And Yet It Moves PC Review
And Yet It Moves, henceforth referred to as AYIM, is a puzzle-platform game for the PC. Like many great independent titles, it can be acquired for a modest price through Steam. The traditional label for this type of game might be “side-scroller”. However, the game’s inherent design really has the camera scrolling all over the place.
AYIM’s claim to fame is the player’s control over the forces of gravity. While this concept can scarcely be considered new to video games, it is applied with graceful simplicity in this platformer. The player character, who appears as little more than an animated black-and-white sketch, wanders through a plethora of cavernous spaces with this manipulation of gravity in tow.
How exactly he controls one of the most enigmatic forces in all of physics remains a mystery – it could be that this is merely the product of some separate yet benevolent divine intervention. In any case, the player only needs to tap the arrow keys to rotate the screen ninety degrees, while using the other hand to control the sketched character. Whenever the screen is rotated, objects (including the main character) go plunging straight to the bottom, even when there is nothing to break the fall.
Like many characters, the main protagonist in AYIM is susceptible to fall damage. When he falls too far, his destruction is heralded by an unusual sound effect, followed by the animation of shredded paper. Much of the game world is constructed in this papery style. Once you know roughly what to look for, it isn’t too difficult to navigate through the depths of subterranean caverns and tropical, vine-ridden forests.
Other elements in the environment must be manipulated in order to progress. Bats, for example, will naturally seek out the highest altitudes in the caves. Adjusting the forces of gravity will allow you to herd them into a desirable spot, such as the lair of a burrowing lizard (that’s right, a lizard). Once swarmed with bats, the lizard will be confined to his burrow, and allow the character to pass unharmed.
While the design is fairly unique on the visual front, sound effects are kept disappointingly simple. There is a fun, zany quality to the experience, even if it is basically a glorified puzzle game. There are achievements to unlock, so some replayability exists within the confines of a rather brief gameplay experience. Generally, AYIM is a great distraction for any fan of casual puzzles who doesn’t want to blow a lot of cash.
