Filemechanism
Review

Filemechanism (2021) is a running and jumping puzzle game where you can take snapshots of the game with a camera that enables you to go back to that moment when you need to. This time-travel mechanism makes this an unusual puzzle as the game uses time to stretch you puzzle solving ability.

Play involves exploring each level, pressing buttons and interacting. Along the way you need to collect canisters of film to enable you to record the current state of the stage for later use. You push blocks, collect keys, and jump around, but must use the record and restore mechanic to complete each level and find the golden film canister.

This means you can get to the other side of a pushable block by recording the level, pushing the block out of the way to get on the other side, then restore and push it left. Unlock a door blocking the way, then restore the level to return the door to its original state, and jump on top of it to reach new heights. Spikes that fell from the ceiling no longer block your path, and the goal flag might just be in reach.

Levels start simple, with one film canister and a few traps, but things soon ramp up. Stages involve multiple film canisters, and you might need to restore the level in a different order than how they recorded it. There are 6 worlds with more than 200 stages that will test puzzle-solving skills but also timing and platforming skill.

The result is an unusual and highly head-scratching puzzle game that you can play with the whole family.

Our examiner, Andy Robertson, first checked Filemechanism 24 months ago. It was re-examined by Jo Robertson and updated 23 months ago.