Game #1281: Concrete Genie

 I've got nothing in concrete to say.

 Well, if anything, at least Concrete Genie is something different from the norm, which is a godsend considering how homogenous games have gotten as of late. This is a very simple adventure game in which you paint your way out of trouble.

 In the game you play as Ash, as he sets out to revive his town by using his art. The town is dark and bleak, completely covered in darkness, and bullies reign outside. Your main objective is to use your brush to paint under lights to light them up, and thus drive the darkness away. Painting is very simple, you tap R2 to enter Paint Mode, and then go through albums to pick different drawing you can place on the walls. These drawings are magic, so they animate ever so slightly. As you open up new parts of the town, the game actually remembers what and where you painted, which is massively cool. It's so amazing when backtracking to run across everything you drew exactly how you drew it. And, y'know, seeing the town covered in color feels pretty neat too. You can paint just for fun too, and the game will save it too!

 Sometimes, you'll need to paint genies to progress. Genie spots are highlighted on the ground, and these beings live inside the walls, you can hold down L1 to make them try to make their way next to you. They come in different colors and they can interact with different objects in order to help you progress, plus, sometimes they'll ask for a specific drawing. Make them happy and they'll give you Super Paing, the only way to clear concentrated darkness.

 The game is very chill, throughout most of the game the only enemies are the bullies, which you have to avoid by parkouring around or make noise to make them move from wherever they are. Exploring the town will reward you with more drawings for your sketchbook.

 The drawing is meant to be done with motion controls, but you can turn them off. I did. The collision detection sometimes feels a bit off, but it's nothing too bad.

 Lastly, two thirds into the game, combat is introduced. It's very basic, a simple attack and dodge affair. It was a bit boring, as the game is much better when it's you and the walls, but at least it's inoffensive... even if enemies can maybe soak more damage than they should. 

 Concrete Genie is pretty alright. It's a very charming game, which while not terribly fun, is a breath of fresh air.

 7.0