The Plane Effect
Release Date: September 23, 2021
Adventure, isometric view, puzzle elements, dystopia, arcade elements, indie games, experimental/artistic, singleplayer
OpenCritic
Steam
A dark adventure game that transports us to a dystopian world. In The Plane Effect we play as Solo, who after finishing his job plans to return to his home and family, while being unsure if he even has one.
The Plane Effect is a dark adventure game. It is a result of collaboration between Innovina Interactive and StudioKiku, and was published by PQube.
Plot
In The Plane Effect, we take on the role of a character called Solo, who we accompany on his last day at work. After leaving the office, the protagonist intends to return home to his waiting family, but things unexpectedly start to get complicated. He is not only unsure whether he actually has a home and a family, but also feels that he is constantly being watched. In addition, he finds himself caught up in a whirlwind of events that break with logic and his previous perception of time and space.
Mechanics
In The Plane Effect we observe the action from an isometric view. Although we start the game in the office where Solo works (or rather, worked), we soon find ourselves in increasingly grim and strange locations. We visit, among others, the city streets, where we can encounter electrocuting drones, and we also find ourselves in gloomy interiors filled with technology. We explore these environments and solve puzzles, witnessing more and more strange events and avoiding dangers. As we progress, we try to solve the mystery of the protagonist's place in the world and the situation in which he found himself.
Technical aspects
Graphics of The Plane Effect has a simple and unique style, which may bring to mind the graphic design of the game Inside. The gloomy atmosphere is created by the limited colours and lighting of the locations, as well as the music that accompanies the game.
Videos and Screens
[2:06] The Plane Effect trailer #2
[1:33] The Plane Effect trailer #1
PlayStation Universe: 2 / 10 by Martyn Locker
The Plane Effect tries its best to be interesting but unfortunately fails to provide any entertainment value in what's ultimately a pretentious, self-centred affair. Gaming is supposed to be a form of escapism, yet this one simulates the depressing tedium of a 9-5 cubicle job a little too well.
Hey Poor Player: 3 / 5 by Heather Johnson Yu
The Plane Effect strikes me as a fairly polarizing experience that won’t be for everyone. If you prefer gameplay mechanics over aesthetics and deeper meaning, turn back now; if you love a cinematic, visually arresting journey and don’t mind clunky controls, this might be the surreal commute from another dimension for you. I can’t guarantee The Plane Effect will be your favorite game this year, but I can promise a unique experience that will make you feel all sorts of emotions; whether those emotions are awe or anger is anyone’s guess.
Nindie Spotlight: 6.8 / 10 by Justin Nation
This really feels like one of those games where people will walk away with wildly different opinions depending on their tastes...
The Plane Effect Summary
Platforms:
PC / Windows September 23, 2021
PlayStation 5 September 23, 2021
Xbox Series X/S September 23, 2021
Switch September 23, 2021
PlayStation 4 December 2, 2021
Xbox One December 2, 2021
Developer: Innovina Interactive / Studio Kiku (PC) / Studio Kiku (Switch) / Studio Kiku (PS5) / Studio Kiku (XSX)
Publisher: pQube
Age restrictions: 12+
The Plane Effect System Requirements
PC / Windows
Minimum: Intel Core i5-2500K 3.3 GHz / AMD FX-8150 3.6 GHz, 4 GB RAM, graphic card 2 GB GeForce GTX 550 Ti / Radeon HD 6790 or better, 4 GB HDD, Windows 7/8/10 64-bit
Recommended: Intel Core i5 2.8 GHz, 8 GB RAM, graphic card 8 GB GeForce GTX 1080 or better, 4 GB HDD, Windows 10 64-bit