Andrew Glester reviews the computer game Exographer developed by SciFunGames
In an era where video games often prioritize fast-paced action and instant gratification, Exographer offers a refreshing change. With a contemplative journey that intertwines the realms of particle physics and interactive storytelling, this beautifully pixelated game invites players to explore a decaying alien civilization through the lens of scientific discovery while challenging them with dexterity and intellect.
Exographer was developed by particle physicist and science-fiction author Raphaël Granier de Cassagnac and his video-game studio SciFunGames. At its core, it is a puzzle-platformer – where the player’s character has to move around an environment using platforms while solving puzzles. The character in question is Ini, an alien explorer who discovers a multifunctional camera in the opening scenes of the game’s narrative. Stranded on a seemingly deserted planet, Ini is tasked with unlocking the mystery of the world’s fallen civilization.
The camera quickly becomes central to gameplay, allowing for environmental analysis, teleportation to previously visited locations and, most intriguingly, the discovery of subatomic particles through puzzles inspired by Feynman diagrams. These challenges require players to match particle trajectories using various analytical tools, mirroring the investigative processes of real-world physicists.
It is in these games where the particle physics really shines through. Beamlines have to be tracked and redirected to unveil greater understanding of the particles that make up this strange land and, with that, Ini’s abilities to understand the world.
As you crack one puzzle, a door opens and off you pootle to another blockage or locked door. Players will doubtless, as I did, find themselves wandering around areas pondering how to unlock it. A tip for those a little stuck: use the camera wherever a background seems a little different. In most circumstances, clues and cues will be waiting there.
Pixels and particles
The game’s environments are meticulously crafted, drawing inspiration from actual laboratories and observatories. I played the game on Nintendo Switch, but it is also available on several other platforms – including PS5, Xbox and Steam – and it looks pretty much identical on each. The pixel art style is not merely a visual choice but a thematic one, symbolizing the fundamental “pixels” of the universe of elementary particles. As players delve deeper, they encounter representations of particles including electrons, gluons and muons, each unlocking new abilities that alter gameplay and exploration.
Meanwhile, the character of Ini moves in a smooth and – for those gamers among us with a love of physics – realistic way. There is even a hint of lighter gravity as you hold down the button to activate a longer jump.
What sets Exographer apart is its ability to educate without compromising entertainment. The integration of scientific concepts is seamless, offering players a glimpse into the world of particle physics without overwhelming them. However, it’s worth noting that some puzzles may present a steep learning curve, potentially posing challenges for those less familiar with scientific reasoning.
Complementing the game’s visual and intellectual appeal is its atmospheric soundtrack, composed by Yann Van Der Cruyssen, known for his work on the game Stray. As with Stray – where you take the role of a stray cat with a backpack – the music enhances the sense of wonder and discovery, underscoring the game’s themes of exploration and scientific inquiry.
Exographer is more than just a game; it’s an experience that bridges the gap between science and (pixelated) art. It challenges players to think critically, to explore patiently, and to appreciate the intricate beauty of the universe’s building blocks. For those willing to engage with its depth, Exographer offers a rewarding journey that lingers after the console is turned off.
- 2024 SciFunGames and Abylight Studios Nintendo Switch £17.99; PS5 £15.99; Xbox £16.74; PC £16.75
