Closure is a free online flash platform/puzzle game with a philosophical twist. Except for a few deliberately placed light sources, the game environment is shrouded in darkness, and the only physical reality that exists in the game is that which you are able to see; all else is void.
Do you think the universe exists when you’re not looking? I know, that was a rather ridiculous question, so here’s another one: do you think you can set up an experiment where you are not influencing the outcome one way or the other simply by observing it? This one turns out to be harder to answer.
In quantum physics there is something called “the observer effect” which simply states that “there is no phenomenon until it is observed”. Sounds rather presumptuous, I know, but I think what it boils down to is that whatever objective reality is “out there” is hidden from us, and that our engaging with it is a creative act; that we don’t just observe a reality that is independent from us but actually take part in shaping it.
Which is exactly what makes this game so interesting, as it is based on the premise that the only parts of the game environment that exist are the ones that you as the player are able to see. All else is a void, which, should you step into it, will swallow you to your death. Here are more notes on this game:
- Very easy to get into: I thought I should mention this first; you will be up to speed with this game within minutes.
- The objective: is simply to make it from the beginning to the end of a level, where a big door will take you to the next one.
- Objects: you will encounter circular light sources that you can pick up and take with you to light your way. Other objects: keys to open locked doors, unlit objects similar in shape to the lights, and a sort of pedestal which, when an object is placed inside it, will cause other lights to kick into action and to travel on a pre-set trajectory. Figuring out how you can benefit from these moving lights is key to completing any given level.
- Saved games: will remember the last level you played and give you the option to start with that one instead of the beginning. It WILL forget when you clear your cookies though.
The verdict: very original and well done game that is also extremely fun to play. The only downside: I now feel like I should carry a flashlight with me wherever I go 
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[Thanks go to my friend Diablo for letting me know about this one].
Compatibility: works with any browser; requires flash player 10.
Go to the game page to play.
Wow. This game has a very interesting concept and a good atmosphere. Nice find!
Well, whether I play that game or not won’t influence the fact that it remains beyond me
Just joking. The substance is nothing of a joke, and I admit that this very interesting post will push me to another step. Upwards, I hope
Wow. thats a very interesting game…
I didnt notice that I got addicted to it and before that I was already playing for 2 hrs…
Thanks for sharing
I dont think it was the developers intention to imply any philosophical meaning. Otherwise it would be called Schrodingers cat or some s**t.
Perhaps I’m an idiot, but the game never loads past the splash screen with the Mecha ad in the middle and links going down the right. Begin and Stage Select remain disabled forever. I have waited half an hour each with Firefox, IE7 and Chrome. And yes, I have Flash 10.
That is a cool concept, although the game is a little laggy for me on an Eee 900. I don’t think it’s really “philisophical” though: there’s no real connections to anything but an interesting game design.
I think it would be better if you could throw or somehow launch the balls of light and have them stick to the potential walls. Even better would be different colors of light that create different kinds of walls. Now *that* would be awesome.
I get trouble loading the game, even in different browsers. i do have the latest flash player so its not that