Tandem: A Tale of Shadows (2021)

Tandem: A Tale of Shadows redefines the puzzle platformer genre with a unique gameplay and exceptional aesthetics. Help Emma and the teddy bear Fenton solve the mystery of the disappearance of the famous magician Thomas Kane.

Platform Puzzle Adventure Indie Action Fantasy retro investigation steampunkPlayStation 4, PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox One, Nintendo Switch

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Character

Plot-driven, grave, earnest and intimate.

character-ledplot-driven
gravecomic
earnestironic
intimateepic
resolvedopen-ended

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From the critics

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Screen RantScott BairdOct 20214.5/5 stars
Tandem: A Tale of Shadows is a short game, but each stage is well-crafted, with the puzzles being just difficult enough to make the player feel smart for solving them, while never being so obtuse that they become frustrating. The creepy world of toys and monsters in the Kane Manor is a lot of fun to explore, and learning how to change the shape of shadows to the player's need stays intriguing until the end.
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GamingTrendRichard AllenNov 202185/100
Tandem: A Tale of Shadows is a surprisingly unique twist on the puzzle genre, making incredible use of light and shadow. The dual character perspective is clever, and helps to create increasingly complex puzzles, which thankfully avoid crossing the line from challenging to frustrating. The short length may upset players hoping for a longer adventure, but helps keep the game flowing smoothly and prevents its core gameplay from becoming stale. Add in a beautifully crafted world and unique boss fights, and Tandem begins to stand out from other puzzler games currently on the market.
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GameSpaceOct 20218.5/10
Tandem: A Tale of Shadows is a pleasure to play through, leaving the burning desire to learn what's next and a storm of emotions and feelings as the game's storyline reaches its conclusion.
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Gamer EscapeJustin MercerOct 20214/10
In spite of a unique aesthetic and passable puzzles, Tandem: A Tale of Shadows struggles to keep itself exciting. The almost complete lack of narrative thrust and droning gameplay progression drag it down from the moment it begins, and its failure to capitalize on its more attention-grabbing elements guarantees a disappointing experience out of a game that could have easily been more.
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GameSpewRichard SeagraveNov 20216/10
As long as you go into Tandem: A Tale of Shadows not expecting a riveting tale or a high level of polish, chances are you’ll have an enjoyable time with it. As puzzles games go, it doesn’t feel entirely original – Shady Part of Me offered a somewhat similar experience earlier in the year – but there’s enough here to keep those who like to put their thinking caps on entertained for a fair while.
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Snippets via OpenCritic, where 48% of critics recommend it.

About the game

Platforms: PlayStation 4, PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Developer: Monochrome Paris
Publisher: Hatinh Interactive
Released: September 25, 2021
Modes: Single player
Perspective: Bird view / Isometric
Engine: Unreal Engine 4
Time to beat: 5 h rushed · 6 h main story · 7 h completionist

IGDB rating 7.5/10 from 6 ratings.

Screenshots

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