When i first heard about this game in IGN i was skeptical if it will be released for PC . Will the stance the game companies are taking today against a PC release , I was pretty sure that this will be released digitally for Xbox and PS3 alone . Thank God , that wasn't the case . Developed by Star Breeze studios ( Chronicles of Riddick , Payday 2) and published by 505 games this adventure based game takes a different gameplay route midst all platformers of nowadays . How you ask ? Well lets plunge in .
Story ::
The story revolves around 2 brothers who pledges to travel to the far end of the mystical place where they live in in order to ave their father who had fallen to a mysterious disease. They speak a different language not understandable by Humans . Form the directions given by the Village Doctor the Brothers realize they have to bring water from the Tree of Life in order to save their father . Thus starts their breathtaking Journey via Villages , Ruins , Underground dungeons , forests ,Giant land and finally to the Tree of Life where the Tragedy Strikes with a beautiful and tear filled climax that will leave you weeping .
Gameplay ::
This is where the game's ingenuity and Uniqueness lie . Unlike other games where you get to take control only one of the players , this game allows players to take control of both the players at the same time . How do you ask ? . Well if you play with a controller , the Left Analog stick is used to control the Elder Brother and the Right one to control the Younger one . Amazing Right ? But as cool as it sounds , its really frustrating and painful when you have to navigate both of the brothers at the same time . Because imagine, we have always used the left Analog stick for movement , so moving the elder bro is not going to be a problem . While the Right one is where it gets Tricky . Always used to Camera movement with the Right Analog , the sudden implementation of moving a character with it takes huge strain on your mind and gaming fingers . I have to say its very hard to get the co ordination at first . but Once you get it , this will be the best platformer you would have ever played .
The gameplay not only makes players to use keys to move around .Sometimes you need to solve puzzles which can be worked out only by making use of both the brothers at once . The first puzzle you ever come across is the pushing off Wagon from downhill to the Doctor's place . Once you finally get your head around to work that puzzle around its all easy peasy :D . But still the game has some unique elements that totally surprises you with its ingenuity as well as the simplicity of it .
I loved the areas where you have to get across a Farm which is guarded by a Watch Dog . Distract the dog while one bro moves and reaches a temporary safe spot and then you run to the next spot while your bro distracts the dog from his safe spot . Cool :D And the leave you battle against a Troll and finally end up locking it inside a cage . Phew ! that was so close . The game has beautiful moments that just surprises you like hell when you finally finish it . And I promise you , that you will do it with a smile ;)
Graphics ::
Another great strength to the game is the Graphics they have enabled in it . Even for a platformer the game looks absolutely bread taking . Especially at some scenic spots where both brothers can sit and relax and enjoy the view at the same time . And the weird Fog that creeps in at dark forest and the way you ward off the Wolves with a Stick of fire is just too good . I tell you , this game just blows your mind away .
Sound design ::
this is by far the most important piece of the game that has to be appreciated like from first . Bcos however good and touching the story may be , without a good BGM , the entire thing falls into a dead drop . The music in the game , although it ain't thunderous or feel good types , when you hear it , it just feels magical . As if the journey that you go on in this magic place has been made real . Such is the impact it creates . Especially the level where you get to fly across in the Glider . The BGM that comes up in that moment is just amazing to the core . I literally felt goosebumps when i Played it .
Pro's ::
1. Amazing story told with no dialogues but only with gestures and Music alone .
2. Unique controls that will test your limits of patience .
3. Superb Puzzles that looks so easy at first but gradually becomes complex .
4. Amazing Graphics that will astound you.
5. Flawless sound design that will keep you enthralled till the credits roll.
6 . No upgrades and looking for collectibles and treasures . All you have to do is to keep finding yur way and move on . God tats a relief .
Con's ::
1. Game was too damn short .
2. Tear filled Climax that will somehow depress you into not playing the game again .Such is the impact of the last finale.
Rating :: 9.2 / 10 ( Very Good )
Regards
Ram
