Contrast

About

CONTRAST is a puzzle/platform game where you can move between a fantastic 3D world and a mysterious shadowy universe in 2D in the blink of an eye. Delve into a dreamlike and surreal 1920s world, inspired by the performance art world of vaudeville and film noir, and cradled by a smooth and sultry jazz ambiance.

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8
Based on
2583 reviews
Country Compatibility:
Languages:
Developer:
Compulsion Games
Publisher:
Focus Entertainment
Engine:
Unreal Engine 3
Release date:
15 November 2013
Recent Steam reviews:
Very Positive (11)
All Steam reviews:
Very Positive (2583)

Game features

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Description

CONTRAST is a puzzle/platform game where you can move between a fantastic 3D world and a mysterious shadowy universe in 2D in the blink of an eye. Delve into a dreamlike and surreal 1920s world, inspired by the performance art world of vaudeville and film noir, and cradled by a smooth and sultry jazz ambiance.

In this universe, where the boundaries between showmanship, magic, intrigue and deception are blurred, you play Dawn, the imaginary friend of a young girl named Didi. You have the power to slip from the 3D dreamscape into the parallel 2D shadow world bound to it. Cast light on a shadowy story by manipulating light sources in the 3D world to distort, enlarge or stretch the 2D shadow world. Manipulating and shifting between light and shadow will be the key elements that you will need to use to solve our world of shadow-based puzzles and help progress Didi's story!

Key Features
  • Shift between the physical 3D world and the 2D shadow world, at any lit wall surface
  • Create unique shadow landscapes by manipulating light sources and real world objects, and use this ability to solve mind-bending puzzles
  • Experience a new story and world, exploring adult themes through a child’s eyes
  • Immerse yourself in a lush vaudevillian world of cabaret singers, circus performers, and magic

Recommended system requirements

minimum*

OS *:
WINDOWS XP SP2/WINDOWS VISTA SP1/WINDOWS 7/WINDOWS 8
Processor:
AMD/INTEL DUAL-CORE 2.3 GHz
Memory:
2 GB RAM
Graphics:
512MB VRAM, COMPATIBLE DIRECTX 9.0C AND SHADER MODEL 3.0, AMD RADEON X2600 XT/NVIDIA GEFORCE 7900 GTX
DirectX:
Version 9.0c
Storage:
4 GB available space
Sound Card:
DIRECTX 9 COMPATIBLE
Additional Notes:
The Original Soundtrack and the Programme (Artwork, Dev. Diary) will be placed in your CONTRAST folder in the Steam Directory: ...\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\Steam\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\SteamApps\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\common\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\Contrast\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\CONTRAST_Programme-OST

recommended*

Not specified

User reviews

Fable
Recommended | 03 Apr 2026
8.4h played

Artful execution of the story for such a short game. It made great use of the vaudeville noir hallmarks in the game mechanics. There were some glitches, definitely not game breaking, and the story was too good to pay

Helpful: 14
Evoulyno
Recommended | 02 Jul 2026
10.6h played

It's a little frustrating sometimes it lags and you have to do everything again from last save. But otherwise it's very cute and the atmosphere is great. The story is very engaging. Would reccomend if you like sth

Helpful: 1
miszelfox
Recommended | 04 Apr 2026
3.6h played

Story got me by surprise, didn't expect it to cover such serious and dark topics. Game is very short though (around 3-4 hours) and considering its age i recommend buying it on discount only. Otherwise it's a solid, but

Helpful: 8
reybadlater
Recommended | 01 Jul 2026
5.0h played

Literally one of the best games I've ever played. The storyline is amazing, and the puzzle aspect is unique. I feel that this is a very underrated game and should gain more attention. It's very quick to complete, but

Helpful: 1
Obey the Fist!
Not recommended | 05 Jul 2026
6.9h played

Contrast is a 13 year old Xbox 360 ported puzzle platformer designed for the X-box and ported to PC as an afterthought. It's an interesting hybrid playformer that uses a gimmick where you can transfer your 3D self into

Helpful: 4
ẈΛΞIN
Recommended | 20 Jun 2026
34.3h played

This is one of my favorite games—a gift I received a long time ago. It features an amazing, fairytale-like world, memorable characters, and a touching story, all accompanied by a pleasant jazz soundtrack. The game

Helpful: 1