FRAMED

Platforms: iOS and Android

Framed is a puzzle game but calling it just that would be downright unfair. Developed by Loveshack, Framed is like an interactive noir comic where you have to save the protagonist by changing the panels. Simple yet unique concept but what sets it apart is the execution. The panels are fully animated and all the objects and characters are silhouettes along with complementary backdrops. It's captivating to see how the protagonist moves from one panel to the next, and rewarding when you see him evading the guards and going to the next scene.

The soundtrack in this game is something to talk about. If you're a fan of jazz then you're in for a treat. Plus, jazz goes pretty well with the noir genre. The sound effects are substituted with other jazzy sounds which helps with keeping the overall atmosphere intact without any disturbances.

The game is pretty short but it keeps you hooked on for the whole ride. Just changing panels might seem repetitive but the game keeps it fresh by introducing new mechanics along the way. Not only can you rearrange them, you can rotate, touch and reuse them in relevant scenarios. I'd say only half the fun is actually playing it, the other half is anticipating what will happen next in the story. There are no dialogues or texts, the whole story is relayed through the silent scenes.

This was apparently Hideo Kojima's game of the year in 2014, while it may not be that good for others, it's certainly one of the best games on mobile. Framed 2, which is a prequel, is scheduled to release in the first half of 2017, so now's a good time to get invested.