Iris.Fall

Iris.Fall is a puzzle adventure built around a single visual idea: pure black and white, with the transitions between light and shadow doing all the visual work. Iris, the protagonist, follows a black cat into a dilapidated theater and finds herself moving back and forth through a labyrinth of light and shadow where every prop and shadow has some connection back to her.

The central mechanic interlaces 2D shadow puzzles with 3D environmental puzzles. Switching between light and shadow flips Iris between two realities, revealing paths invisible from the other side. Some shadows on the wall correspond to objects in 3D space; others can only be navigated as flat outlines that solve puzzles by realigning along the lighting plane.

The story unfolds through environmental storytelling rather than dialogue. As Iris progresses deeper into the theater, the connection between the props on stage and her own past becomes increasingly evident. The art direction holds the monochrome cartoon style consistent throughout, with the only visual variation coming from how light falls. NEXT Studios developed the project, with a strong showing at Indie awards on release.