Contrast is a puzzle platform game thats uses light and dark as a puzzle mechanic, having the player shift betwwen the real world and the world of shadows to progress and explore.
Set in a dreamlike, vaudevillian world of the 1920s, the game follows the story of Didi and her imaginary friend Dawn. Didi is an independent, adventure-loving, spirited little girl who lives with her mother, Kat. Her father, Johnny, left Didi and Kat some time ago, but Didi yearns for her father’s return every day and compensates for his absence through Dawn.
Platforming
The game starts out as a 3D platformer, where the player controls Dawn and she jumps between platforms. Whenever Dawn's shadow appears on one of the walls she can jump into the shadows on the wall, changing the controls into a 2D platformer.
Whenever Dawn jumps into the shadows she is confinded to a 2D perspective and can run and jump along the wall, using the shadows of the real world objects to navigate on solid ground. If at any point Dawn reaches an area where shadows are not available, such as a sharp corner, she will automatically jump back into the real world.
All shadow objects have similar properties to their real world counterparts. Objects moving in the real world will move along the wall, as long as the shadow lines up correctly. Also, objects far apart from each other may become closer if the perspective of the shadows connect them, making travelling otherwise impossible gaps much easier. Likewise, the shadows of close objects may create large gaps.
Puzzles
When in the real world Dawn can interact with objects in the environment marked by glowing dots. This can be used for simple things, such as opening doors and flipping switches, but also sets up most of the game's puzzles. Many times, Dawn will be unable to reach a platform by herself, but if she moves a real-world object, it will create new shadows that her shadow self can cross. Additionally, Dawn will frequently have the ability to alter lights, such as spotlights, in order to change the size, shape, or location of various shadows.
Collectibles
Throughout levels, Dawn may collect glowing orbs called Luminaries. Scattered in all kinds of places, these can be inserted to restore power to objects that run on electronics, such as a carousel.
As you travel you can also collect other real world objects, such as posters and newspapers, to learn more about the character and the world in which they live.
