Entwined

Entwined is lovely, make no mistake. The kaleidoscopic imagery is beautiful, as are the two creatures that players control. Plus, the entire adventure is set to a soothing and dynamic score that changes according to events on-screen. Flying through gates will add satisfying tinkles and plinks to the music, enhancing an already lush soundscape. Without any violence or jarring action to interrupt the two souls' flight, the experience is almost otherworldly in its peacefulness, affording players plenty of time to ponder the meaning of it all.

Sadly, that meaning -- the notion that love is a struggle for two souls to become one -- is a bit too simplistic and idealistic to truly satisfy. The designers make this point in the first six or seven minutes (the time it takes to complete the first tunnel), then reiterate it repeatedly over the course of eight more levels. Also problematic: The clever, ambidextrous play mechanics turn out to be a one-trick pony. The gates through which the bird and fish fly become a bit more challenging over time -- they start to move and are placed in staggered formations -- but that's the extent of the game's evolution. We can always use more thoughtful and poetic games, but they need to be cooked a bit longer than this one.