There are numerous glorious rhythm video games you may get for affordable proper now as a part of the Steam Rhythm Fest. The truth is, we’ve already picked out seven titles it is best to undoubtedly choose up whereas the occasion continues to be operating till August 26, proper right here. However there’s one sport not within the roundup that’s value singling out: rhythm journey sport A Highland Track.
The 2023 title from developer inkle, the studio behind indie darlings Heaven’s Vault, 80 Days, and Overboard!, transports gamers to the scenic vistas of the Scottish Highlands. Whereas there’s a rhythm factor, as you’ll count on contemplating its involvement within the Steam Rhythm Fest sale, nearly all of A Highland Trackis a free narrative journey with meaty traversal mechanics that could be a love letter to the Highlands themselves.
Let me inform you from firsthand expertise, having simply received again from a visit from Scotland throughout which I spent numerous time mountain climbing by way of the sport’s real-world inspirations, the Highlands are particular. The rolling hills, speeding rivers, and massive mountains are so steeped in historical past and folklore that along with being always soaked with rain, it feels just like the land has absorbed a residing cultural reminiscence, too. That’s the sense that A Highland Track seeks to evoke, and it does so excellently.
The sport units gamers out on an extended multi-day hike from protagonist Moira McKinnon’s residence (that she is operating away from) to her uncle’s lighthouse. Between factors A and B are these lovely but harmful vistas the Highlands are identified for. Between erratic climate bringing flash rainstorms or snow, steep cliffs, and deep caverns always getting in your method, it rapidly turns into clear the journey won’t be a simple one. A Highland Track makes all these obstacles significant challenges, as Moira is fragile and should relaxation every night time to take care of her heat and well being. Sleep with out shelter or keep out within the rain too lengthy and also you’ll freeze to demise. Slip and fall after operating out of stamina whereas climbing and also you’ll discover half of your well being bar instantly gone. To maintain Moira alive and full this journey, you have to take it gradual.
That systematic method encourages you to discover the sport’s setting. Ultimately you’ll start to uncover the tales positioned all through it due to this extra explorative method. Each hill and valley you cross has a narrative to inform—you may discover remnants of a battlefield from the Jacobite revolution and even cross paths with doubtlessly mystical creatures from Scottish folklore. Every of those encounters provides a lesson on the land and its individuals. Highland Track’s rhythm facets are available in moments of traversal when you should chase after a deer and hit timed inputs set to the sport’s soundtrack. Whereas it isn’t an exciting rhythm sport because of its simplicity, following the deer usually leads you distant from the place you began and properly off the crushed path, providing ample exploration for these desirous about discovering extra about this surreal house.
None of this discovery is imposed on the participant by way of bothersome quests or overly signposted occasions however by way of a pure sense of journey. As you play, you possibly can go wherever your coronary heart needs, and also you’ll discover one thing of curiosity. As cliche because it sounds, A Highland Track is a sport concerning the journey, not the vacation spot—and it’s a wonderful journey thanks not solely to the implausible world impressed by the very actual magnificence and historical past of the Highlands, but in addition the splendidly difficult traversal mechanics that make each little little bit of progress really feel really rewarding.
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