Tandem: A Tale of Shadows

Tandem: A Tale of Shadows in an original way combines elements of a platform game with features characteristic for puzzle games. The game was developed by Monochrome Paris studio, and its release was handled by Hatinh Interactive.

Plot

Tandem: A Tale of Shadows takes us on a journey to Victorian London. The main character of the game is a girl named Emma. The protagonist gets to the estate of Henry and Margaret Kane, the famous English illusionists, whose ten-year-old son - Thomas - disappeared in mysterious circumstances. The investigation led by Scotland Yard has come to a standstill, so our protégée decides to conduct her own investigation.

Trying to solve the mystery of her peer's disappearance, Emma must explore a grim, 19th century mansion and face the challenges and dangers that await her there. Luckily, the girl does not have to go it alone, as she is accompanied by Fenton the bear, who helps her solve numerous puzzles.

Mechanics

In Tandem: A Tale of Shadows we get two playable characters, between which we can freely switch. Controlling Emma, we observe the action in top-down view, while controlling Fenton, we watch his actions from the side. Emma can move elements of the environment, and holds a brightly lit lamp. Fenton, on the other hand, doesn't care about gravity or the laws of physics, which allows him to run through both walls and shadows.

Together, the heroes explore 45 different locations full of puzzles that require them to work closely together to solve. By moving objects and positioning herself to create the right shadow pattern, Emma enables Fenton to reach an otherwise inaccessible location. There, in turn, a lever may be waiting for him, the use of which will open his companion (and, by extension, himself) to a further path. From time to time, the unusual duo are interrupted by enemies (led by bosses guarding access to further parts of Kane's mansion). To defeat them, Emma and Fenton must act quickly and be inventive.

Technical aspects

The graphics in Tandem: A Tale of Shadows highlight the differences between the characters. When you control Emma, everything is colourful and pleasing to the eye, while as Fenton you see the world in shades of grey, like in the cult Limbo.