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The Swapper

Wii U, PlayStation 3, Xbox One, PlayStation Vita, PC (Microsoft Windows), Linux, Mac, PlayStation 4 • 2013

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Quick resume

What if someone knew your mind better than you did? The Swapper is an award-winning, narrative driven puzzle game set in the furthest reaches of space.

Global score

94/100

Genres

Action, Adventure, Indie, Platform, Strategy, Puzzle

Pros

  • Unique and clever puzzle mechanics
  • Strong atmospheric and immersive sci-fi setting
  • Thought-provoking philosophical narrative
  • Beautiful handcrafted claymation art style
  • Well-balanced puzzle difficulty progression

Cons

  • Short game length
  • Some puzzles can be frustratingly difficult
  • Achievements are hidden and require guides
  • Limited replay value
  • Lack of character customization and social features

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    4

    "Players have freedom to create clones and swap control among them to solve puzzles, allowing personal decision making and exploration."

  • Competence
    4

    "The game features challenging puzzles that require logical thinking and skillful execution, especially in later stages."

  • Competition
    -4

    "Focus is on individual puzzle solving and personal progress without any competitive elements or player comparison."

  • Continuation
    2

    "Players engage in several hours of gameplay with some desire to replay for achievements or alternate endings, but overall moderate habitual play."

  • Cooperation
    -5

    "Entirely single-player experience with no cooperative or multiplayer elements."

  • Creativity
    4

    "Players creatively use cloning and swapping mechanics to solve puzzles; the handcrafted claymation art style also reflects creative design."

  • Domination
    -5

    "No elements of exerting control over others; gameplay is solitary and introspective."

  • Escapism
    4

    "The game’s immersive sci-fi atmosphere and philosophical narrative provide a strong escape from reality."

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily driven by curiosity and intrinsic interest in puzzles and story, not by obligation."

  • Experimenting
    3

    "Players experiment with swapping and cloning mechanics in novel ways to solve puzzles, though within a defined system."

  • Exploration
    3

    "Exploration of a large space station with backtracking and discovery of hidden terminals and lore."

  • Expression
    -3

    "Limited character customization; expression mainly through puzzle solving and narrative rather than avatar personalization."

  • Fantasy
    3

    "Set in a sci-fi universe with metaphysical and philosophical themes, blending imaginative fiction with speculative science."

  • Fellowship
    -5

    "No social or community features; entirely solo experience."

  • Growth
    3

    "Players develop problem-solving skills and understanding of game mechanics progressively."

  • Health
    -5

    "Sedentary gameplay with no physical activity or health-related features."

  • Idle
    -4

    "Requires focused attention and continuous engagement to solve puzzles; not suited for idle or background play."

  • Intimacy
    -5

    "No social or emotional relationship building; isolated single-player experience."

  • Leadership
    -5

    "No leadership or group management elements; purely individual gameplay."

  • Progression
    3

    "Progression through collecting orbs and unlocking new areas; no item upgrades but advancement in puzzle complexity."

  • Relaxation
    2

    "Atmosphere is melancholic and contemplative; some tension from puzzles but overall a slow, immersive experience."

  • Sensation
    3

    "Visual and auditory design create a haunting and immersive sensory experience."

  • Status
    -5

    "No social recognition or status systems present."

  • Story
    4

    "Strong narrative immersion with philosophical and sci-fi storytelling integrated into gameplay."

  • Strategy
    4

    "Puzzles require logical reasoning, planning, and problem solving using cloning and swapping mechanics."

  • Thrill
    1

    "Some suspense and tension arise from puzzle difficulty and atmosphere, but no high-risk or adrenaline elements."

  • Value
    4

    "Players report good value for time spent, with engaging puzzles and story for the price."

  • Violence
    -4

    "No combat or destruction; gameplay focuses on puzzle solving and exploration."

  • Survival
    1

    "Some elements of avoiding death by falling and managing clone positions, but no traditional survival mechanics."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026