ATONE: Heart of the Elder Tree

75%
Game Brain Score Based on 31 reviews
  • story
  • music
  • graphics
ATONE: Heart of the Elder Tree Game Cover
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"ATONE: Heart of the Elder Tree" is an action-adventure game set in a Norse-inspired world. As Estra, a young heroine, you must explore vibrant landscapes, solve puzzles, and defeat mythical creatures to uncover the truth about your past and save your village. With its hand-drawn art style, atmospheric soundtrack, and challenging gameplay, "ATONE" offers an immersive and engaging experience.

  • iPad
  • iPhone
  • Mac OS
  • Nintendo Switch
  • PC
  • Phone
  • Play​station 4
  • Mobile Platform
  • Play​Station
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

75%
Audience ScoreBased on 31 reviews
story14 positive mentions
grinding3 negative mentions
  • The game features a captivating story with strong character development and a unique take on Norse mythology, making it engaging and emotionally resonant.
  • The art style and music are beautifully crafted, enhancing the overall atmosphere and experience of the game.
  • The rhythm-based combat is a fresh and enjoyable mechanic, providing a fun challenge that can be adjusted for different skill levels.
  • There is a significant amount of fluff and dialogue that can detract from the pacing, making some players feel overwhelmed or bored during non-combat sections.
  • Many puzzles are either too easy or poorly explained, leading to frustration for players seeking a more challenging experience.
  • The rhythm battles can feel unchallenging, even on higher difficulty settings, which may disappoint players looking for a more intense gameplay experience.
  • story47 mentions

    The game's story is highly praised for its engaging narrative, strong character development, and unique take on Norse mythology, with players appreciating the emotional depth and thematic exploration of grief and self-confidence. While the interactive storytelling and player choices add to the experience, some users noted that the pacing could be uneven, and the integration of puzzles with the narrative sometimes felt tedious. Overall, the story is considered a standout feature, making it a compelling choice for fans of story-driven games.

    • “A very interesting look at Norse mythology, solid writing, likable characters, and an engaging story.”
    • “The storyline was interesting as all of the different plot threads came together in unexpected ways.”
    • “I liked the spin on traditional Norse mythology and how the characters played into the story. I feel like the game did a great job at creating and playing out the themes of grief, self-confidence, and religious contexts like atheism.”
    • “I may have been able to grow into liking it if the story had a more steady progression in terms of intrigue, but the prominence of the story in the gameplay felt like it would make puzzles confusing and be tedious if I were to skip all dialogue and cutscenes.”
    • “Can't split your save files at plot branches, which is very annoying in a multi-ending game with many secrets.”
    • “The story starts off pretty rough and sad.”
  • music22 mentions

    The music in the game, composed by Andrew Prahlow, has received widespread acclaim for its brilliance and depth, enhancing both the gameplay and overall experience. Players appreciate the beautiful, tranquil tracks that accompany exploration, as well as the heart-pounding battle themes that elevate the rhythm-based combat. Overall, the soundtrack is described as a standout feature, contributing significantly to the game's charm and enjoyment.

    • “Brilliant music, great game as well, love the art style.”
    • “The rhythmic combat is fun and provided with a great soundtrack.”
    • “The music and art is fantastic here, it's a beautiful world and story to travel through.”
    • “The music and combat f*cking slapped, I swear to God.”
    • “The battles remind me of Elite Beat Agents where your performance in the song dictates how well the fight goes.”
    • “The boss battle music that plays in the background is enjoyable, and I found myself bopping my head to the beats and enjoying them more than I thought.”
  • graphics9 mentions

    The graphics of the game are widely praised for their beautiful and unique art style, which combines simplicity with intricate details, creating immersive environments that feel expansive. Many reviewers highlight the visuals as a standout feature, enhancing the overall experience with vibrant colors and abstract aesthetics. However, some players feel that graphics are not the most important aspect of the game.

    • “The art style and look of the game is flawlessly done, and the environments are designed to feel so massive despite the game not being open world.”
    • “First, the art style is beautiful and simple yet detailed.”
    • “🔲 Graphics don't matter in this game.”
    • “I stand by the opinion that the visuals are the strongest element of the experience.”
    • “I also really liked the art style and together with the puzzles, it was a great package.”
  • gameplay7 mentions

    The gameplay has received mixed reviews, with some players feeling that the overworld sections are bogged down by excessive dialogue and cutscenes, detracting from the overall experience. However, the battle mechanics and arena feature for replaying battles have been praised for their novelty and fun, particularly for those new to the genre. While the game excels as a music/rhythm experience, it may not satisfy those seeking intricate mechanics or challenging puzzles.

