Out of Line – Review
Our Rating: 7/10
Out of Line is a game about San trying to get out of a factory. Other people like him are on the run, and we’ve been pursued by sinister metal claws and mechanical spiders for the majority of the journey.
According to the producers, Out of Line is said to be about oppression, isolation, courage, optimism, and hope. This may be true. However, since this is another game with no text or dialogue, everything is left to the player’s imagination. Regardless, it’s clear that we’ve got a game here that emphasizes the importance of relationships formed in the face of adversity.
That is to say, our character will assist and be assisted by other “runaways” on several occasions. In contrast to other games of this genre, which feature more solitary and introspective journeys, synergy with specific NPCs is crucial to success.
Platform and Puzzles
Our protagonist wields a spear that functions similarly to a boomerang. Because there is no direct combat in the game, the spear is used to solve puzzles, avoid enemies, destroy scenery, and even serve as a platform.
When the character throws the spear at a wall, he can climb on top of it and use it as a trampoline. When the spear is inserted into certain devices, it transforms into a lever, allowing the character to control various platforms and gears.
Throwing the spear can also close circuits, allowing the energy to get where it needs to go if there is a broken cable. All of this is frequently used in puzzles, which typically involve a blocked path that must be cleared.
The player advances until he comes face to face with a “closed-door” in Out of Line, which has a very distinct cadence. A way to open the passage will be found in the surrounding area. What we need to do is focus on the situation and use our spear wisely to move forward.
Secrets and Collectibles
There aren’t many secrets or collectibles, and everything is very linear. The difficulty of the game is directly proportional to how long it takes you to “draw” the solution to puzzles. Some are very simple, while others require a little more effort. Ultimately, it surely isn’t a game that can leave the player “stuck,” unsure of how to proceed. You can easily get to the end even without having access to any guides or walkthroughs.
However, one thing to keep in mind is that some of the game’s puzzles have multiple stages. You’ll have to start over if you fail the final step or die in the middle of the process. This is a problem in even some chase sequences. In this regard, more frequent checkpoints would reduce the experience’s monotony and frustration.
Audio-visual
The term “paint face” can be used to describe a variety of games these days. Okami is a traditional Japanese-styled game with a “paint face.” Rayman Legends and Dragon’s Crown have already introduced a more stylized painting style to the Rayman franchise. We also have hand-drawn games in various styles such as Child of Light and Bladed Fury.
Out of Line has a beautiful paint finish, but it’s quite different. This, I believe, is the game that allows us to “see” each brushstroke the most, particularly in the vegetation. It has a strong and distinct artistic signature that immediately draws attention. Each frame of the game is designed to look like a beautiful painting. Complete with great parallax effects that give depth to the environment.
The sound department, on the other hand, is a little more reserved and understated. We spend a lot of time in this type of game just listening to ambient sounds or very subtle incidental music, as is customary. The soundtrack begins to take shape to complement more epic or dramatic scenes.
It’s worth noting that Out of Line includes menus and subtitles in multiple languages. Although there is no dialogue for us to follow, it’s always encouraging to see indie developers working hard to make their games accessible to as many people as possible.
Final Thoughts
Out of Line isn’t a groundbreaking game; we’ve seen this combination of 2D platforming and puzzles before. But he does it in style, injecting his flavor into a dish that is still quite tasty.
Out of Line is much more beautiful, colorful, and flashy than other games of its genre, which have a darker and oppressive vibe. There are chases and tense moments, but they are brief and do not attempt to be frightening. In general, evil creatures can be “converted,” transforming into more adorable and sympathetic versions that can aid us.
It is up to each individual to interpret the story, but I enjoyed the work overall. The game has a playful and hopeful feel to it, even without any dialogue, which warms people’s hearts. And it continues to do so in a visually stunning manner while also providing beneficial brain exercises.
Finally, the game sends a powerful message of empathy and collaboration. These are two qualities that are becoming increasingly important in people’s lives. And it arrived on the PC for less than the price of a pizza, so there’s no reason not to give it a shot and have some fun.