Annwn: the Otherworld
- January 1, 2018
- Quantum Soup Studios
Get on Steam
Get on itch.io StoreAnnwn is an abstract stealth strategy game of tension and relief, across a series of mysterious procedural islands.
Reviews
- Annwn offers a nostalgic and inspired re-imagining of the classic game The Sentinel, maintaining its core gameplay while adding new elements like an upgrade system and optional story fragments.
- The game features great low-poly graphics, a fitting soundtrack, and a simple control scheme that enhances the gameplay experience.
- It provides a relaxing yet challenging puzzle experience, with almost infinite replayability due to procedurally generated islands and strategic gameplay.
- Some players find the game too short and easy, especially for those familiar with the original, leading to a lack of challenge after a few levels.
- There are reports of bugs and technical issues, such as screen flickering and problems with certain gameplay mechanics, which can detract from the experience.
- The procedurally generated islands can feel repetitive, and some early levels may be frustratingly difficult for new players.
- gameplay5 mentions
- 60 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 40 % negative mentions
The gameplay is generally well-received, featuring engaging point-and-click mechanics and an innovative upgrade system that enhances the experience. While it successfully incorporates nostalgic elements and solid prose, some players feel that certain mechanics, like the "condone/condemn" feature, could be improved or limited. However, concerns about the overall value of the gameplay duration relative to its price persist.
“Great point and click gameplay.”
“Annwn is an inspired take on that venerable title, maintaining most of the original gameplay (absorb and project energy, teleport around procedurally generated islands, avoid the deadly glare of the slowly rotating watcher), but adding an upgrade system and optional story (which progresses via collectible fragments - and really adds an extra level of risk/reward to those islands that contain them).”
“The gameplay is pretty fun; it has good sound and good direction.”
“Nostalgia sure, but I'm not sure whether an hour of gameplay is worth the price of admission these days.”
“The prose has been quite solid overall, but I find myself wishing the 'condone/condemn' mechanic was either limited to the final level or absent entirely.”
- story3 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- -67 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The story in Annwn is an engaging addition to its gameplay, featuring an optional narrative that unfolds through collectible fragments and 'story blocks' scattered across procedurally generated islands. This structure enhances the risk/reward dynamic, while the RPG-lite elements and branching level progression provide a deeper context to the player's journey. Overall, the narrative complements the core mechanics, enriching the player's experience.
“Annwn is an inspired take on that venerable title, maintaining most of the original gameplay (absorb and project energy, teleport around procedurally generated islands, avoid the deadly glare of the slowly rotating watcher), but adding an upgrade system and optional story (which progresses via collectible fragments - and really adds an extra level of risk/reward to those islands that contain them).”
“Annwyan adds some RPG-lite elements to the mix, and some 'story blocks' that contain snippets of narrative for you to find on certain islands and collect along the way, all held together by a branching web of levels that open as you reach new ones.”
“The story in Annwn feels disjointed and lacks depth, making it hard to become invested in the characters or the world.”
“While the game offers collectable story fragments, they often feel like an afterthought rather than an integral part of the experience.”
“The narrative is sparse and doesn't provide enough context or motivation for the player's actions, leaving the overall experience feeling hollow.”
- graphics3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -100 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The graphics are characterized by a great low-poly aesthetic that enhances the game's formula, with a coherent and minimal design that serves its purpose effectively. While some users find the visuals merely serviceable, they appreciate the overall execution and style.
“The low-poly graphics are great.”
“Graphics are coherent and minimal enough that they serve their purpose well.”
“The visuals add some elaborations on the basic formula that work wonderfully.”
“The graphics are merely serviceable, but coherent and minimal enough that that's all they need to be.”
“The visuals feel outdated and lack the polish expected from modern games.”
“Character models are poorly designed, making it hard to connect with the story.”
- music3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music in the game is praised for its perfectly fitting soundtrack, characterized by simple yet evocative Celtic mysticism that enhances the abstract experience. Overall, the sound and music contribute significantly to the game's atmosphere.
“Perfectly fitting soundtrack.”
“Sound and music are good.”
“Music is simple yet powerfully evocative of Celtic mysticism: a wonderful choice for such an abstract experience.”
- replayability1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Users highlight the game's "almost infinite replayability," indicating that it offers a wealth of content and varied experiences that encourage players to return repeatedly.
“Almost infinite replayability.”