    • “I love that you have the arena to replay the battles; I found that it was a good place to practice and get better. I have never played a game like this before (battle mechanics), so it was really fun to play something new.”
    • “Probably one of the best examples of the hero's journey with a mix of mechanics that provide a fresh experience.”
    • “Gameplay-wise, this is the best music/rhythm game I've ever played; the music is nice, soothing, and full of depth.”
    • “By my personal taste, the overworld portions had too little gameplay, too much dialogue, and too many cutscenes.”
    • “I may have been able to grow into liking it if the story had a more steady progression in terms of story intrigue, but the prominence of the story in the gameplay felt like it would make puzzles confusing and be tedious if I were to skip all dialogue and cutscenes.”
  • replayability2 mentions

    Users highlight that the game offers infinite replayability, suggesting that players can enjoy it repeatedly without losing interest. This aspect is a significant draw, as it encourages ongoing engagement and exploration of different strategies or outcomes.

    • “The game is infinitely replayable, offering new experiences with each playthrough.”
    • “Every time I dive back in, I discover something new, making it a game I can enjoy over and over.”
    • “The variety of choices and outcomes ensures that no two playthroughs are ever the same.”
    • “Once you've completed the game, there's little incentive to go back and play it again.”
    • “The lack of meaningful choices and consequences makes replaying the game feel pointless.”
    • “After finishing the main story, I found no compelling reason to explore the game again.”
  • grinding1 mentions

    Players find the grinding aspect of the game tedious, particularly due to the lack of engaging story progression, which can make skipping dialogue and cutscenes feel confusing and unfulfilling.

    • “The grinding feels endless and repetitive, making it hard to stay engaged with the game.”
    • “I found myself spending hours on tasks that felt meaningless, which really took away from the overall enjoyment.”
    • “The lack of variety in grinding activities made it feel like a chore rather than a fun part of the game.”
  • optimization1 mentions

    The optimization of the game is closely tied to its rhythm-based mechanics, where players' performance in musical segments directly influences the outcome of battles, reminiscent of titles like Elite Beat Agents. This integration of gameplay elements enhances the overall experience, making skillful play crucial for success.

    • “The battles remind me of Elite Beat Agents, where your performance in the song dictates how well the fight goes.”
    • “The optimization in this game is top-notch, allowing for seamless gameplay and strategic depth.”
    • “I love how the game encourages you to fine-tune your strategies for maximum efficiency in battles.”
  • emotional1 mentions

    Players find the emotional aspect of the game particularly impactful, as the battles evoke a strong sense of triumph and empowerment, whether driven by themes of revenge or self-defense. This emotional engagement enhances the overall experience, making victories feel deeply satisfying.

    • “The battles were masterfully done, making me feel like I had triumphed, whether in the name of revenge or self-defense.”
    • “Each encounter left me emotionally invested, as I navigated the complexities of my character's journey.”
    • “The game's narrative pulled at my heartstrings, creating a deep connection to the characters and their struggles.”
  • atmosphere1 mentions

    The atmosphere of the game is highly praised, particularly for its immersive qualities and strong narrative, making it a great choice for fans of atmospheric storytelling.

    • “Honestly, if you're someone who enjoys atmospheric games with a strong storyline, this is the one for you!”
    • “The game's atmosphere is incredibly immersive, drawing you into its world and making you feel every emotion.”
    • “From the haunting sound design to the beautifully crafted environments, the atmosphere is nothing short of breathtaking.”
  • character development1 mentions

    The game features strong character design enriched by Norse mythology, showcased through animated cut scenes, and includes charming companions like a little froggy best friend, enhancing the overall character development experience.

    • “The character design is strong, featuring a wealth of Norse mythology lore presented in beautifully animated cut scenes, and I love the little froggy best friend!”
    • “The depth of character development is impressive, with each character having a unique backstory that enriches the overall narrative.”
    • “I appreciate how the characters evolve throughout the game, making their journeys feel authentic and engaging.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

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