Developer: Tiny Roar
Platform: PC (Reviewed)
Genre: Adventure, Strategy
Publisher: Daedalic Entertainment
Into the Emberlands is a cosy adventure game. The game was developed by Tiny Roar and published by Daedalic Entertainment. The game is currently only available for Windows.Â
Into the Emberlands is a single-player game where you take on the role of a Lightbearer where, once, embers had lit the world, but now Miasma has consumed the world with darkness. It is the Lightbearer’s job to rescue the Knacks, rebuild their homes, and light up the darkest parts of the world. The game consists of players searching out into the dark lands to find resources and upgrades to help make the town become bigger and thrive!
The controls for Into the Emberlands are extremely simple, with mechanics that do not overcomplicate the game at all. Most of the interaction in the game is done through point-and-click, and you guide the Lightbearer onto the right track. Some controls include camera movement for players to scout certain unexplored areas better. The simplicity of this game works seamlessly.
The visuals for Into the Emberlands are stunning and implement a vibrant-toned whimsical colour palette and soft graphics that make the game look like a children’s storybook. The overall aesthetic of the game is cosy, with a hand-drawn art style that is charming and inviting to look at. The game does a wonderful job of creating an enchanting, whimsical atmosphere through the cute designs of the Lightbearer, the Knacks, and the items. The environment is filled with plentiful details that include different biomes such as an icy mountain, grassy forests or even a swamp, each having its distinct plants and resources. The animations in the game are also so captivating as you see your Lightbearer trudging through the dark forest and lighting their path on the way. The visuals complement nicely with the soundtrack that features mellow instruments filled with the sounds of water crashing, the ‘chickens’ clucking and the light bearer’s heavy steps.Â
Into the Emberlands stays true to its cosy title and is quite captivating towards the player. The main premise of the game is that you, the Lightbearer, can hold embers that almost act like your ‘step counter’. As you step outside of the town and navigate through a ‘grid-like’ field, you die down with each tile you step on. At first, I assumed that it would be no issue gathering resources and rescuing Knacks, but after the 3rd upgrade of the town, things started to get more difficult, which made the game more enjoyable. I had found myself stuck in a loop, trying to figure out the best route that would use up the least amount of my embers before having to restart.Â
Now, there are several items, NPCs, and equipment that you can encounter which will help you upgrade your ember lantern and tools (such as pickaxe and axe) or even give you additional embers on the way. What I enjoyed the most about this game was that exploring did require you to strategize, and some runs would make you want to go out as far as you could to collect items. Houses, shops, and vending machines in the town would give you something close to a checklist with items required for the upgrade (wood, stone, Knacks), and you would need to go out and collect them without your ember running out. Into the Emberlands has several unique equipment that you can come across as you venture out more and more. Surprisingly enough, the game does have an end to it, which is something a lot of players can look forward to.Â
If you end up becoming lost by running out of ember through your exploration, you are able to restart at your latest town upgrade (with the houses that you have completed still built, only the Knacks, upgrades and items reset) but get given the option to select from another Lightbearer and companion. The designs for each of the Lightbearers and companions are so adorable, and it made me want to be able to unlock everyone. Usually, as you progress through the game and encounter certain people, you are able to unlock these characters. Specific light-bearers will start with different items; for instance, the ‘Studied’ starts with six packs of paper. As for the companions, I was never able to figure out if they served any purpose, but having them by your side is always a plus!
Into the Emberlands is a game I quite enjoyed, and for something that is nearly 7 euros is quite worth checking out. The game has an original yet simple idea, which, after some time, becomes second nature and gets the player into an endless cycle. The game itself is so fun as you get to go out, collect resources, meet quirky characters, and see your village/town be built up. The visuals shine through the gameplay, and everything works so well together.Â
If you are looking for a cosy adventure game where you get to traverse through dark lands with your ember lantern to help rescue Knacks and rebuild the town, then this game is just for you! Into the Emberlands features unique biomes, charming and quirky characters, and a soft, vibrant art style complemented by a soothing soundtrack. The game allows players to upgrade their tools, unlock charming Lightbearers/companions and take on an adventure that can quite literally make the player feel lost. So, be sure to check out Into The Emberlands!
Overall: 9/10
This is S & S. We are world game explorers. We play games. We have played over 10,000+ games! We travel, we write reviews AND we play more games!!!!
