Auditorium is doing the rounds at the moment, and I figure I’d jump on the bandwagon. It’s being compared to a number of previously innovative Flash games, but I don’t think it matches any of them except in its luminescent visual aesthetic.
I love these kinds of games. They challenge us to rethink what we think a good game is. There’s an elegance to the bare-bones approach that Auditorium and flOw that force you to think solely about the gameplay. I won’t deny that I enjoy exploring an immersive gameworld, but there’s something even more addictive about being presented with a simple situation, a mechanic that allows you freedom to explore your own solution, and being left to your own devices.
Maybe that’s because I view a lot of games as puzzles first and interactions second. Whatever – I like ’em and think you should too. I’ll fork out for Auditorium either on XBL or iPod Touch.