Written by Anthony L. Cuaycong
Title: EQQO
Developer: Parallel Studio
Publisher: Nakana.io
Genre: Adventure, Puzzle
Price: $6.00
Paris-based independent game developer Parallel Studio aims high with EQQO, an adventure that leans on Ethiopian mythology for visual cues and on the Prague Philharmonic Orchestra to bring creator Nicolas Bredin’s compositions to life. The good news is that it hits more than misses its targets in presenting the tale of the title character, a blind child pushing an egg through a temple filled with obstacles, as told by his mother. There are five chapters all told, each increasing in difficulty and requiring exploration and puzzle solving in equal measure.
EQQO relies on various perspectives to consider the tasks at hand. Gamers need to continually move the camera to predetermined angles, either through the Switch Joy-Cons or by touchscreen controls, in order to comprehend the choices they have, and thereby need to make in order to progress. Those steeped in similar gameplay mechanics — notably from The Legend of Zelda series — will hit the ground running. Otherwise, there’s a learning curve that needs to be negotiated. In either case, enjoyment won’t be compromised.
All told, EQQO lives up to billing. It’s not perfect, particularly in the way its implementation of gyroscope functions can induce no small measure of discomfort. It‘s also short at under five hours from start to finish. Nonetheless, it’s a steal at $6, and lives up to billing as an emotive experience that won’t easily be forgotten.
THE GOOD
- Lives up to billing as an emotive experience
- Visually stunning homage to Ethiopian mythology
- Superb score
- Puzzles challenging, but not to the point of frustration
THE BAD
- Camera angles can be hard to control
- Visual discomfort on occasion
- Short
RATING: 7.5/10
No comments:
Post a Comment