Games as interactive art

Art evolves, as nature does. It all started humbly with cavern walls and charcoal, still discovered thousands of years later. We learned how to make paper, and that too became a medium for art. Paints and the canvas we used got better and brighter. In this digital and interactive age it's only natural that art too shall evolve and grow upon this new medium we call computers. 3D painting is already a thing in the novel VR systems.

Interactive art seems a foreign concept to many. Art is something you look at, but never touch after all. We were taught this from a young age. But, computer games bring a new dimension to these fragile things. Anyone can appreciate, interact and experience first hand.

Gris enters the stage.

Interactive

We've recently reviewed Sundered. A hand drawn metroidvania action-platformer. (Great game, do check it out)

Gris, features a ton of hand drawn and watercolor art. It's not an action hack and slash like Sundered, but deserves praise for the style and art nonetheless. You play as a young girl dealing with emotions. As she grows, so do her powers, and with it the game world around her. New abilities such as stomping, double jumping, swimming and song will increase your ability to navigate the world. Much like any metroidvania.

Short, but beautiful

As far as the game goes, Gris can be completed in under 3 hours. It's not super long on it's own. You can hunt achievements and take about twice as long and get your money's worth. The game was recently in a Humble choice as well as a Fanatical Bundle. So if you're looking for it, you shouldn't have much trouble trading for it.

As such, it's an experience more than a game. It feels like a walking simulator for the first 5 minutes, but quickly gains more interactivity and jumping/puzzles. Nothing too challenging - your 8 year old sister could probably complete it with a few helpful directions. The main selling point for the game is the art and music, as you'll quickly find while playing it or browsing the screenshots. Gris is in essence an interactive work of art. It will amaze you with it's fluid colors, and serene music.

Gris can be found on Steam, Humble bundle, Fanatical and likely more stores. It's got "overwhelmingly positive" reviews on steam.

Release date: 13 Dec, 2018

Minimum system requirements: Windows 7 or later, Intel Core 2 duo or better, 4 GB Ram, Geforce GT 430 1GB, 4 GB Disk space.