Full Circle Magazine FR

Snapshot is a single player puzzle/platformer by Retro Affect. The story follows the adventures of an adorable robot named Pic. Pic is all alone, and armed with just a camera - a magical camera that has the ability to not only take pictures, but delete them as well. However, you are limited to just three photos, which introduces the challenge of using your snapshots wisely. Taking these real-time photographs is the heart of Snapshot, allowing you to solve each level by placing and rotating cubes to collect items and reach your goal. The environments are quite dynamic and Pic will also be called upon to interact with various creatures and objects to clear a stage. For example, you can activate levers to free blocks from no picture zones, or use flying elephants as a springboard onto a high ledge. Snapshot is mainly a puzzle game, but there are also solid platforming elements. As with other platformers, there are common dangers like fireballs and massive pits of spikes. Retro Affect was able to find the right balance between puzzle and platformer that is not too easy nor brutally challenging.

Although each level can be cleared fairly quickly, there is plenty incentive to replay levels to fully complete the stage. Each level has secret items that can be collected and added to your gallery. Just snap a photo of the object and it will automatically be added to your collection. Most of the items aren’t too hard to find, but it can be easy to overlook them if you’re just trying to beat the level. In addition to collecting all of the stars, the time trial allows you to beat your best time. All of this adds tremendous replay value in addition to the hundreds of levels in the game. Snapshot’s controls are simple and easy to learn - the keyboard controls navigation while the mouse operates the camera. The mouse buttons are for taking and deleting pictures, while moving the mouse around gives you a better look at your surroundings. The actual feel of the mechanics took a bit of getting used to as the controls have a tendency to be overly responsive. On one hand, it’s nice that Pic can jump so high with a single click, but he can also be difficult to control when the situation requires a little finesse. Aesthetically, Snapshot evokes memories of Rayman and Braid. All three games have a distinct artistic style, and the environments are colorful and vibrant. Although there are only subtle changes between the four environments, the visuals are gorgeous to look at. The soundtrack is equally beautiful and compliments the gameplay nicely.

Snapshot proves to be a clever puzzle game with just the right amount of challenge. It’s loads of fun and there are plenty of secrets, collectables, and, with over 100 levels, you’ll have lots to keep you coming back for more. If you weren’t able to snag the latest Humble Bundle, Snapshot is available for download at retroaffect.com and is redeemable on Steam. The DRM-free, cross platform gem will set you back $9.99 for the game only, but you can also get the game and soundtrack for $12.99. Pros: Fun concept, great replay value, balanced gameplay Cons: Touchy controls 40% Off The Book of GIMP For one week only, get 40% off The Book of GIMP, a complete, full-color guide to the free graphics editor. At 676 pages, it's everything you ever wanted to know about GIMP, and then some! Print books come with free ebook editions (DRM-free, of course). Use coupon code GIMPMASTER. Coupon code cannot be combined with other promotions. http://nostarch.com/gimp