Freebie Feelers… Element4l

Freebie Feelers is a series where we download the free monthly console-specific or newly released free-to-play games to test their worth.This series will contain some useful information as well as plenty of personal opinion. While these articles may not be reviews, we hope that you will be able to use them to help decide whether that free download is worth it.

What is it?

Element4l is an immersive and experimental platformer that focuses on gameplay that flows giving the player a unique experience. Taking control of four elements who are bound together, the player must use each of them to traverse the levels and push forward on their journey to shape life. Testing your reflexes and visual senses, Element4l gives the classic platform formula a fresh coat of paint.

What did you think?

Sometimes when I look at games which has a strong visual style as Element4l, I can’t wait to jump into it and see what the gameplay is like. Promising a platforming experience with four controllable elements, I was interested from the get-go. When you get into the core gameplay loop after the initial tutorial stages, it shows that there is a lot more to the title than meets the eye. There is a sense of beauty within the way you are encouraged to play, with the different properties and forces of each element and the environment. A sense of beauty that carries over into the visual and audio design of the game.

By using the corresponding face button on the PlayStation Vita to switch between Air, Stone, Fire and Ice, you are able to interact with the world differently with each element having a time and a place to be picked. For example; using Stone to drop down at high speed and then switching to Ice will give you a much needed speed boost to make large jumps. Air allows you to bounce up through the open space to climb to new heights. Fire, besides letting you touch other fire, grants a small dash forward of explosive energy that aids in moving forward. What is great about Element4l is that you can mix and match the elements together in multiple ways to find a solution to the levels that works without feeling like the game is holding your hand, granting a great feel of freedom.

One point that was a drawback to the enjoyment of Element4l was the text used within the game. As odd as it sounds the font was a bit hard to read on the PlayStation Vita as the letters seemed a bit too close together. This doesn't make it impossible to read however, you are still able to enjoy the game without too much concern of the font choice.

Is it worth downloading?

Normally priced at £6.49, Element4l is an impressive and captivating title that is a joy to play on the PlayStation Vita. Should you consider downloading it as part of July’s PlayStation Plus lineup? Of course you should. The elemental based physics fun added to the simply beautiful visual style that makes for a deeply engaging title. You have until the end of the month to grab this title, so make sure you do before it’s gone as it is one you will enjoy.