70
By using the four elements you have to transit from one level to the other. This makes the game quite challenging, but also a bit repetitive. The beautiful soundtrack of the game saves the day.
81
Element4l knows what it wants to be, a new kind of platform game, and nails it with audacity. [Oct 2013, p.66]
88
Element4l really surprised me. I was not expecting to find this much enjoyment out of what looked like just another platforming game that has been popping up in droves lately. For only $10 on Steam, Element4l will offer up a good challenge with some unique mechanics and presentation; not to mention a fantastic soundtrack. If you don’t mind a little trial and error, Element4l is a great purchase.
10
A simple yet perfectly sized experience. A challenging and highly original game.
5
At a first glance this seemed like a good idea. It's definitely original! I personally did not enjoy this game but it might have some appeal to other kinds of people. Strangely enough, it reminds me of Dragon's Lair for the Sega CD. And I know exactly why. If you never played said game it works like this: you put the cd on and hit play, then a beautiful animation starts playing! cell shaded, Disney quality etc. That's no intro or cut-scene, that's the game. You have to press specific keys at specific moments to allow the movie to progress. It's a game 100% made of quick-time events, made before this term had been coined. And Element4l is exactly that under the hood; you have to press the correct key at the correct time, there's no margin for error and no flexibility at all. Which is a shame, I think the mechanics of this game really do allow for some open problem solving level design. Again, some people may enjoy this but, if they exist, I hope it's not because of the movie playing because Element4l doesn't have that part.
9
This game is very challenging and level design looks great. Sometimes it gets too easy, but mostly it gets too damn hard. Actually, that´s just good. It´s not classic game, but for those who really want to enjoy some challenges, this is your paradise.
Element4l
Released On:
May 24, 2013
Metascore
Generally Favorable
77
User score
Generally Favorable
7.8
My Score
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Metascore
Generally Favorable
77
63% Positive
5 Reviews
5 Reviews
38% Mixed
3 Reviews
3 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
Jun 5, 2013
90
Element4l is founded on solid mechanics, fresh gameplay, and a undeniable sense of style.
Jul 9, 2013
88
Element4l really surprised me. I was not expecting to find this much enjoyment out of what looked like just another platforming game that has been popping up in droves lately. For only $10 on Steam, Element4l will offer up a good challenge with some unique mechanics and presentation; not to mention a fantastic soundtrack. If you don’t mind a little trial and error, Element4l is a great purchase.
User score
Generally Favorable
7.8
65% Positive
26 Ratings
26 Ratings
25% Mixed
10 Ratings
10 Ratings
10% Negative
4 Ratings
4 Ratings
Mar 24, 2025
10
A simple yet perfectly sized experience. A challenging and highly original game.
Nov 28, 2013
10
An extremely original and challenging title. Absolutely beautiful graphics and soundtrack. Enjoyable mood. Two player co-op mode would be an interesting addition.
Jun 2, 2013
80
Element4l is a terrific game that is perfectly balanced in everything that it sets out to accomplish.
Sep 17, 2013
70
By using the four elements you have to transit from one level to the other. This makes the game quite challenging, but also a bit repetitive. The beautiful soundtrack of the game saves the day.
Jun 28, 2013
70
To get in touch with Element4l you have to open your mind, thinking outside the rules of the platform genre. If you do so, you'll find a place to heal your eyes and your soul, but beware: this paradise can be cruel sometimes. If you dare to take the challenge, you'll be truly rewarded.
Jul 2, 2013
50
I’ll remember this platformer mainly as a torture. It’s really ruthless when it comes to making you feel helpless. [CD-Action 08/2013, p.81]
Dec 22, 2013
9
This game is very challenging and level design looks great. Sometimes it gets too easy, but mostly it gets too damn hard. Actually, that´s just good. It´s not classic game, but for those who really want to enjoy some challenges, this is your paradise.
Jun 13, 2013
9
This game was a nice combination of puzzles and progress. This title is about denial. You play as an entity that has all four elements inside of it and can call forth any one of them at any time. However, you cannot move using the arrow keys. You can only move by becoming fire and leaping forward (as fire is want to do) then switching to ice to become a cube that slides across the ground. In terms of pros, the puzzles are very creative, I enjoy the challenge of trying to work with the element-swapping game mechanic, and there's a little bit of replayability in that you may want to retry levels again later to see if you can beat your time or finish it without dying. In terms of cons, the graphics are nice but thematically bland. The game hints that there are enemies in the future, but it takes a long time for the story to develop to that point. Overall, there's a lot of fun to be had with this title and I encourage all of you to consider trying it out.
Nov 17, 2013
7
Element4l is an extremely hard "trial & error" game, very well refined but not for all the audience. The lovers of the genre will fall in love for it. ****
Oct 19, 2013
7
They took such a simple idea and made it interesting. Solving puzzles by transforming into elements hardly sounds interesting at all... But trust me, it's pretty well done. A great casual indie title.
Sep 26, 2015
5
At a first glance this seemed like a good idea. It's definitely original! I personally did not enjoy this game but it might have some appeal to other kinds of people. Strangely enough, it reminds me of Dragon's Lair for the Sega CD. And I know exactly why. If you never played said game it works like this: you put the cd on and hit play, then a beautiful animation starts playing! cell shaded, Disney quality etc. That's no intro or cut-scene, that's the game. You have to press specific keys at specific moments to allow the movie to progress. It's a game 100% made of quick-time events, made before this term had been coined. And Element4l is exactly that under the hood; you have to press the correct key at the correct time, there's no margin for error and no flexibility at all. Which is a shame, I think the mechanics of this game really do allow for some open problem solving level design. Again, some people may enjoy this but, if they exist, I hope it's not because of the movie playing because Element4l doesn't have that part.
SummaryElement4l is a moody and experimental platform game, with a strong focus on flow and smooth gameplay, wrapped in an exceptional soundtrack by MindTree In Element4l, you control the state of your character to find your way through a dreamy underworld. Your only hindrances are nature and the sun. It takes a different, experimental appro... Read More
