Runo

About

"Runo" is a walking simulator game inspired by Finno-Karelian folklore, where players explore an age-old family cottage in rural Finland on Midsummer's Eve. The game brings to life lost myths, tales, and ancient lore, allowing players to experience an original story about forgotten pasts and mysteries, while also encouraging discussions about cultural heritage and traditions. With roots in the Finnish national epic Kalevala, "Runo" is a tribute to the stories passed down through generations, using students, scholars, and professionals' passion for folklore and gaming.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo

91%

Audience ScoreBased on 329 reviews

story78 positive mentions

stability2 negative mentions

The game features breathtaking visuals and a moving lore that immerses players in Finnish folklore.
It's a short but enjoyable experience, with simple puzzles and a beautiful soundtrack that enhances the atmosphere.
Runo is free to play, making it an accessible and worthwhile experience for those interested in exploring Finnish culture.

The lack of a save feature means players must complete the game in one sitting, which can be frustrating if they need to take a break.
Some players experienced bugs and glitches that affected gameplay, including getting stuck or falling out of the map.
The game is quite short, which may leave some players wanting more depth and length in the story.

story
119 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
66%
32%
3%
The game's story, rooted in Finnish folklore, is generally praised for its beauty and emotional depth, though some players found it confusing or lacking in depth. Many appreciated the integration of real-life traditions and the personal journey of the protagonist, which added layers to the narrative. While the storytelling is often described as engaging and atmospheric, some players noted technical issues and a desire for a longer, more developed plot.
- “I like how these scenes or things in the game are based off real-life traditions and legends; it made the storyline much more interesting and also taught me things I didn't know about.”
- “The story really hit home, and the visuals, music, and folklore really brought it all together.”
- “The game tells a really good story, filled with Finnish folklore, and the atmosphere, music, and visuals are great.”
- “Meh - felt like a Finnish version of Kubo and the Two Strings except the story was a lot thinner, and the first 15 minutes of the game consisted of me accepting random tasks from my dad via text, so that was rather pointless.”
- “The story is pretty basic and not that deep but it's good and it does the job.”
- “I would have liked to have had some more depth to the story - but for what it is and being free, it is just fine the way it is.”
graphics
61 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
75%
20%
5%
The graphics in the game have received widespread praise for their beauty and detail, with many players highlighting the stunning visuals and atmospheric design that enhance the overall experience. While some noted minor graphical bugs and limitations, the majority found the art style to be immersive and evocative, contributing significantly to the game's storytelling and emotional impact. Overall, the visuals are considered a standout feature, especially for a free game, with many players expressing admiration for the realistic and picturesque environments.
- “The graphics are simply gorgeous for a game in this genre, with real-world locations contrasting against the moody menace of the underworld.”
- “Beautiful game, I adored the stunning graphics and the overall concept!”
- “The landscapes are nicely detailed and beautiful to look at; overall great graphics.”
- “The story is interesting, too bad for some annoying graphical bugs and interactions that could have been removed.”
- “It has decent graphics, if you don't count the leaf wall around the cabin area.”
- “Graphic options are very lackluster.”
music
61 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
75%
20%
5%
The music in the game is widely praised for its beauty and atmospheric quality, enhancing the overall experience with a calming and haunting soundtrack that complements the Finnish folklore narrative. Reviewers highlight the stunning sound design and the emotional impact of the music, particularly noting the enchanting end credits song that resonates long after gameplay. Overall, the combination of beautiful visuals and exceptional music creates a deeply immersive and relaxing experience.
- “The game is beautiful, the concept art looks amazing and the music design is just stunning.”
- “A beautiful, lonely setting with haunting music.”
- “The music and sound effects are really well done.”
- “The story really hit home and the visuals, music, and folklore really brought it all together.”
- “Wonderful insights into another culture, music that connects you personally to the storyline.”
atmosphere
34 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
76%
15%
9%
