Valley

This game is a master piece of art and sound as well as a must play for anyone who wants a good example of mechanics integrating into game narrative. However, not as a something to strive too, but learn from. However I know now everyone’s going to care about this, so scroll down to the second paragraph for stuff about the game part of this game. Now then, the core theme of Valley is ‘Take what is necessary’ and this is explored not only though the games spoken story but though its mechanics. Aside from the exhilarating free running gameplay that make you want to just tape down the run button and explore the map; the games’ other core mechanic is to take and give life.

The player does this by literally sucking or injecting life energy into or from the surrounding plants and animals. Now the player needs this energy to fuel their power armor suit and use its more exotic features. However, the player’s life is also tied to the surrounding wildlife, if enough of it dies so will the player. Creating a set up to explore themes of sustainability. However, it stumbles in implementation; there are these little balls of light that when collected restore your suits power without having the player kill anything in the valley. The only problem is that there everywhere, meaning the player rarely has to worry about running out of fuel. Muddling its otherwise excellent thematic integration. On top of that the rest of the story is a little clichéd, being one about an aerologist who stumbles upon a military experiment to weaponize the life energy. If you’ve seen Disney’s Atlantis, you will recognize where the plot is going really quick.

The game can be somewhat lacking in interesting platforming segments from time to time; witch might sound boring if it wasn’t for the amazing since of speed and maneuverability the game gives you. The simple act of running in this game feels exhilarating; as you zip down hills into lush beautiful environments alongside a pack of deer. There are plenty of levels that take advantage of its simple movement controls and amazing landscapes. As I said at the top, this game looks and sounds amazing. The forest environments are so colorful and pretty that you want to spend hours just running though them. Coupled with the music, which sets the right tone of mystifying and awe inspiring that alone is worth your time. This is defiantly a game that you start up if you just want something easy on the eyes and soothing. You won’t find much difficulty hear but it is something that you can just take in at your own pace.