Octahedron is a game that you experience. The gameplay is solid, yes, but what really helps it stand apart is the visuals and music. It provides a similar feeling to playing a Mizuguchi game (of Rez and Tetris Effect fame), while still maintaining its own identity. If you are into having sensory experiences, this is a must.

Octahedron is a precision-based platformer with a twist. Instead of making your way across the screen from left to right, you traverse the levels vertically. Also, you have the ability to make your own platforms appear. These mechanics work great within the game and helps keep Octahedron unique from the multitude of “throw-back” platformers available today.

The platforms that you can manifest only stay active for a few seconds. However, during this time you are also able to surf on them. So, not only do they help you move up the level, but across as well. Each level has a set number of platforms that you can make. Once you set foot on a “real” platform, your number resets. For example, one level might allow 3 platforms, where another allows 10. That is how many you can create between the level’s static platforms.

OK, just need to keep going up without being hit by the neon death rockets from below and without running out of platforms? Easy.

This mechanic, along with how the levels are designed, causes Octahedron to be somewhat of a puzzle game. The platforming is great and comprises the core of the gameplay. However, the puzzle aspect to the game brings it to another level. It’s not just about precise jumps, but figuring out the correct path as well. There are just as many points where you need to stop and consider your next move as there are parts where you need to rely on your timing and precision. Octahedron nails a careful balance between puzzle and platforming throughout the experience.

There is so much variance to the levels as well. Each level seems to offer something new. The game is broken up into worlds and levels. Every time you beat a World, you are provided with a new platform for you to use. The first section has a standard platform; the second section has a platform that shoots a projectile down, and so on. The levels in each World are then uniquely built around using the platform ability. Not only is the World different, due to the distinctive platforms, but even every level seemed to introduce a new idea or obstacle. I was honestly amazed that each level felt fresh and offered new challenges consistently. The game never felt stale.

This level had platforms that shot out of the wall. They can crush you, but they can also block the evil pink diamonds of death.

There are other decisions that the developers made that added to the quality of life for this type of game. Like many games of this ilk, there are items for you to break, which will then produce a collectible. In the case of Octahedron, the breakables are light bulbs, and the collectibles are flowers. However, the flowers do not drop from the lightbulbs. Instead, the spring up somewhere further within the level. I loved this idea because it promoted the forward movement of the game. You never had to stop progressing or backtrack to pick up the flowers. The small innovations like this are what makes Octahedron stand out.

The puzzle-platforming gameplay is done exceptionally well, but it is the visuals and music that takes Octahedron to the next level. The soundtrack is exceptional. The pulsing synthwave beats keep you moving and pairs perfectly with the psychedelic, Tron-like visuals. Also, the music is incorporated within the gameplay. Some of the enemies move to the beat, or platforms will disappear and reappear with the music. It is easy to get lost in a trance-like state while playing.

Here I am destroying a virus-like baddie with my platform, about to grab some flowers and smash some light bulbs!

There was a lot of thought that went into Octahedron. From the innovations on the platformer genre to the incorporation of the music and visuals with the gameplay, there is a lot to like here. If like me, you are a fan of great platforming and the neo-80s aesthetic, this game is a perfect addition to your Switch library.

We loved Octahedron so much we reached out to the developer himself! Check out our interview to get an in-depth look at the development process of this superb platformer. Want to know what the inspiration for the art style was? Or how the use of music was developed in Octahedron? Go have a gander and learn something new today!

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