The Plane Effect

The Plane Effect is a well-crafted surreal and atmospheric experience with philosophical undertones. While not perfect (though not too far from it), it is heartily recommended.

The Plane Effect strikes me as a fairly polarizing experience that won’t be for everyone. If you prefer gameplay mechanics over aesthetics and deeper meaning, turn back now; if you love a cinematic, visually arresting journey and don’t mind clunky controls, this might be the surreal commute from another dimension for you. I can’t guarantee The Plane Effect will be your favorite game this year, but I can promise a unique experience that will make you feel all sorts of emotions; whether those emotions are awe or anger is anyone’s guess.

Even with its frustrations, there’s something alluring about The Plane Effect. Its art style, its eerie and slightly unsettling soundtrack, its dystopian sci-fi vibe; it all leaves you with questions that you’ll be desperate to get answers for. It’s just a shame that the gameplay you’ll need to endure in an attempt to uncover those answers isn’t as enjoyable as it could be.

The Plane Effect on PC is plagued with a bad control scheme (especially when driving or piloting), unresponsive action, obstructive camera positions, nonsensical puzzles, and a story that falls flat. If it was presented as a film, The Plane Effect could have been a beautiful and provoking experience to passively watch.

It’s just about won me over, mostly because of its strong visual atmosphere and brilliantly edited story – the way it takes the mundane life of an office worker and transports him into strange new worlds is superb. It’s just a shame it’s held back by some issues.

The Plane Effect tries its best to be interesting but unfortunately fails to provide any entertainment value in what's ultimately a pretentious, self-centred affair. Gaming is supposed to be a form of escapism, yet this one simulates the depressing tedium of a 9-5 cubicle job a little too well.