Gravity Ghost (2015)

The new game Gravity Ghost uses all you learned in high school geometry to create a fun experience that makes math useful in a cosmic adventure.

There are criticisms to be made: whether or not a player will enjoy Gravity Ghost depends to a significant extent on how much they enjoy the core loop – which in this case often means actual loops. It can be finished in a single sitting – the game's 90-odd levels can be completed in three hours at a canter, or four with a more leisurely pace. And $15 for such a short game may be a sticking point for some, although I felt it passed the popcorn test – whether it provided as much value as a movie ticket and popcorn – handily.

The humor keeps Gravity Ghost from taking itself too seriously, making the sadness a bit easier to swallow and ensuring the warmer moments don't come off too treacly.

As a whole, Gravity Ghost puts together a wonderful fantasy experience, with enough interesting elements and over 100 levels to play through. While it's still relatively short — experienced gamers could likely speed through in one or two hours — there's still enough to recommend.

The impartial reality of childhood promises tragedy is treated with same innocence as prosperity. We're better equipped to learn from mistakes than act on advice, a phase of humanity Gravity Ghost both indulges and exposes to its own limitations. Expressed as a product, Gravity Ghost is an inventive platformer with a precarious and affecting narrative. Absorbed as an experience, Gravity Ghost makes a better case for the union of interactivity and storytelling.