In FINIS, developed by k148 Game Studio and published by Jandusoft for the PlayStation 5, players are invited to embark on a unique psychological evaluation journey rooted in the principles of the Lüscher test – a very creative gameplay approach. As you delve into the game’s intricate design, you’ll find yourself presented with eight different paths, each represented by a distinct color choice. This, however, is not your typical puzzle game; it’s a cerebral exploration of emotions and personality traits, promising a thought-provoking experience and certainly one that piqued our curiosity.
The premise of FINIS is undeniably intriguing, blending first-person puzzle-solving with a psychological evaluation based on the Lüscher color test. As you navigate through the game’s 21 multiverses, each tailored to the path dictated by your color choices, you encounter diverse scenarios ranging from calm landscapes to the chaos of war, presenting a broad spectrum of emotional experiences. The promise of hundreds of possible combinations based on your decisions adds an element of replayability, encouraging players to explore the intricacies of their own psyche – though you get the best results when you make intuitive choices.
However, even with its unique concept, FINIS faces challenges in execution – notably in terms of controls. Some key mechanics aren’t clearly explained, and sometimes the button-mapping introduces confusion more than anything. This takes a little away from the puzzle-solving experience, and also detracts from the attractive visual design for the game – which makes good use of the Unreal engine.
On the positive side, the incorporation of the Lüscher color test into the gameplay is a novel and well-implemented idea. The psychological evaluation aspect, despite its simplicity, manages to provide a surprisingly accurate reflection of the player’s choices and, by extension, their personality – making for a unique experience in gaming. The quick playtime is also a benefit in this sense, making FINIS a suitable choice for another playthrough or something you’d like someone else to experience.
However, the game’s Achilles’ heel lies in its narrative and storytelling. The 21 multiverses and eight different paths, while promising variety, fall short in delivering a cohesive and engaging narrative. The visual narratives within these multiverses lack depth, leaving players disconnected from the overarching storyline. The potential for a truly immersive and thought-provoking experience is there, but it remains unrealized due to the disjointed storytelling.
In conclusion, FINIS stands as a commendable attempt to fuse psychological evaluation with puzzle-solving gameplay. The exploration of the Lüscher test within a video game format is unique and captivating, offering players a chance to reflect on their choices and potentially discover a different outcome. However, the game’s narrative shortcomings and control-related issues hinder its ability to fully realize its potential. For those intrigued by introspective gaming experiences, FINIS may still be worth a try, but expectations should be tempered to align with its strengths and weaknesses.
Score: 6.4/10
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