Those who have followed me for a while know I like to dig into those indies hidden at the bottom of the catalog — the ones that often pass unnoticed by most players. It's precisely in those less illuminated corners that some of the best surprises appear, and Discolored was one of them.
The game, which according to its own creator was designed to be completed in a single session, presents a rather original premise: bringing color back to a world that has lost it entirely. To do that, we're challenged to solve various puzzles built precisely around that mechanic. Interestingly, the goal isn't always to add color to the scenery — sometimes you need to remove it again to find the solution, creating an interesting dynamic that forces the player to think differently.
Most of the puzzles manage to strike a good balance between challenge and satisfaction. That said, some of them are so unconventional that they end up feeling excessively abstract, making the solution less intuitive than it should be. Fortunately, those moments are the exception and don't compromise the overall experience.
The aspect that impressed me most was, without a doubt, the art direction. I have a special appreciation for minimalist visual styles, and watching an initially monochromatic world come alive with color as we progress is extremely rewarding. There's a constant sense of visual progress that perfectly complements the gameplay. The soundtrack also deserves praise, contributing to the mysterious, contemplative atmosphere that accompanies the whole adventure.
The narrative, meanwhile, ends up being the least accomplished element. Although the mystery surrounding the loss of color is intriguing, the game ends leaving more questions than answers. Fortunately, a sequel is in development that promises to explore this universe further and better explain the events at the heart of the story.
Overall, Discolored is a short, creative, and surprising experience. It may not have the strongest narrative, but it makes up for it with a striking visual identity, clever puzzles, and a truly original premise. For anyone looking for something different for a quiet afternoon, it's an easy recommendation.
out of 10
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Game Discolored Released 2019 Available on PC · macOS · PlayStation 4 · Xbox One · Nintendo Switch Reviewed on Nintendo Switch |  Cover: IGDB |
| PL | Pedro Lopes Writer · Portugal |
A games writer from Portugal running on a highly irresponsible amount of coffee — his blood type is officially "espresso". He has been a content creator at Lisbon Games Week, a jury member at Over & Out ’25 and an attendee of DevGAMM Lisbon 2025 (mostly for the free coffee). He has a Pac-Man tattoo on his finger, which contractually obliges him to chase ghosts forever.