Explore All the Colors of the Rainbow in Spectrum – Review (Switch)

Spectrum could easily be viewed as an N++ clone, but dismissing it as such would be a disservice to both games. While the first few levels play out similarly to those in N++, in no time at all Spectrum begins to separate itself and stand on its own two feet. With over eighty levels spread out over eight different environments, Spectrum will keep you busy for a long time. Completing the levels is not nearly enough and you’ll find yourself going back again and again to master them.

Gameplay

Spectrum is an abstract platformer where you not only race to complete the level but to beat the clock. As the game starts out you’ll find yourself jumping through levels to reach the end collecting orbs of light along the way. As you collect each orb the game will add to your count and let you know when you’ve collected all the available orbs in a level. However, jumping is only the beginning. After a couple of levels, you’ll be fighting the wind and gravity itself as you combine jumping, diving and floating as methods to complete each level.

With gravity on your side, diving will send you torpedoing down as gravity takes over and jumping becomes more difficult since you will be fighting gravity the same way you would in the real world. This makes the controls feel incredibly tight since your sense of how hard to jump and fall will factor in to how hard toy try to jump and fall in the game. A lot like N++, when you die it’s your fault and not the game’s.

The one huge curve ball here is that color can kill you. Any color on the spectrum is your enemy. So, as you make your way through the levels you must be mindful of any obstacle in your way or heading your way and avoid it at all costs. Sometimes this means a colored block flying at you, other times it’s a color wheel and you need to find the opening and escape through it. Regardless of what is thrown at you, if it is a shape in any color it is your nemesis. Collecting the orbs will refill a rectangle on your health bar which adds into the strategy of how you complete each level – especially as they get harder and harder.

Unlike traditional platforming games where you start at one end and head to the right to find your goal, Spectrum uses many different tricks when it comes to completing the levels. Sometimes you’ll need to jump to the top, other times you’ll be diving to the bottom and more often then not you’ll use a combination of methods as you search for and reach the goal in each level that will then move you on to the next. One thing is certain, Spectrum will keep you guessing and will guarantee that you’ll be entertained.

The further you get the more challenging the game becomes, and you’ll find yourself dying a lot. As you play the levels over and over you’ll also be learning the patterns that exist and your reflexes will begin to take over.

Graphics and Sound

Each environment has a certain blend of colors that give each one a unique look and feel to them. Whether they be purple, orange, or blue – you’ll always know when you’ve completed an area and have moved on. The colors really pop and look great against the black and white abstract object you control.

The soundtrack is haunting and will keep you coming back to Spectrum as much as the gameplay itself. The music seems to set the mood for your runs and becomes a huge part of the experience. The sound and visuals work together to guide you on the right path.

Recommendation

Any fan of the platforming genre, especially those in the vein of N++ and Super Meat Boy, will love their time with Spectrum. With fantastic controls, visuals and a killer soundtrack mixed with a leaderboard and even a race mode on the Switch, Spectrum will keep you coming back to perfect your runs and best your friends. Having been available for some time now on PC, Spectrum is now available on PS4, Xbox One, and Switch thanks to the team at Digerati.

*Spectrum was provided to the reviewer by the publishing company but this fact did not alter the reviewer’s opinion*

Check out our Review Guide to see what we criteria we use to score games.