The Talos Principle: Deluxe Edition Review – PlayStation 4

Croteam, the development studio behind the Serious Sam games, are perhaps not known for thought-provoking, philosophical brainteasers. So, it came as a true shock to see The Talos Principle grow intro a truly rewarding narrative journey as it progressed. Make no mistake- this is a game that should not be missed. For fans of Portal, or those looking forward to the upcoming release of The Witness, it’s a must-play.

The Talos Principle places you in the role of an android. You awaken and set out to explore what seems at first to be several interlocked multi-cultural ruins, but soon discover they’re all actually simulations running out of a hub world. The truth of the reality that surrounds you is actually far more complicated. Progress is made by solving a series of puzzles that grow in both difficulty and complexity. Initially, you’re presented with a jamming tool, but as the game goes on, new tools and ways in which to use them are introduced. At its heart, Talos is a puzzle game, but to simplify it to that degree is selling it severely short.

In a broader sense, Talos is an exploration of humanity. What does it mean to be human? What role does religion and philosophy have in our lives? Should they have roles in our lives? Sure, these are all themes and questions asked by everyone from Plato to Phillip K. Dick, but Croteam and its writing staff (including the mind behind titles like FTL and The Swapper) put a fresh spin on them and lay the groundwork for one of several possible thought-provoking endings.

Visually, Talos is a gorgeous game. It runs at a mostly solid 60fps, and the look of the world is extremely easy on the eyes. At first, you would think high tech and ancient locals would clash with each other, but they don’t at all. The world quickly grows on you and becomes a place you want to explore. The puzzles are (mostly) presented in a simple enough order that you’re taught without heavy exposition and explanation, and the games mechanics quickly become intuitive. From there, it’s simply a matter of wrapping your mind around them. The narrative is compelling without overriding game play or world building, and you can invest as much or as little of yourself as you like.

That’s not to say that this is a perfect game. Occasional graphic glitches and pop-in (unintentional ones, unlike those that are built to show how the world is a simulation) can be distracting and remove you from the moment. Also, not every single mechanic is clearly explained or gotten across to the player. There are times where you’ll have no idea what to do, and (hopefully) will accidentally stumble into being able to do something you had no idea you could do. These are minor complaints, however- ones that I will barely remember when I think back on my time with Talos.

It might seem like I’m being vague when it comes to certain storytelling and game play elements, but like other narrative-driven fps puzzle games, the enjoyment comes from experience and revelation. To have too much of it presented would only ruin some of the surprises you’re in store for when you get your hands on this game. It may not be the greatest game ever made, but The Talos Principle asks a lot of questions, supplies a few answers, and leaves certain things open to interpretation that few other games have out forth in the medium. I was certainly surprised by the end result, and I can’t wait to see where Croteam and company go from here. Whatever your platform of choice, get this game- especially if you’re a fan of puzzles and inquisitive science-fiction. It’s a great, albeit sometimes frustrating, ride.

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Author: Mike Murphy
Mike Murphy is a freelance writer/artist based in Portland, Or. In addition to handling game reviews, he also writes comics, novels, and short stories. For more information feel free to check out chibicomicspdx.tumblr.com or twitter.com/chibi_mike.

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