31st of December 2024
Yellow: Mirrors | Single | Author: Mike Norvak | Download
The Review: The concept of "yellow paint" has a bit of a bad reputation these days in the world of gaming,
as it has come to signify "GO HERE YOU DUMBASS!". Here the concept is quite different, although
even after playing Yellow: Mirrors twice I don't really know what it is...
This city map occupies only a small bit of the Build grid, but the city block happens to be of the Metroidvania type, meaning
the gameplay area is largely nonlinear and there are paths here and there, but accessing those paths depends on having
acquired specific inventory items. There are many keys scattered around the map, and each grants you items you need
to survive and access further parts of the map, often with the help of a gadget rather than simply
by unlocking a door. The big prize is the Shrinker, and this is what eluded me for a few minutes, as it's
hidden behind a visual trick and there's a nasty battlelord spawn right before to steal your attention. Combat is
fair (aside from what I just mentioned), as often you'll trigger respawns by acquiring new weapons. The map is fun to explore; its compact size works well
with the Metroidvania style - if the map were larger, the Metroidvania style might quickly turn against it.
As for design, the map seems to have a thing for mirrors; they're used often and in various creative ways - although
still mostly as visual elements. Similarly the color yellow is used rather sparingly, mostly for trimming and to
enhance some visuals. But as is intended, you'll notice it, just as the mirros will leave an impression.
The buildings look lovely with their smooth surfaces and creative but tidy detailing. Lighting is good for the most part with some
nice angled shadows and good 3d lighting,
but the black shroud is maybe a bit too strong here. There are lots of interesting details to notice here and there (and I'm not
saying that just because I'm mentioned in the map...), so keep your eyes open for signs, messages and such.
There's also a new music track by the author himself. The piano melody is kinda reminiscent of the Requiem for a Dream theme, and
it fits the map's mood and pace perfectly.
Conclusion: Yellow: Mirrors works well as a Metroidvania type of experience thanks to its compact size and good use of the few items Duke3D has to offer. There's a bit of "lore" in it too related to the whole yellow/mirror thing, but I didn't really get it (as in, at all). The map is lovely to look at and fun to play and explore. Challenge here is less about shooting things and avoiding getting shot than figuring out how to navigate around the map's different environments.
Rating: 95
