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In a perfect world, we expect everything to work. Moreover, everyone gets along, and everything runs smoothly. However, even when a utopian environment is created, rarely do things go according to plan. This is the driving force behind Pnevmo-Capsula. It is a game that’ll fascinate you while testing your grey matter.
Developed by Pomeshkin Valentin Igorevich and published by Sometimes You, this is an adventure puzzle title. It is set in a utopian atompunk world and focuses on a linear approach. What’s more, it demands an eye for detail as you must study documents, identify clues, and solve an array of challenges.
Pnevmo-Capsula is undeniably simple.
The plot of Pnevmo-Capsula is quite mysterious. As such, there are plenty of unanswered questions throughout. However, what is clear is your role as the protagonist. You control a small mail truck that must explore strange environments. By completing many puzzles, you’ll deliver telegrams and progress through this whacky world.
What was quite charming was the basic monorail system. Your mail cart can only move as far as the rails allow. Consequently, any obstacles must be overcome if you are to proceed. These blockages are formed by locked gates, broken rails, and electrified switches. Furthermore, there are some conundrums that open hidden paths and further problems. By thinking methodically and observing your surroundings, you’ll smash through the puzzles and complete the rigidly linear plot.
Electrifying moments.
No matter what you face in Pnevmo-Capsula, the action revolves around one key component. The mail cart emits an electrical current to activate switches, move rails, and complete puzzles. At first, this concept is somewhat confusing. However, once you understand it, navigating the railway is an easy task.
Using this special power, you’ll have to activate switches, twist dials, and send each telegram. Moreover, you are expected to read advertising boards and instruction manuals to find clues. Now, this wasn’t as clear as it should have been, and occasionally, it led to confusion and frustration. With no hint system and no obvious solution, you can become stuck on a problem for hours. What’s more, the fiddly controls and tight hitboxes cause further annoyance (more on this later).
If you put the problems to one side, you experience a charming game that is testing. Alongside this, I loved its simplicity, its desolate style, and its casual nature. Yes, it may be a little stripped back for some gamers’ tastes, but I enjoyed the refined style.
Pnevmo-Capsula looks great.
I adore industrialised artistry, and the atompunk theme ticks many boxes. With its cold and callous appearance and oppressive undertones, it lacks a human touch. This worked wonderfully with the mechanical protagonist and the basic tasks at hand. What was also great was the smooth animation of each puzzle. I loved how the rails moved and the electrification of each switch. But, sadly, what wasn’t great was the camera angle. As you moved, the camera followed you. Now, this shouldn’t be a problem, but it was. Why? Well, as the camera flipped around, it adjusted the direction of your controller. Accordingly, when you were meant to move forward, you’d move backwards, and vice versa. This made navigating harder than it should be and was an unnecessary frustration.
What I enjoyed, though, was the excellent audio. The basic but atmospheric soundtrack was complemented by some amazing sound effects. The spark of electricity and the sound of metal on metal were great. None of the noises was over the top, and this enhanced the empty nature of the surrounding world.
Frustrating controls.
For all its plus points, Pnevmo-Capsula has some painfully frustrating controls. With unfairly tight hitboxes and the aforementioned camera issues, it will annoy you. This culminates in unsolvable puzzles, wasted time, and plenty of curse words. It is such a shame that the action is undermined by such minor issues. However, when you are stuck for hours because you are millimetres from an activation point, it is totally unacceptable.
Another downside to Pnevmo-Capsula is the lack of replay value. Because of its linear structure, you won’t miss any collectables. Furthermore, there are no alternative modes to play. Subsequently, once you complete it, you won’t return. Thankfully, though, there is some longevity as the puzzles are challenging and will test you. With around 3-4 hours of action, this inexpensive title is great value for money.
Pnevmo-Capsula isn’t perfect but is still enjoyable.
I’ve aired my frustrations for all to see, but Pnevmo-Capsula is still an enjoyable game. I loved its artistry and its audio, and I enjoyed the simplicity of the cold and oppressive world. Yes, the camera and controls could have been better, but this isn’t a deal breaker. As such, I liked it and I recommend you to buy it here! Can you overcome the obstacles and deliver the mail? Use your electrical abilities to solve problems, open pathways, and deliver each telegram.
