Title: Proteus
Format: PC
Release Date: January 30, 2013(PC), October 29, 2013(PS3, Vita)
Developer: Ed Key and David Kanaga
Price: $10, $12.49(PS3,Vita)
ESRB Rating: E
Are games art? Yes, yes they are.
Story, Presentation, and Core Gameplay:The "Is Game Art" argument is sure to spark back up after players playthrough Proteus, a game that simply gives you a unique experience that's unlike anything I've ever played. If you come in expecting a cool story, you'll be pleasantly disappointed. I say that because when you play it for yourself, you realize that the game doesn't need any story. You're just exploring a desolate island, alone, and you have nothing more than that to go on. The game is similar to another indie game I reviewed a few weeks back, Miasmata. That game is pretty similar to Proteus, except the two game sport two totally different visual styles. Miasmata went for a more realistic look and feel, and Proteus took to a more cartoony, and colorful art style. The game is just stunning to look at, so many bright and vibrant colors to gaze at while you stroll through the island. The music as well is just wonderful, and it's directly tied to your adventure. As you come across various objects and animals, music will play. You see a frog hop across you, you'll hear a short catchy tune. It's a very cool effect that works extremely well. Its' similar to Sound Shapes in that respect, with music only playing if you perform certain actions. The mechanic worked just as well in that as well, and it seems like Proteus took that idea and ran off with it. In terms of gameplay, some people might not like it, and some will love it.
There isn't much to it, you just walk and explore the world around you. You observe Mother Nature, and all of her doings. Weather affects like treacherous rain storms, beautiful snow showers, really help bring this game to life. There is a lot of wildlife to uncover as well, but there's no real interaction between the animals. There's no button to jump, or run. You just have to control the camera, and the way you walk. The simplistic controls may turn a lot of people off, and it may make the game a little bit boring. It's pretty surprising how much a pixelated island can create so many great and impactful moments, just on looks and sound alone, but it really pulls it off. The procedural generation system makes it that you can have a completely different experience each time you restart the game. This certainly helps to justify the $10 price tag. If it didn't have that generation system, that price would be a little too high for my blood. I wish theere was a short demo available that could give you a taste of the game, so you could see if you would like it or not. 
Final Thoughts:This review may be a little confusing, but if you were to take anything out of it, take the fact that I loved the experience. The visuals and audio combination are second to none, and the gameplay is unlike anything I've ever played. Indie games were great last year, and it looks like they aren't going to be slowing down anytime soon for 2013.
S&S Rating: 8/10 @whatsPlay
