Prog.1 (PC) Review

From the very first moment Prog.1 takes over the computer screen, there's a sense of urgency. Cut-scenes segue quickly to the gameplay, and it's almost jarring to be suddenly dropped into the action, especially when it does it every few levels. These aren't very lengthy, so this leads to frequent moving between interactive and not, which keeps the tension consistent.

The story is pretty simple, and while it does exist, it seems to want to stay out the way, preferring to peek it's head out every so often to remind that it's there. All that really matters is that the player is controlling a virus, it would seem, and the people in the cut-scene seem to want it destroyed. None of this is particular clear, but then again, the plot doesn't seem to be the focal point here.

Prog.1 jumps between non-animated, pixelated scenes, where the two scientists are attempting to break down your patience, and minimalist pixel-art levels where control is possible, and this is often where the game fumbles. As early as the second level, the difficulty spike is noticeable. While the first level seems designed to make it pretty clear that platforms are not always going to save them, it doesn't let anyone really soak this in. Instead, it gives a brief tutorial then bashes the one behind the gamepad over the head with failure, again and again.

Fortunately, after each death, of which there will be more than enough to satiate even the most diabolical masochist, the main character instantly re-spawns at the beginning of the level. Unfortunately, this means mastering minute sections of quick levels, which will surely be divisive. While it can be irritating to have to break down every single jump, mastering each before getting any gratification, early on that gratification is palpable. Most will no doubt watch their fingers dance on the keyboard or gamepad, doing things previously unfathomable.

This gratification doesn't hold up long, though, as this frequently uses tactics that feel deliberately cheap. A punishing title should ask the player to overcome something without constantly mocking their failure, and Prog.1 mocks with no regard. It can be very enjoyable to overcome something that seemed previously insurmountable, but this game all too often paints a pathway to failure. The most obvious path will often leave players trapped, which gives the sense that they can go wherever they want, but will die unless they do what the game knows they should.