking, brain teasing, video game. Which uses all the Vita has to offer in the best way since Gravity Rush. Go out and get it, it’s a Playstation Vita exclusive and is available on the PSN store for 13.99 or free with PS Plus.

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