The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its breathtaking visuals, immersive sound design, and emotional storytelling, creating a captivating experience that resonates with players. Many reviews highlight the game's ability to evoke strong feelings, whether through relaxing music or a sense of anxiety, while also appreciating its integration of folklore and mythology. Overall, the atmosphere is considered a standout feature, often surpassing that of many larger titles.
- “Very atmospheric, endearing story and amazing music.”
- “The atmosphere and scenery is lovely, the story really hits you in the feels and music sets the mood perfectly.”
- “Awesome beautiful walking simulator with tons of lore and atmosphere to transport you to another world.”
- “This disturbs the atmosphere enormously.”
- “Visually the game is really beautiful, which sets out a really relaxed atmosphere.”
- “I love the atmosphere and all the little infos about the Finnish mythology.”
gameplay
18 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
44%
39%
17%
The gameplay is generally described as simple and linear, often leaning towards an interactive story experience rather than traditional gaming mechanics. While some players noted bugs and a lack of depth in certain areas, many appreciated the engaging puzzles, atmospheric elements, and the relaxing nature of the game, making it enjoyable for those who prioritize narrative over complex gameplay. Overall, it offers a pleasant mix of exploration and light puzzle-solving within a captivating story.
- “Beautiful graphics, simple gameplay, and a great story.”
- “The puzzles are very simple yet still fun to solve, nothing was too difficult and they kept you engaged in the game throughout the playtime and offered nice variation in gameplay.”
- “I loved learning everything from the journal and the mechanics to play are easy to pick up.”
- “There were some game mechanics and graphics that at times could have been better, but all in all a really good atmospheric free game!”
- “It's less of a game and more an interactive story, but if you like story over gameplay, here you go!”
- “The gameplay is typically linear, but quite involved for a walking simulator, and while there is only one point in the game where you are in any danger, there is still a great sense of ominous threat when you are drawn into the Finnish underworld.”
emotional
10 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The emotional aspect of the game is described as a mix of heartwarming and touching experiences, with some players expressing strong feelings such as crying during gameplay. While many appreciate the storytelling and atmosphere, some critiques mention a disconnect between the game's serious tone and its emotional impact. Overall, the game resonates deeply with players, particularly those familiar with Finnish culture and folklore.
- “The song made me cry.”
- “It was a very nice, short walking simulator with some touching story.”
- “Gorgeous and heartfelt game with great storytelling!”
humor
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The humor in the game is characterized by its quirky mechanics, such as the inability to drop items normally, which leads to amusing situations like throwing things randomly. Additionally, it captures a unique cultural essence, reminiscent of Studio Julmahuvi's work, offering both insight and laughter.
- “The inability to drop things normally is really funny; I enjoyed throwing things randomly too.”
- “Something like Studio Julmahuvi's 'Roudasta Rospuuttoon' that provides insight into the Finnish spirit while being hilarious.”
stability
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The game has been reported to have several bugs, including a significant game-breaking issue that can occur within the first 25 minutes of play. Despite these stability concerns, some players appreciate the overall experience and the user interface design.
- “The game is buggy; it took me 25 minutes to encounter a game-breaking bug. Nice try, though, and I like the UI, which seems inspired by other games, but who cares? My own is inspired too.”
- “I found it a bit buggy in parts, but it's a pretty good little game.”
grinding
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
300%
Players express that the grinding in the game is excessively time-consuming, often requiring a significant investment of time akin to having a second life to fully engage with it.
- “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
- “The grinding feels endless and tedious.”
- “Grinding takes away from the enjoyment of the game.”
optimization
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
300%
The game's optimization is considered lacking, with users noting that while it is well thought out, it suffers from numerous texture issues.
- “It's well thought out but not optimized and has a lot of texture issues.”
- “The game runs poorly on mid-range hardware, making it frustrating to play.”
- “There are frequent frame drops and long loading times that ruin the experience.”