Black the Fall
Dec 14, 2017 9 years ago
Black The Fall is an atmospheric side-scrolling shooter with puzzle solving elements. An odd and unexpected black and white dream inspired by a childhood passed behind the Iron Curtain. Discover an industrialized long lost world living in the shadow of the totalitarian state. Everyone should be regarded as a potential enemy, an informer, a criminal. Amnesic and unaware of circumstances which brought you into this place, you begin your journey which should reveal the mystery. Moving through a peculiar world you'll have to kill in order to survive, to solve different puzzles and to learn when to be brave and when to hide. An early-access version of the game was released on Steam in June of 2014, as well as campaign through Kickstarter in the same year.
What it’s like
Black the Fall delivers a haunting, monochromatic experience heavily inspired by the oppressive tones of Limbo and Inside. Set in a dystopian, industrialized world reminiscent of life behind the Iron Curtain, you play as an amnesiac worker navigating a nightmarish landscape where everyone is a potential enemy. The core loop blends side-scrolling platforming with stealth mechanics and puzzle-solving, requiring you to hide, run, or strategically engage threats to survive. Visually, the game is striking, utilizing high-contrast black-and-white art with selective splashes of color to guide attention and emphasize narrative beats. While the story unfolds through environmental storytelling rather than explicit dialogue, it effectively conveys themes of totalitarianism, loss of freedom, and the struggle for liberation. The atmosphere is thick with dread and melancholy, supported by a moody audio design that enhances the feeling of isolation. It is a short, linear journey focused on mood and visual metaphor over complex mechanics or deep character development.
Strong in Atmosphere / MoodVisuals / ArtAudio / MusicPacingPolish / PerformanceStory / Narrative
Keep in mind The experience is quite short, often lasting only a few hours, which may leave players wanting more content. Additionally, the combat and puzzle mechanics are relatively simple and shallow, prioritizing atmosphere over strategic depth.
AI-generated from catalog data, informed by reviews from godisageek.com, medium.com, ropname.substack.com, metacritic.com, reddit.com, videogamer.com.
Screenshots
Releases
| Platform | Region | Type | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| PC (Microsoft Windows) | Worldwide | Full release | Jul 11, 20179 years ago |
| PlayStation 4 | Worldwide | Full release | Jul 11, 20179 years ago |
| Xbox One | Worldwide | Full release | Jul 11, 20179 years ago |
| Nintendo Switch | Worldwide | Full release | Dec 14, 20179 years ago |