| Title | Maquette |
| Developer(s) | Graceful Decay |
| Publisher(s) | Annapurna Interactive |
| Release Date | Mar 2, 2021 |
| Size | 2.25 GB |
| Genre | PC > Adventure, Indie |
Maquette is a mind-bending puzzle game that was released in March 2021 by Annapurna Interactive. It quickly gained popularity for its unique gameplay, beautiful design, and thought-provoking storytelling. Maquette takes players on a journey through the mind of a young couple, exploring the complexities of their relationship and the power of perspective.
The Basics
Maquette is a first-person puzzle game that takes place in a world where every object exists in multiple sizes at once. This concept is based on the mathematical concept of a “maquette,” which means a small scale model of a larger object. In the game, players must use their understanding of size and scale to solve puzzles and progress through the story.
The game is divided into three main areas: the real world, the maquette world, and the recursive world. The real world is where players control the main character, a young woman named Kenzie, and interact with objects in a normal-sized environment. The maquette world is a miniature version of the real world, with everything being scaled down to a fraction of its original size. The recursive world is an even smaller version of the maquette world, and it contains objects that are scaled down even further. Players must navigate between these three worlds to solve puzzles and uncover the story.
The Gameplay
Maquette’s gameplay is simple yet challenging. Players must use their mouse or controller to pick up and manipulate objects in the world. The game’s main mechanic is the ability to “place” objects from one world into another, allowing players to use the different sizes of objects to their advantage. For example, a tiny key from the recursive world can be placed in the maquette world and scaled up to unlock a door. This mechanic is used in various creative ways throughout the game, making each puzzle unique and satisfying to solve.
As players progress through the game, they will encounter more complex puzzles that require them to think outside the box. Some puzzles involve moving objects between the different worlds, while others require players to manipulate the environment in unexpected ways. The difficulty gradually increases as players move through the game, but the satisfaction of solving each puzzle is well worth the challenge.
The Story
While the puzzle gameplay is the main focus of Maquette, the game also has a compelling and emotional story. Players follow Kenzie and her partner Michael as they navigate the ups and downs of their relationship. The narrative is presented through voiceover conversations between the two characters, as well as through hidden notes and objects scattered throughout the game world.
Without giving too much away, players will soon realize that the game’s puzzles are closely tied to the story and the themes of love, loss, and perspective. As players solve puzzles and progress through the game, they will uncover more about Kenzie and Michael’s relationship and the moments that led them to the current state of their relationship.
The Design
Maquette’s design is a standout aspect of the game. The environments are beautifully crafted, and the use of color and lighting adds to the overall dreamlike atmosphere of the game. The game’s soundtrack, composed by acclaimed musician and composer Austin Wintory, perfectly complements the stunning visuals and adds to the emotional impact of the story.
The attention to detail in Maquette’s design is also evident in the little things, like the way objects interact with each other and the world. For example, when a heavy object falls to the ground, players can see the ripple effect on the surrounding environment, adding a sense of realism to the game. The overall design of Maquette is a testament to the care and creativity put into every aspect of the game.
Final Thoughts
Maquette is a unique, thought-provoking, and beautiful game that offers players an immersive experience unlike any other. The combination of challenging puzzles, emotional storytelling, and stunning design make it a must-play for any fan of puzzle or adventure games. It’s a game that will stick with players long after they’ve finished it, and one that demonstrates the power of perspective in both gameplay and storytelling.
“Maquette is a stunning and satisfying puzzle game that will leave you thinking long after you’ve finished it.” – Game Informer
If you’re looking for a game that will challenge you and make you see things from a different point of view, look no further than Maquette. It’s available on PlayStation, Steam, and through the Epic Games Store. So why not give it a try and see where your perspective takes you?
System Requirements
Minimum:- OS: Windows 7 (64 Bit)
- Processor: Intel Core i5-650 | AMD Phenom II X4 965
- Memory: 4 GB RAM
- Graphics: Nvidia GeForce GTX 470, 1GB | AMD Radeon HD 6970, 2GB
- DirectX: Version 11
- Storage: 5 GB available space
- OS: Windows 10
- Processor: Intel Core i7-3770 | AMD FX-8350
- Memory: 4 GB RAM
- Graphics: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060, 3GB | AMD Radeon RX 570, 4GB
- DirectX: Version 11
- Storage: 5 GB available space