Semispheres is a single-player stealth puzzler where you simultaneously control two characters in connected parallel realities. The game is a mix of mind-bending puzzles and motor coordination challenges. Later levels introduce the co-op aspect of the game where the two sides need to work together (sometimes simultaneously) to progress.
Semispheres is a short but sweet title with a simple aesthetic that belies a surprisingly complex set of puzzles. Controlling two characters simultaneously takes a fair amount of dexterity, which can at times be more of a challenge than the puzzles themselves. Despite this, there is some clever design on display here with some devilish levels and multiple...
Semispheres promises quite a lot but doesn't deliver the whole lot. That doesn't mean it's not a competent work, far from it – it's a very relaxing game with a fine difficulty curve and for those looking for a quick break, it will seem even better...but it could go further and bring a greater, more rewarding challenge and that's what's missing here...
Overall then, Semispheres is a wonderful puzzle game with some incredibly clever level designs that will leave you stumped at times, a tricky but enjoyable twin-stick system, and a beautifully designed world with pleasing visuals and sound. A couple of things let the experience down slightly and the whole thing can be completed in under three hours,...
The bottom line is if you are looking for a game you can pick up when you have 15 minutes or two hours to spare, look no further. There's no gear grind, there's no falling behind if you don't play for a day or a week and the mechanics are easy enough that you don't have to start over if you take too much time off. It has become part of my evening...
Apart from unnecessary narrative and simultaneous action-oriented stray deviations, Semispheres deploys its half stealthy / half puzzling mechanics to their full extent, more easily experienced with a second player thanks to the Joy-Con.
