Cairn

I didn't find the characters or story particularly compelling and the writing came across as a bit pretentious at some points. Avva especially is kind of insufferable as a protagonist and her crashing out after every little fall was more annoying to me than the lost progress that entailed. while I understand that you're maybe not supposed to like Avva anyway, I feel that a silent protagonist might have been a better fit. I also experienced some pretty big lag spikes, especially when loading new areas my FPS would sometimes drop below 30. Lowering graphics settings did not help this but it was mostly fine as I played using a controller anyway. The climbing mechanics are very satisfying, if a little janky at times and the game looks gorgeous; I didn't even realise there was a sprint button until very late into the game because I had no issue taking everything in at a walking pace. I also loved the setting, finding the abandoned settlements throughout the climb were some of my favourite parts of the game. Overall I really enjoyed this game, the art design and soundtrack are incredible and while it is by no means perfect I would definitely recommend picking it up on sale if the art style or climbing gameplay interests you.

game's really good except for when you make a 50 meter climb then try to climb the easiest 3 meters ever and the professional climber turns in to a drunk senior citizen with 0 grip and it throws you down to your death. and that's a bit annoying at times.

Stamina management with a view. This game is one of a kind, and it without a doubt deserves way more recognition than it has received. There are very few games like it that I know of, but none of them are as realistic or in-depth story-wise as this one. The art style of this game, in my opinion, is absolutely beautiful and unlike anything I've ever seen before. It's like a stylised, graphic cel-shaded look focusing on bold lines to create an easily readable environment. Due to the fact you spend most of your time climbing in this game (who would have guessed), you're mainly staring at a barren rock face, which could grow rather boring if there is no dialogue or story going on at the same time. Thankfully there is, and it's an absolute cinematic masterpiece. This game has so much depth and emotion in terms of its story; it genuinely had me fully invested in the protagonist's feelings and intentions, and towards the end of the story, I was almost in tears. Something that stands out is the fact that one of the two endings you can pick from is left up to the interpretation of the player in terms of what 'truly' happens. The cooking feature in this game is really satisfying, as there seems to be an infinite amount of combinations of ingredients when trying to make different recipes, and each one you make is unique and different from the one before because of the different effects it offers. Having to manage your backpack's space is another nice addition that adds a pinch of strategic thinking, as you have to decide what you want to take with you on your ascent up Mount Kami. This game has an abundance of replayability as there are so many possible routes you can take to reach the summit. Obviously, the main storyline is linear and stays the same, but the route you take up the mountain is completely in the hands of the player, figuratively and literally. Also, to obtain 100% completion expect a couple playthroughs and a few guides as there are some achievements which are mostly, or entirely, out of the way of the main objectives. Another thing this game does well is give you a realistic perspective on what climbers do in real life, making you realise that there are people out there crazy enough to do this out of their own free will and then try to convince you that they enjoy it after! This game is a work of art and will forever have a special place in my heart. Do not rule this game off as a 'generic rock climbing game'—there is so much more beneath the surface than it seems. [i]Buy it, climb it, brag it.[/i] 9/10