BIG Brother is watching in the new puzzle-platformer, Black The Fall.

If you like games that are soaked in atmosphere and tension and have a political edge then Sand Sailor Studio’s impressive first release is for you.

The Bucharest-based developers wanted to create an experience based around a communist dystopia. It was inspired by the first-hand experiences of their families living in the Soviet bloc.

But with this game they imagine an oppressive state in the future with giants mechs stomping around and sentry guns ready to eliminate those who step out of line.

You play as Black who decides to break free from his shackles in a quest for survival and freedom. Indeed, there is plenty of bleak imagery in the game but conversely it is a joy to play. Black The Fall has already been unofficially dubbed ‘1984: The Game’ and its 2D gameplay is also similar to Playdead’s Inside in tone and style. You have to mainly use stealth to outsmart the system where the odds are always stacked against you but the solution is never far from hand.

If you are spotted it almost always means instant death but the game never feels unfair.

The puzzles are mainly physics based but later you also find a mind control laser pointer and even befriend a robotic dog. This is where the experience comes into its own as the set pieces become more interesting and complex.

The only downside is how small the game is. It will only take you two to three hours depending on how fast you can work out the puzzles. But this crowdfunded breakthrough by Sand Sailor Studio is a triumph.

DAVID MORGAN