I was immediately enchanted by Concrete Genie. Created by Pixelopus, this is a beautiful game about the power of art. There is no combat, at lest not as first. This is a game about creation and puzzle solving. As you navigate through a city that seems to be on the verge of dying, you discover that painting might be the only way to save it.
Ash is a young boy who spends his days drawing in a notebook. This attracts some unwanted attention from a gang of bullies. They take the notebook and scatter the pages all through the town of Denska. While trying to find them, Ash discovers a paintbrush that can bring his art to life. He creates creatures called genies on the walls of the city. These creatures might be the key to revive the city.
Concrete Genie is just simply a beautiful game that allows the player to create artwork on every surface they can find. This is not a free range as you have a preset of thing to pick. You might think this would limit what you can create, but the choices are large. Even the genies can be changed based on your choices. They can be friendly or even scary. Color is a big choice too, as different colors change how the genies will react.
You start off in one part of the city and by completing puzzles, more of the city opens up. Concrete Genie is a fairy tale. There seems to be no one in the city beside Ash and the gang of bullies. Where are the adults? The genies look like the sketches every kind drew of the monsters under their bed. I found myself exploring more of the section even if I could move on. There are secrets and different approaches to solve puzzles.
If Concrete Genie flew under your radar, I highly recommend you pick up a copy. There is something so relaxing about creating beautiful worlds on the dark walls of the city. Ash does not speak, but his art speaks for him. The game is not very long, but you will want to go back to create new creatures.
9/10
Available on PS4
https://www.playstation.com/en-us/games/concrete-genie-ps4/
