Anodyne is a pretty spare 3d platformer and a pretty spare 2d puzzle game packaged into one charming, if underwhelming experience. The writing is in turns goofy fun, touching, melodramatic, and overwrought. The core message of the game would be meaningful if the dustbound weren't living such naive lives - their edenic world is emotionally simple wish fulfillment, despite it's claims to be the more nuanced/difficult way of life within the world of the game. I also found the themes a little thin on the ground, and in particular felt like the interior worlds of the 2d space weren't really contrasted with the 3d world in a way that felt meaningful. I was waiting for a moment that the constriction of the center would be reflected in the constriction of the single screened 2d worlds, and the freedom of the dustbound reflected in the freedom of an open 3d environment. This was hinted at a few times, especially with the end of the confrontation route, but I felt like ultimately the 3d->2d was mostly gameplay gimmick.

I'm still recommending the game because I think it's worth playing if you're interested in this kinda game, I just wish it had more substance.

Anodyne is a pretty spare 3d platformer and a pretty spare 2d puzzle game packaged into one charming, if underwhelming experience. The writing is in turns goofy fun, touching, melodramatic, and overwrought. The core message of the game would be meaningful if [spoiler]the dustbound weren't living such naive lives - their edenic world is emotionally simple wish fulfillment, despite it's claims to be the more nuanced/difficult way of life within the world of the game.[/spoiler] I also found the themes a little thin on the ground, and in particular felt like the interior worlds of the 2d space weren't really contrasted with the 3d world in a way that felt meaningful. I was waiting for a moment that the [spoiler]constriction of the center would be reflected in the constriction of the single screened 2d worlds, and the freedom of the dustbound reflected in the freedom of an open 3d environment.[/spoiler] This was hinted at a few times, especially with the end of the confrontation route, but I felt like ultimately the 3d->2d was mostly gameplay gimmick. I'm still recommending the game because I think it's worth playing if you're interested in this kinda game, I just wish it had more substance.