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.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- Annwn offers a great 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 nice low-poly graphics, a fitting soundtrack, and a simple control scheme that enhances the gameplay experience.
- It provides a good mix of strategy and tension, with procedurally generated islands that keep the gameplay fresh and engaging.
- Many players find the game too short and easy, especially for those familiar with the original, leading to concerns about its replay value.
- Some levels can be frustratingly difficult early on, and there are reports of bugs that affect gameplay, such as screen flickering and interaction issues.
- The procedurally generated islands can feel repetitive, and some players believe the game may not justify its price due to the limited content.
- gameplay10 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 30 % neutral mentions
- 30 % negative mentions
The gameplay is generally well-received, featuring engaging point-and-click mechanics and an inspired upgrade system that enhances the experience with risk/reward elements. While the nostalgic elements are appreciated, some players question the value of the gameplay duration relative to its price. Overall, the game offers solid sound design and direction, though some mechanics, like the "condone/condemn" feature, could benefit from refinement.
“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 collectable 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.”
“- great point and click gameplay”
“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.”
“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).”
- story6 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 17 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The story in Annwn is an engaging addition that enhances the gameplay, featuring collectable fragments that provide narrative snippets and create a risk/reward dynamic on procedurally generated islands. The game incorporates RPG-lite elements and a branching level structure, allowing players to uncover the story as they progress. Overall, the narrative complements the original gameplay while adding depth and exploration opportunities.
“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 collectable 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 feels disjointed and lacks depth, making it hard to become invested in the characters or the world.”
“While there are narrative snippets scattered throughout, they don't come together to form a cohesive story, leaving players feeling unsatisfied.”
“The optional story fragments feel more like an afterthought rather than an integral part of the gameplay experience.”
- graphics6 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- 17 % neutral mentions
- 17 % negative mentions
The graphics are characterized by a great low-poly style that enhances the game's formula, providing a coherent and minimal aesthetic. While some users find the visuals merely serviceable, they appreciate that this simplicity effectively serves the game's overall design.
“Great low-poly graphics.”
“Graphics are merely serviceable but coherent and minimal enough that that's all they need to be.”
- music6 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music in the game is praised for its perfectly fitting soundtrack, characterized by simple yet evocative compositions that capture the essence of Celtic mysticism, enhancing the overall abstract experience.
“The soundtrack is perfectly fitting.”
“Sound and music are good.”
“Music is simple yet powerfully evocative of Celtic mysticism: a wonderful choice for such an abstract experience.”
- replayability2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Users consistently highlight the game's "almost infinite replayability," indicating that it offers a wealth of content and varied experiences that encourage multiple playthroughs.
“Almost infinite replayability.”
“Almost infinite replayability.”
