I always knew pop up books were cool! (Tengami review.)

If I were to sum up Tengami with one word it would be "Artistic." I some ways I hesitate to call it a game. Because really there isn't that much of a game here. It is more of an experience, and I am here to tell you about it.

The Story:

If there is a story to Tengami it involves a guy trying to bring back life to his tree. Most of it is told in haikus about the seasons changing. That pretty much sums it up.

The Gameplay:

In Tengami there isn't any enemies to fight, or battles to be one. It is primarily an atmospheric puzzle game set in the world of a japanese pop up book. The three levels in this game will find you traversing the map, flipping through the pages of the book, and solving some fun if not easy puzzles.

It does get a little more complex by the end of the game in the difficulty of the puzzles, and the interesting ways the game uses its pop up book setting.

Perhaps one of the only problems I have with this game is the way your character controls. You use the mouse to click the ground where you want him to walk. The problem is that it isn't always as precise as I want it to be, which can be frustrating. He also walks very slowly, making me wish you had the option to make him jog. Although most of the time I didn't notice because I was so wrapped up in the puzzles to care about this little hiccup.

The Music and Presentation:

This game is gorgeous! It has amazing art direction that frankly left me stunned. It is as if someone had painted a beautiful dash of colors across my computer screen. It also reminds me of a really well done collage.

As for the music, it is an interesting mix of classical japanese music with a little bit of electronically generated music. Take a listen.

The Verdict and Final thoughts: 

Tengami may not be the best game I have ever played, but it is a very engrossing experience. I just wish that it was longer, you can beat in a couple of hours or less. That being said I think it is very worth your time, and the 10 dollars it costs. I'm giving Tengami nine out of ten stars. It is a "Must Play" game. Now go it experience it. You have no reason not to.

Have Fun.