To The Green – Linelight

There is a definite beauty and appreciation in simplicity. Simplicity in this case is in the form of understanding, not that the tasks ahead in a game like Linelight may be easy to complete or figure out. Linelight is a perfect example of taking an idea to its fullest. In other words, depth not breadth—something many games could take a lesson from. 

You play as a small line of light named Dash, whose seemingly sole mission is to reach the next node of light before moving on. Along the way Dash seems to have to compete against other lines of light, and avoid them, while trying to figure out the solution to the current puzzle.

Linelight promises a variety of gameplay and unique combinations to offer a refreshing puzzle game that has a deceptively large amount of complexity. Most of your time will be spent trying to figure out the correct order, or pathway, to follow, avoiding enemies while doing so, and figuring out the correct sequence of events to open up the path to the end. 

Just about everything triggers depending on where Dash is, which means that movement and awareness of what is on the "map" or "level" at any given time will be imperative. Some things are triggered by Dash going over their location on the line, others on trigger with Dash on the other side of the line.

Those that take a look at the Greenlight page will see some levels that look relatively similar to something you'd see in The Witness. I don't think comparing the two games here is a bad thing to do, as in a sense one could see Linelight as a puzzle game largely based around mazes. Both apply different concepts, and in Linelight's case, it applies a much different persentation. For The Witness, most of the mazes are presented in a largely similar matter, figuring out the puzzle comes in how certain things are placed on the maze. Linelight has more freedom in what and where the line's go. All of that is to say that those that enjoyed the puzzles in The Witness may find some interest in Linelight.

All of this is tied together with a light soundtrack and slick presentation. Linelight's aesthetic matches the game near-perfect in that it is simple and easily understood immediately. The game promises the same in its mechanics, with the understanding that it can get a whole lot more complex.

In any case, from the video at the beginning you'll likely know whether or not Linelight is for you. If you think it is, take a look at the Greenlight page and give it a thumbs up if you deem it worthy.

What do you think of Linelight? What else could we feature from Steam Greenlight?