Pixelopus' Concrete Genie was a 2019 gem on PlayStation 4. Not only did the title bring unique gameplay concepts with its motion controls, but it also brought style and a heartfelt story that has kept it in the spotlight ever since. The game also gives players the chance to learn some of life's most important lessons as they bring color and the light of life to the dock town of Denska.
Concrete Genie follows a loner named Ash. He is introduced while reminiscing about a simpler time with his family as he draws cartoons in his scrapbook. But after the local bullies destroy his book, he is led to a lighthouse where he meets Luna, one of his drawings that has come to life. Luna gifts him a magic paintbrush that allows Ash to bring his drawings to life in the form of Genies. With Luna and the Genies' assistance, Ash is tasked with ridding his town of the darkness that has spread all over.
Once Ash makes his way back to the desolate town, the story and gameplay begin to meld into one entity, brought to life by the Genies the player creates with the motion controls. As Ash literally brings light and color to the town with his paintbrush, he often encounters environmental obstacles. These usually require using Ash's elemental Genies. Once created, the Genies and Ash work together to clear a path and continue erasing the darkness.
However, some Genies are more stubborn than others and require Ash to paint a picture for them or even play with them to gain a substance called Super Paint that clears out the darkness in the area. At no point in the game do either Ash or his creations outwork each other, showing that overcoming obstacles isn't about working harder than your teammates. By working together, Concrete Genie shows why no person is an island, and true success is about teamwork alongside give and take.
As Ash and the Genies help each other, his paintbrush helps the bullies that harass Ash throughout the game in its own way. As they try and wrestle the brush away from Ash, both Ash and his tormentors are shown a painful childhood memory from one of the bullies. The image affects the bullies deeply and gives Ash a perspective on why they act as they do toward him. It shows the importance of understanding an aggressor before treating them too harshly.
Concrete Genie is a beautifully crafted game with a powerful story about understanding and teamwork. Through its gameplay, the title teaches players about supporting each other and working together to overcome obstacles. It also gives a literal example of walking a mile in someone else's shoes and promotes tolerance even against enemies. Concrete Genie is a creative achievement in art and narrative that carries lessons which will last a lifetime.
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