Hitting the Epic Games Store’s free giveaway cycle on April 29, Paradigm is a weird and surreal point-and-click game that wears its influences on its sleeve, managing to be one of the most unique, original indie games in recent years. Developed by just one person, Paradigm is a truly impressive feat of artistry and engineering, and is absolutely worth a go - especially coming at no cost.
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Paradigm’s Unique Tone and Story
Immediately evident from the game’s promotional art, Paradigm is an incredibly weird but engrossing game. Heavily inspired by classic LucasArts titles like The Secret of Monkey Island and Full Throttle, Paradigm takes the meta comedy and satirical tone of these games, and turns them all the way up to 11 to create a fun, dream-like experience that’s unlike anything else.
Set in a post-apocalyptic Eastern European country during the now less-distant year of 2026, players assume the titular role of Paradigm, the product of a designer baby experiment gone wrong. Abandoned in the Neo-Soviet town by the genetics lab, Paradigm has been fending for himself ever since. Over the years, Paradigm developed a deep love for electronic music and desires to be the best electronic musician in the world. On his journey to achieving this lofty goal, Paradigm will come into contact with a number of bizarre faces, including a glam rock pug and an evil sloth wearing a toupee.
Paradigm’s Classic Point-And-Click Gameplay and Art Style
Paradigm doesn’t just borrow Monkey Island’s tone, but also its intuitive point-and-click gameplay. With Paradigm being released in 2017, the controls are even more accessible than ever, making it a perfect starting title for those looking to get into the point-and-click genre. In classic fashion, players will be guiding Paradigm through every step of his bizarre adventure, solving complex puzzles and engaging in a variety of humorous conversations. Players will likely be hooked thanks to Paradigm’s cast of quirky characters.
Paradigm also boasts a wonderfully intricate art style that really does capture that LucasArts golden age feeling, while keeping everything sufficiently original. The art direction of Paradigm is also impressive, with each setting and character being heavily influenced by 1970s or 80s sci-fi. Players should expect to hear plenty of dial-up sounds while they’re at it.
Paradigm’s Reviews
Right now, Paradigm is sitting at 85 percent on Metacritic with a total of eight critic reviews. The lowest critical review for Paradigm on Metacritic still gives the game a 70/100, claiming that its absurdist humor is a massive highlight, only overshadowed by some lackluster puzzles.
On the whole, Paradigm has received some glowing critical reviews. The likes of IGN and Destructoid heavily praised its humor, voice acting, and distinctive narrative and setting. IGN even states Paradigm would be a “fresh and memorable” experience for anyone looking to try the point-and-click genre for the first time. By all accounts, Paradigm is a hidden gem, and is definitely worth picking up on April 29 when it’ll be free on the Epic Games Store.
Paradigm will be available for free on the Epic Games Store between April 29 and May 6, 2022.
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