Official Review
Game Overview:
- Release Date: November 14, 2024
- Price: $14.99 USD (Launch discount: $11.99 until November 15, 2024)
- Genre: Adventure, Puzzle
- Players: 1
Nairi: Rising Tide picks up where Tower of Shirin left off, expanding on the rich lore of the city of Shirin. The game alternates between the perspectives of Nairi and a new character, Shiro, whose father is on the Shirin Council alongside Nairi's father. Players will navigate through a complex narrative involving corrupt governments, uprisings, kidnappings, and mysterious magical forces.
The story unfolds in the vibrant oasis city of Shirin, which is divided into Rich, Middle, and Poor Districts. While the plot introduces many characters and subplots, it can be somewhat challenging to follow at times. The game continues to explore themes of societal corruption and the looming threat of the Great Storm, a cyclical force of destruction that has doomed many civilizations.
Gameplay and Features:
- Point-and-Click Adventure: The game retains its core point-and-click mechanics, making excellent use of the Switch's touchscreen functionality.
- New Toolbelt System: A significant addition is the 'Toolbelt' feature, allowing players to combine items in inventive ways to solve puzzles.
- Improved Guidance: The developers have implemented new hint and map systems to help players navigate the game world and puzzles more effectively.
- Collectibles: Players can find hidden pieces of art around Shirin and purchase figurines of the cast, adding an extra layer of engagement.
- Multiple Choice Sections: The game introduces timed multiple-choice sections, including a unique sparring mechanic that adds variety to the gameplay.
- Puzzle-Dungeons: Players will navigate through complex puzzle-dungeons, adding depth to the game's challenge.
The hand-drawn art style that charmed players in the first game has been further refined in Rising Tide. The visuals are more vibrant and detailed, with the developers stepping up their game in terms of illustrations. The character designs remain charming, and the world of Shirin is brought to life with even more visual flair.
Performance:
The game appears to run smoothly on the Nintendo Switch, with improvements made to both gameplay and performance compared to its predecessor.
Pros:
- Engaging story with charming characters and a rich, detailed world
- Improved gameplay mechanics and new features like the Toolbelt system
- Beautiful, hand-drawn art style with enhanced visuals
- Addition of collectibles and figurines for added engagement
- Thoughtful implementation of hint and map systems for better player guidance
- The story can be complex and sometimes difficult to follow
- Ends on another cliffhanger, which might disappoint players looking for a conclusive ending
Verdict:
Nairi: Rising Tide is a satisfying sequel that builds upon the strengths of its predecessor while addressing some of its weaknesses. The improved gameplay mechanics, enhanced visuals, and deeper narrative make it a worthy addition to any point-and-click adventure fan's library. While the story's complexity and cliffhanger ending might be divisive, the overall experience is charming and engaging.
The game offers approximately 10-15 hours of gameplay, depending on how thoroughly players explore the world and solve puzzles. With its mix of narrative depth, puzzle-solving, and visual appeal, Nairi: Rising Tide is a solid choice for Nintendo Switch owners looking for an immersive adventure game.
For fans of the first game or newcomers to the series, Nairi: Rising Tide provides a captivating journey through a beautifully crafted world. Just be prepared for another cliffhanger, as the developers have already hinted at future installments to complete Nairi's story.
