Samsara review

Reviewed on: Xbox One

Saṃsara is a Sanskrit word that means to wander, in the sense of creating a cycle. It also refers to the theory of rebirth and the cyclical nature of all life, matter and existence. A fundamental tenet of the Hindu religion. Knowing that, you begin to understand a little of the protagonist Zee’s long walk to return home.

Like a good part of indie games, Samsara uses very subjective elements and symbolism to tell its story. The visuals recall other games of the style such as Limbo or Braid and even classics like Majora’s Mask.
But the story here is quite superficial, if not practically nonexistent. The focus is its mechanics, and that is indeed the game’s biggest draw.

Samsara uses simple elements to solve lavish and intricate puzzles and many times you find yourself wondering how the guys managed to create something so complex using extremely simple elements and mechanics.

Zee walks in only one direction, only turns back along his path if he finds an obstacle and cannot cross any kind of gap on his way. You must build the route using blocks that fill holes and create stairs so the protagonist can reach portals that will take him to the next area, thus advancing in the game.

It seems simple, and it is, but as I said: it is in the mechanics that the game proves extremely ingenious and its puzzles quite engaging. As you advance, blocks of different materials appear. The initial ones, made of wood, are subject to all the physics; the concrete ones stay fixed to the position of their real counterpart and the gold ones behave in the opposite way in the reflection. The game world has a reflection that you must also take into account when placing the blocks, especially as you go further into the game and must also lead Zee’s “shadow” to its specific portals.

It can’t be explained so well in words; you really have to play it to understand and notice the genius behind an extremely simple and at the same time very refined gameplay. Many times the player will be stuck on a screen for hours and then suddenly realize how simple the solution was and that the answer was right in front of them all along. Even I, who don’t really like puzzles, had a lot of fun with it.

But not everything is rosy: if its gameplay and visuals are well crafted, the same can’t be said of the plot and story, almost nonexistent. Not that it makes much difference: it is a relatively short game, but the lack of a sense of completeness, of moving forward and getting something in return, may frustrate some players.

You spend the whole game just solving puzzle after puzzle, without the sense of actually going anywhere. The game’s few cutscenes only show Zee or his shadow finding new materials or obstacles and explain nothing about the plot or its reason for being. Maybe if the character gained some abilities over the course of the game it could encourage players a bit more – especially those who aren’t so enthusiastic about puzzles – to continue their journey.

Still, this is a game that definitely deserves some attention. I don’t think we are facing a new classic that will mark generations, but its gameplay and mechanics will certainly intrigue many players, especially those who like the style. For them Samsara is a must.