Refunct (2015)

Refunct is a game-experience where we must jump from platform to platform while we color these and unlock new areas. For this we will have a repertoire of movements that we will learn without realizing it and naturally, and that make the experience totally fluid because also the control is exquisite. The artistic section and the sound section also do their part, so that when we finish the game, we will be left wanting more, this is its only handicap, the duration does not satisfy our enjoyment, otherwise, great.

Refunct is a short game but what’s there is well crafted. There’s layers of discoveries to be made in the way the game plays and how to overcome each puzzle and this title is designed in a way to make this as enjoyable and natural as possible. While it’s not the prettiest of games, it’s certainly not ugly either. There’s no innovation here, with everything gameplay mechanic on display appearing in other games in more intuitive ways, but if you’re after half an hour of relaxing, simplistic game play that feels as chilled as an ASMR video, Refunct will scratch that itch.

With Refunct, Dominique Grieshofer has created a complicated duality, that of having a relaxing game, but who can can become stressful and pressurizing, depending the approache of the player. With a limited lifespan, the game takes on its full value with speedrunners who will try to do the perfect run. At a low price, Refunct may well introduce you to a part of you that you don't know.

Refunct feels like the promising start of something bigger and better. Despite some real potential, it ends up bringing little that excites or leave much of an impression, due to its scant half hour or so of gameplay. It's priced right, but Refunct might be a game you only play once.

While the idea is laudable and worthy of attention, Refunct does very little to go beyond something superficial and short-lived. It's clear that there was potential to make this a more ambitious game, so what Refunct proposes feels like a big disappointment.