Tunic

This game was truly a hidden gem for me and I cannot even begin to express how surprised i was by this game. It has all the hallmarks of what makes everything great about gaming. Pros: Graphical Style - This game is simplistic in its visual nature and yet it hits so good. The detail in some of the areas are really good and the mystery that the game envelopes you in never leaves. The graphics may not be AAA crazy realistic, but not every game needs to be that and this game proves it. Gameplay - This game is phenomenal. I really lowered my guard when playing this at first expecting something simple and easy but I was greeted by anything but that. The gameplay slowly evolves from a basic hit and dodge to multiple spells, items weapons and shield that all create a super dynamic combat system that i NEVER expected from this. The exploration, the item gathering, the secrets to be found...this game literally has it all. World Building - The mystery of this world really carries over well, making me itch to want to keep exploring and finding more secrets to discover how to find or reach XYZ place. It really is amazing. Music - The music is INSANELY good. Like wtf. From the actual soundtrack to the ambient sounds to the sound effects from the weapons, ALL of it hits perfect. 10/10 on the music and sound. Difficulty - This game actually surprised me with how difficult it was. I was pleasantly surprised to find this level of difficulty curve in a game like this. The world design never feels overly punishing and has just the right amount where if you die, you know its your fault. Cons: My one and only con would be the design of the actual world map and pages. Its very cumbersome and annoying to have to flip through a ton of pages to get to the page you need to get to in order to see where you are on the map. The map should open up to the proper page based on the area your in. Thats my only real complaint. Overall Tunic was an amazing surprise and a game that I should have played sooner. I am kicking myself for not experiencing this game earlier than I did, but i am happy that i did and i can't wait for more if there is ever more. Thanks for reading.

For those who just got this in Humble Choice - don't sleep on this. It doesn't look like much at first glance, but it's an extremely atmospheric and compelling adventure game with a wonderful sense of mystery.

I have to rip off the bandage real quick. The intro of this game is truly terrible. I understand that this game is entirely dependant on the manual, and the whole point is that Nothing at all is said for the entire duration no matter what, but... Oh man. It makes for an extremely rough start, especially if you're looking for a puzzle game first and foremost. But when you manage to get past it, my god is it a gorgeous and well crafted video game. You feel rewarded and lost for a while, but the little knowledge you've gathered during your confusion and frustration at the start drives you to discover more. And there's a bunch of things everywhere. Definitely not recommended as a first Metroidbrainia (that would go for Fez), but the harshness of it gives it another layer of spice not many games can offer.