The first time I saw this it left me stumped until I realized that the I had in fact found the reflector on a raised platform.

Within a puzzle or two, however, it becomes clear why such elements are introduced at such a gentle pace, as a from these simple mechanical foundations towering puzzles are built.Įven the simple reflection mechanic is given extra depth by not allowing beams to cross. For example, when you first unlock the reflective prisms that enable you to redirect a single beam of light to multiple sources you can't help but feel a little patronized by the overly slow pace. At times, with the more self-explanatory mechanics, this can be frustrating. Each new mechanic is unlocked at a good pace and subtly teaches you how it works. The Talos Principle is fantastic at introducing and expanding its conundrums. It is a lofty comparison indeed, but a deserved one as The Talos Principle's ingenious puzzles and strong, branching (if self-serious) narrative easily measure up. In that regard this is like Portal 2, another first-person puzzler that continues to alter it mechanics while being narrated to by a higher power. Where The Talos Principle differs from these other titles is that it is set in a first-person 3D world. As with these 2D puzzlers the goal is to unlock, reflect, and otherwise manipulate switches and locks with the various tools at your disposal. At their heart these brain-busters are similar to those top-down, light-and-mirror puzzles and other similar awareness games. It’s a good thing this is so straightforward too, because it leaves your brain free to contemplate the game’s fiendish puzzles. Moving through the world is thus a familiar task, with picking up and utilizing items executed in much the same way as targeting and firing would be in an FPS.

While much of The Talos Principle is unique and refreshing in a multitude of ways, its interface conforms to the standard first-person mold. Slowly, these terminals go beyond simple information depositories and they begin to communicate with you, questioning your status, and forcing you to ponder your existence and place in this new world as a machine.

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