Product Info

Platform

PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, PC

Publisher

Skookum Arts

Developer

Skookum Arts

Genre

Puzzle

Players

1

File Size (Minimum)

4 GB

Release Date (NA)

Jan 29, 2020

Purchase From

PSN Store

Steam

There’s a wide variety of puzzle games in video games. From dropping blocks to using portals to jump between rooms, puzzlers today need something unique to stand out from the crowd. The Pedestrian does just that. After six years of development, this underrated title was released in January 2020 on the PC. A year later, it came out on the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5.

It’s a Sign

What makes The Pedestrian unique is its overall creative design, having the puzzle levels and the environment work together. The transition between each puzzle layout is smooth, and there are no noticeable loading times when playing on the PlayStation 5. Whether you’re using the subway or taking the elevator, the game makes it an enjoyable ride.

The game’s puzzles revolve around signs that are placed throughout a city, from underground subways to the rooftop. Your character is the pedestrian figure on those signs. The figure’s design changes based on what sign you’re on, such as the electronic crosswalk sign or a restaurant’s chalkboard sign. Additionally, players can choose between a male or female figure at the beginning of the game, but your choice cannot be changed until you finish or unless you start from scratch by deleting your save data.

Work That Brain

The Pedestrian starts its puzzles simple enough so that players can understand the game’s mechanics, and then increases the difficulty. As you progress, each puzzle adds a new element that is used to help solve it, such as adding “color” to a sign to prevent the sign from resetting when adjusting door or ladder paths.

To clear puzzles, you’ll need to get from point A to point B, and you’ll have to traverse multiple signs to accomplish that. Some levels require you to bring an object with you, such as keys, wires, blocks, or energy pieces. These objects are used to solve another puzzle in the areas between stages that you’ll pass through to get to the next stage.

To get from door to door, the door has to be on the correct side. You can’t have a left door match with a left. The same goes for the tops and bottoms of ladders. To create paths, players click and drag from the triangle pieces to the next triangle. Just be aware that the paths have to align somewhat correctly. Having a door on the left going right won’t work, and the game will identify the issue when the path changes shape.

You’re On Your Own

There’s no real dialogue or a defined story with The Pedestrian. You just pick it up and go. Additionally, there are no text-based clues, only numbers to enter codes or object icons to tell players what is needed. When you get stuck on a puzzle, you’ll either want to reset the puzzle by adjusting its connected paths or take a step back with a clear mind. Look at every object on the screen; there’s a reason why each one is there. Sometimes, going backwards will trigger the light bulb in your head.

The puzzles can be challenging, but when you finally figure them out, you’ll feel a real sense of accomplishment. It’s highly recommended to try to solve these puzzles before reading guides online. You’ll be more satisfied with the results. The gameplay lasts for about four hours, but with no extras afterwards, it may be a hard sell for players wanting more.

A Soothing Ride

Whether you’re pushing blocks or walking between signs, the game’s soothing, soundtrack makes solving relaxing. While problem-solving, the music decrescendos, and once you’re done with the puzzle and travel to the next one, the audio begins to crescendo. Not many puzzle games do that, letting the player concentrate. At times, if you spend too much time on a stage, the music will stay quiet, except for the sound effects when waking, pushing, wire connecting, etc.

On the PlayStation 5, The Pedestrian loads quickly and smoothly. Moreover, the game uses the DualSense controller’s unique rumble features. While feeling the figure walk with its small footsteps rumbles quite well, the rumbling from your elevator ride is more satisfying. Unfortunately, the trigger feedback and motion control don’t exist.

The Final Sign

The Pedestrian is a unique and creatively designed puzzle game that shouldn’t be missed. Even if the journey is short, travelling by signage while listening to a relaxing soundtrack is the one of the most fun ways of getting around a city (outside of pedal pubs). Sign up for this trip, puzzle fans.

A PlayStation 5 code was provided by the publisher for this review and gameplay footage.