While 3D platformers are relatively scarce from prominent studios outside of Nintendo and Sega, this genre has found new life in the hands of independent developers. Developed by Chozabu and Novadust Leisure, this indie platformer draws inspiration from Studio Ghibli’s whimsical world-building, transporting players to lush, vibrant landscapes imbued with tender textures and radiant hues.
Isn’t intended to be a challenging platformer. Rather than burdening players with complex obstacle courses that require mastering specific move sets to succeed, the game instead draws them in by focusing on the youthful protagonist’s quest for discovery, and perhaps even inspires a sense of wonder akin to what our hero, Zee, experiences.
Zee’s gameplay arsenal is accessible from the start, featuring a comprehensive moveset that enables him to traverse levels efficiently: he can jump, charge up a powerful soar to reach distant areas, glide effortlessly through the air, and – provided his jetpack has sufficient fuel – levitate for extended periods of flight exploration. Additionally, Zee’s abilities allow him to expel energy to ignite small torches and braziers, casting a warm glow on the environment. Each obstacle in the game leverages multiple skills, with no opportunity to unlock fresh traversal mechanics as time passes.
While a dearth of progression might deter certain players, the comprehensive recreation concept on display in this game exemplifies the exceptional abilities of its creators. As the sport pushes athletes to their limits, it invents fresh and innovative approaches to harness the same jumping and gliding abilities that have defined their journey across Jupiter’s moon.
Despite feeling somewhat weightless, motion is well-suited to the serene atmosphere that permeates the game from start to finish. While certain market imperfections may pose a threat, you won’t have to sidestep attacks or wrestle with difficulties. While serving as substitutes, almost every hazard can be either entirely eliminated by choosing an alternative route or mitigated by identifying ways to neutralize its impact. Turrets in the game’s early stages are notorious for their relentless pursuit, taking an eternity to lock onto targets that remain stationary. These turret attacks are surprisingly easy to evade by simply circling around; they can also be neutralized by finding an alternative route nearby?
“Zee shares insights into every single move in his comprehensive set, dating back to the game’s inception.”
Exploring vast open spaces can be incredibly exhilarating when investigating concepts; for instance, mastering the art of transitioning seamlessly from the crest of a glide to a speedy descent down a hill while maintaining momentum, or deciphering the subtle hints provided by blue spheres that entice you to take flight and uncover hidden ruins from every imaginable vantage point. The update also introduces a new layer of complexity to the game’s collectibles, featuring approximately 40 emeralds waiting to be uncovered, as well as crystals that boost the jetpack’s fuel capacity.
As a serene haven, the destination effortlessly charms with its breathtaking landscapes and picturesque views, inviting one to revel in its tranquil beauty.
While puzzles are often relatively straightforward, they rarely present a challenge that would leave you stumped, requiring you to remain in one spot and ponder the solution. Most doorways, however, can be easily opened or closed with the simple flick of a few strategically placed braziers? New paths will unlock once you’ve collected and transferred three wisps to the corresponding swap. The game also features a handful of moderate-leveled leap-of-faith puzzles, where timing is crucial; for instance, a block materializes and vanishes in sync with your jump button presses, requiring precise coordination to succeed.
“Puzzles throughout the series tend to be relatively straightforward.”
The striking visuals are undoubtedly a major highlight of. While not a precise homage to Studio Ghibli’s films, the game’s visuals still evoke a warm, nostalgic feel, inviting players to settle in for an immersive experience reminiscent of those beloved animated classics? There exists a moderate degree of variety within the visuals, encompassing tranquil, undulating hills, a location where a historic battle took place, and sprawling environments featuring dormant robots that once served as warriors in this ancient conflict, extending even to underwater settings. The diverse zones within this world are further enriched by their unique ecosystems, which are highlighted through an engaging feature that encourages you to create and discover novel species as you explore the vast terrain.
The sport boasts an impressive self-awareness, frequently highlighting its unique selling points to showcase its diverse offerings. Upon entering a fresh zone, you’ll be treated to a bird’s-eye view of the entire area, providing insight into your objectives and alerting you to potential collectibles that require your attention.
The entire story unfolds within a framework driven primarily by an external storyteller, its nuances and complexities filtered through their singular perspective. Without cutscenes or multiple characters speaking parts, the narrative is instead shaped by the player’s personal experience through an abundance of visually evident hints, complemented by a whispered voice claiming to be Zee’s father. Terraformed by humans some time ago, the sport unfolds on Jupiter’s moon, Europa, whose icy surface now harbors signs of human habitation. As a result, the moon has developed its unique ecosystem over time, allowing empires to flourish and eventually decline, with their remnants serving as testament to their former grandeur.
“The athletic competition unfolds on the icy surface of Jupiter’s moon, Europa.”
Following cryptic notes from his father, Zee sets out on a journey to rediscover his own path, seeking answers about how to achieve his life’s goals and possibly stumbling upon them along the way. The daddy’s notes serve as an incredibly potent and coveted collectible throughout the game. While collectibles are generally easy to find, as they’re not cleverly concealed and often sit adjacent to the path that advances gameplay, players who prefer a leisurely pace can still ignore them and avoid interruptions from the elder’s monologues if they choose to do so.
Typically, the narrative in this game seemed inconsequential, overshadowed by its captivating visuals and laid-back gameplay, which provided a far more compelling reason for me to continue exploring its offerings. What drove my creative fervor was the insatiable desire to meticulously render every singular species found in, from the intricately patterned, almost mechanistic butterflies to more familiar creatures like the majestic reindeer.
Isn’t this just a relatively brief re-creation, taking approximately four hours to complete? Despite the thrill of collecting rare items, few gamers may find a sufficient reason to embark on an additional playthrough. Without a doubt, this leisure activity offers a unique blend of relaxation and engagement that not only provides a peaceful experience for its players but can also serve as an effective gateway to introduce young gamers and even non-players to the world of gaming. With no genuine peril on earth, exploration evolves into a leisurely activity that’s both enjoyable and laid-back, free from pressure or obligation to follow its narrative, allowing players to appreciate the game at their own pace while absorbing the breathtaking vistas it has to offer?
