PAX West Spotlight: A Fold Apart
By: Scarlette
Based on a true story, A Fold Apart is a 3D puzzle game that explores the emotional struggles of a couple maintaining a long-distance relationship. Robyn and Mark love each other very much but they are separated on opposite sides of a piece of paper. Only by folding the paper is the player able to create pathways across the impossible divide between them.
With over fifty levels set amongst the couple’s shared memories of the past, struggles of the present, and hopes for the future, A Fold Apart is sure to touch the hearts and minds of puzzle gamers everywhere.
A Fold Apart does not try to hide what it is: an emotional narrative about trying to keep a long distance relationship functioning and healthy.
In this day either you've been in long distance relationship or know somebody who has been and I think that's what struck a chord with me when I first received communications about this charmingly bittersweet 3D puzzle game
We see plenty of games hit the market where romance is an additional element to the story, sometimes functioning as a plot device, but rarely do we see a game where the conflicts of the a -long distance or otherwise- relationship serves as the actual antagonist of the plot, or even serve as a particular level
When players pick up A Fold Apart they immediately notice that in order to maintain the protagonist relationship its much more than a stat and event management type of game...You, as the player and the game's couple, are taking a more active approach to resolving a potential relationship conflict by solving the 3D puzzles- levels- that are representative of the strife the in game couple is trying to overcome.
Lack of communication, misunderstanding, lonlieness, all relevant events that long distance relationships face; A Fold Apart gives these conflicts a visual representation that the couple has to over come together- by folding and pivoting the level in such a way where the couple clears the stage...essentially, overcoming the problem in their relationship.
A Fold Apart uses puzzle and "folding" mechanics for its game play- essentially, the player tries to manipulate the platform in such a way for your couple to make it to their goal, sometimes located on opposite side of the "paper" (level). Players will drag the level, or paper, and fold it over in small sections, large sections, maybe sometimes undo their folds to achieve the desired outcome- just like origami
The controls are easy to understand (page highlights, toggle the joystick, use the bumper button) and do not take long to pick up. Some tinkering here and there and players who enjoy puzzle games will be along their way to helping the game's couple communicate
The game runs smoothly as your folding levels, a few times I got a little caught up trying to figure out what the level was asking me to do, but it's nothing I couldn't resolve by back tracking and looking more closely at the level set up and the visual cues on the paper. The mechanics feel simple and fluid, making for an enjoyable experience
I also wanted to make it clear that A Fold Apart is ferociously adorable in it's art direction and level design. The game concept is honest and its endearing art design adds to the overall charm and art of the game.
A Fold Apart's origami/paper theme sets up for a cozy and comfortable atmosphere. the delightfully blocky character design make for enjoyable gaming as players discover the level. Colors are bright and vivid, easily indicating the tone or mood that is currently happening in the game. Players are able to easily able to pick up visual cues, as nothing is lost in the level design
Players may have some slight confusion is trying to figure out where certain goals need to meet each other, as the game level are not one dimensional, but players will not spend an excess amount of time wondering what the objective is. Quick assessment of the level (push the all the buttons a few times!) allows players to understand what is being asked of them to complete
Finally, the soundtrack to the game compliments its visuals, adorable music box like tracks play, lulling players into a state of coziness and comfort. That isnt to say, its highly likely when A Fold Apart reaches emotional points, its music will match the tone with no issues. Players will be able to hear the audible tone to the event
Overall, A Fold Apart's demo is a tasty teaser of what is to come and I'm very excited to see the full product- maybe even have a good cry as a I play a game...and there isnt anything wrong with that. If you're at Pax West this year, stop by and play the demo, I'm sure you'll enjoy it!
A Fold Apart is scheduled to release late 2019 and will be available on PC, Switch, Playstation 4 and Xbox One