In this acrobatic 3D adventure, parkour through an massive cave network. Face lush caverns, subterranean oceans, and surreal cityscapes as you guide three biologists through the shifting spiritual landscape of the island depths! From Anodyne 2's creators!
The game introduces a variety of acrobatic movement abilities, such as wall-running, wall-dashing, and a "teledash" maneuver that allows players to gain momentum and height. Reviewers praise the sense of flow and discovery that comes from exploring the levels and uncovering new paths and shortcuts through creative use of these parkour-inspired mechanics. However, the steep learning curve means players must invest time to master the controls, which some describe as imprecise, particularly when transitioning between different techniques. Despite occasional frustrations with the difficulty spikes, most agree the platforming is deeply rewarding once you become comfortable with the unique movement system.
Interspersed throughout the platforming are "Link" puzzles, where players must connect different colored tiles in a Tetris-like grid to "link" with various creatures. Reviewers describe this as a refreshing change of pace, providing a chance to catch their breath with contemplative spatial reasoning rather than lightning-fast reflexes. The puzzles gradually introduce new rules and challenges for each creature, keeping the tile-matching mechanics engaging without becoming overly difficult. While some felt the puzzles could have been more challenging, the general sentiment is that they blend well with the platforming to create a balanced gameplay experience.
A key part of the gameplay loop is the incentive to thoroughly explore the game's sprawling 3D environments. Scattered throughout the levels are a variety of optional collectibles, from character memories to hidden creature species, which often require skillful use of the platforming mechanics to uncover. Reviewers highlight the sense of discovery and reward that comes from exploring the dense, labyrinthine levels and experimenting with new movement techniques to access these secrets. While the collectible hunting can be occasionally obscure, the general consensus is that the exploration and optional content is a strong complement to the platforming and puzzle-solving.