Luxuria Superbia Review

By Dave Flodine, on December 11, 2013

Last modified 10 years, 11 months ago

Publisher: Tale of Tales
Genre: Action
Released: 5 Nov, 2013
Size: 186.4 MB
Price: $3.99

PROS

A beautiful pairing of sight and sound.
Game demands restraint and patience rather than an all-out attack.
Unique treatment of the subject matter.

CONS

Can make you feel a little uncomfortable.

VERDICT

Though it's pretty obvious what Luxuria Superbia is simulating, the game's unique treatment of the subject matter, combined with its musical and visual crescendos, make it worth a look.

Full Review
App Store Info

More and more, games designers are attmepting to include 'mature' content in their word. Usually, this translates into violence, swearing, and the inclusion of scantily-clad, impossibly proportioned women.

However, that kind of mature content is often delivered in a fairly adolescent way. When playing Luxuria Superbia we felt that we were playing a truly adult game, one that might even make you feel a little uncomfortable.

Luxuria Superbia is a game of touch and sensation. Patience plays a large part as well. You find yourself within the petals of a flower, floating towards its core. Touch the sides of the flower, and the interior will light up with vibrant colours. As you continue to touch, the accompanying soundtrack will begin to intensify. The goal is to bring the flower to - ahem - completion through touch and movement.

You will have to use more than one finger to press and stroke the sides of the flower, thus causing the inner petals to turn from single colour into a kaleidoscope of intense shades. You can reach this state quickly if you know the tricks to trigger it, but the game rewards you for taking your time, and riding out the experience for as long as possible.

Now the metaphor here is pretty blatant. As you are working your way to the end of each stage, the flower even starts speaking to you suggestively. After a few of these interjections, only the most innocent minded players will have any doubt regarding the game's sexual connotations.

And as both an art game and a less-than-subtle metaphor, Luxuria Superbia tells us that as long as both parties are enjoying themselves, there can be no losing - only a glorious win state. It's probably not the type of game you'd want to play in public, or have your partner catch you playing, but it's certainly a touchscreen experience you won't soon forget. Everyone remembers their first time.

Screenshots