PS3 Demos : Linger In Shadows Review for the Playstation 3

Insert coin. Or in PSN's case, transfer money from wallet to pay for item(s). I did. £1.99 in fact. This covered the cost for a new interactive digital art experience. What was once a free scene showcasing geniuses at work the demo scene has become somewhat commercial now that Sony is in on the act and publishing works on behalf of the world's greatest programmers.

To be fair, the cost for this interactive art is well justified. There's an army of people that worked on this title and even though at the end of it is nothing more than an interactive hardware/software demo, it's one of great beauty and pleasure. The entire experience lasts for a couple of hours so at that rate, it's on par with the cost of renting a movie, unless of course you're more of a pirate than Brad Pitt.

Linger in Shadows born by the Polish demo group 'Plastic' is, I've said it before and I'll say it again, an interactive digital art experience - not a game. The former is a bit of a mouth full so if you catch me calling it a game forgive me.

The first couple of minutes are spent making a cup of tea; something for you to sip whilst you try and work out what the heck is going on. But. That's part of the fun; let the experience envelope you; don't let frustration or EA's immediacy of pick up, and churn out a high score on your first go sway you from this title - it is after all... not a game; unlike anything you've ever seen, heard of or even interacted with (maybe).

Being an interactive-puzzle-type-of-experience, you'll spend a majority of time using your brain - working out what to do, how to do it and why. Over time, the answer to all questions will reveal themselves, as if a shadow disappearing in sunlight.

When I completed this I watched the credits scroll and read the names of all the people that helped shape this title whilst marveling at their passion and commitment for experiential experiences whilst pushing the boundaries of technology, hardware/software and it's with that I pay not only my £1.99 to Sony, but also my warmest respects to Plastic.