SHIFT extended
A look at the gameplay mechanics of Zallag's PSN puzzle platformer.
What is SHIFT extended?!
The storyline :
Locked up with other subjects of a scientific experiment, the character you control does not really matter. What does matter is only one thing: survival. Escape the many traps of the game and find your way through this gigantic maze.
The original concept of SHIFT that led to its success :
Right from the start, SHIFT extended was designed very differently than other maze games (which consists of trying various paths until finding the right one). The player will soon realize that the gameplay mechanics are not based on what’s immediately visible on the screen. On the contrary, it’s all about what’s invisible; hidden in perspective and what often looks impossible. Unless the players uses the “SHIFT” function…
The « SHIFT » mechanic lets the player completely reverse the character (aka. subject 32763) and the level he’s in. This changes radically the architecture of the levels.
White becomes black, the ground is now air, up is down and left is right: everything is shifted 180 degrees. This allows the player to shift the environment at will and therefore find new ways to get to the exit.
Activating SHIFT:
This « SHIFT » mechanic forces the players to change their perception of space. In SHIFT extended they won’t be able to find their way like they would do in a classic maze. This unexpected way of interacting with the environment will be essential to go through all the twisted levels of the game.
It’s as much about getting you lost as it is about slowing you down :
Don’t forget that subject 12378 is in a very dangerous scientific experiment where everything is taken into account – including time. Stay alert at all times and hurry up to get out of it alive. Your survival depends on it…
SHIFT extended will therefore please two different types of players:
- Those who will enjoy racking their brains and resolve the levels one after the other
- Those looking for an intense challenge. The progress of the players being timed means scoring as an additional motivator. (One of the many new features of this console version).
The next PR will detail the specifics of this new version (new gameplay mechanics, additional levels, new features) and will point out the differences with the original PC version.
ABOUT THE GAME
Title: SHIFT extented
Genre: Platform / Puzzle
Platform: PlayStation®Portable and PlayStation®3
Distribution: PlayStation®Store
Number of players: 1
Publisher: Zallag
Developer: Fishing Cactus (Original PC developer: Armor Games)
http://armorgames.com/store/
http://www.fishingcactus.com/en/index.htm
Release date: Q4 2010
Press contact: Alix Brunet
abrunet@zallag.com
To be continued on: www.facebook.com/shiftextendedminis
ABOUT ZALLAG
Full name: Zallag
Activitie(s): Publishing video games and comics
Website: www.zallag.com
Social networks: Present on Facebook and on Twitter
Founded in 2009, Zallag is the 1st company specialized in publishing-distribution-promotion of entertainment content digitally distributed only. Three games are currently under development. Zallag is interested in all current platforms (WiiWare™, Nintendo DSiWare™, XBOX Live, PlayStation®Network, PC) and also publishes comic books to enrich their game’s universe.
About fishing Cactus
Fishing Cactus is an independent game development studio founded in 2008 in Belgium. Specialized in creating digital games for consoles and mobile devices (iPhone, iPad, XBLA, WiiWare™, PlayStation®Network, PSP™), Fishing Cactus aims to develop great games and offer unique gaming experiences on each platform.
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