### Reconfigure: The Intriguing New Puzzle-RPG-FPS Hybrid
Reconfigure is an innovative “puzzle-RPG-FPS hybrid” developed by Antti Tiihonen, co-founder of Almost Human and a significant designer behind the acclaimed dungeon crawler, *Legend of Grimrock*. While *Grimrock* thrust players into a challenging mountain escape, *Reconfigure* transports players to a starship in the process of being reconfigured, setting the stage for a unique gaming experience.
#### Game Concept and Setting
In *Reconfigure*, players assume the role of the last human onboard a starship that is accelerating toward an enigmatic destination. Onboard robots are seen feverishly feeding spare components into the engine while the player navigates a complex maze of passages, laser sentinels, and pressure plates, all while working to prevent the ship from effectively devouring itself.
Tiihonen has recently released a limited access playtest version of *Reconfigure* on Steam, allowing selected participants to explore about an hour of gameplay. Initial experiences suggest that the ship’s chaotic and atmospheric environment draws inspiration from various sources, notably *Hardspace: Shipbreaker*, *Dark Forces*, and classic Looking Glass immersive simulations.
#### Gameplay Mechanics
The interiors of *Reconfigure* are characterized by vivid, pixelated aesthetics built from modular blocks. Players can manipulate many of these blocks, although many are primarily useful for cover. Due to the ship’s increasing G-forces, jumping becomes impossible, requiring players to seek out sturdier blocks, such as magnetic cubes, that can serve as both platforms and circuit components needed for doors and elevators.
Combat in *Reconfigure* involves firing slow-moving blaster bolts at lethargic guardbots, then dashing behind them to deactivate them, which adds an element of strategy to encounters. The whimsical design of these combat scenarios serves more as a diversion than the primary focus of gameplay.
#### Evolving Experience
The current playtest hints at more to come, with the full game promising additional gadgets like drones and implants, alongside secret resource stashes and datapads that provide deeper narrative context. Players are left wondering if G-forces will intensify further into the game as the ship continues to accelerate.
Tiihonen emphasizes that although *Reconfigure* appears superficially distinct, it heavily derives from his experience in crafting *Legend of Grimrock*. The design philosophy is anchored in handcrafted branching levels that evoke a sense of interconnectedness, akin to *Legend of Grimrock 2*.
Moreover, aesthetic and gameplay influences are highlighted from classic titles like *System Shock*, particularly in how they integrate various genres with first-person shooting mechanics. However, *Reconfigure* places logic puzzles at its core, distinguishing itself from traditional RPG-adventure designs with a focus on puzzle-solving over mere clue-hunting.
#### Conclusion and Future Prospects
While a definitive release date remains unannounced, it is essential to note that *Reconfigure* is a product of Tiihonen’s independent label, Hapatus Ltd., rather than Almost Human. For those intrigued by block gameplay but unable to access the playtest, previous works from Tiihonen, such as *Stuffo the Puzzle Bot*, are worth exploring. Conversely, players seeking horror-themed gameplay in space settings might find *Routine*, released last winter, to be a fitting alternative.
As anticipation builds, *Reconfigure* is shaping up to be a captivating and innovative fusion of genres in the gaming landscape.
