Unleaving
- March 27, 2024
- orangutanmatter
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Get on Xbox Games Store"Unleaving" is a single-player platformer game with striking visuals, featuring hand-painted frames and graphite puzzle elements. Inspired by Gerard Manley Hopkins' poem, the game explores the transient nature of life through metaphorical illustrations and story-driven puzzles, with each chapter based on a unique theme and mood, offering an immersive and artistic experience.
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Reviews
- Stunning hand-drawn artwork and immersive atmosphere create a captivating visual experience.
- Thought-provoking puzzles that challenge players' creativity and problem-solving skills.
- Emotional storytelling that resonates with players, making for a memorable journey.
- Some puzzles require frustratingly precise timing, which can detract from the overall enjoyment.
- The hint system may not be very helpful, often providing vague guidance that doesn't clarify solutions.
- Short playtime and lack of satisfying conclusion may leave some players wanting more.
- graphics20 mentions
- 45 % positive mentions
- 40 % neutral mentions
- 15 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are highly praised for their stunning hand-painted artwork and immersive, dreamlike quality, creating a captivating atmosphere that enhances the gameplay experience. Players appreciate the unique aesthetic that resembles walking through a painting, although some feel that the beauty of the visuals can be overshadowed by frustrating timed puzzles. Overall, the game's artistic style is seen as a bold departure from traditional digital graphics, showcasing the potential for innovative visual storytelling in gaming.
“A highly polished game featuring amazing hand-drawn artwork and great atmosphere.”
“The whole world seems to be in a constant state of change as the animated brushstrokes that make up the game’s visuals move across the screen, overlapping, changing colors, giving this ethereal place a life of its own.”
“The graphics are amazing, like you're walking around in paintings.”
“If this studio tries its hand at another title, featuring a similar art style, I can see it potentially rivaling its peers, but for now, it's unfortunately not noteworthy enough to recommend it.”
“I can say this game has flaws, but it is a game that pushes the envelope in art style and the possibilities of how games can be made.”
“Though the puzzles using the visuals and sounds to solve the puzzles are great.”
- music10 mentions
- 30 % positive mentions
- 40 % neutral mentions
- 30 % negative mentions
The music in the game is often described as atmospheric and moody, effectively complementing the stunning hand-painted visuals and enhancing the overall experience. While many players find the soundtrack beautiful and relaxing, some feel it is underutilized and lacks the emotional depth needed to fully resonate with the game's narrative. Overall, the combination of art and music creates a captivating ambiance, though some players wish for a longer experience and a purchasable soundtrack.
“The art is so breathtaking and the music perfectly complements the game's mood and atmosphere.”
“An artful game that tells its story through a world of paintings accompanied with an atmospheric soundtrack.”
“The music is moody and adds to the atmosphere of the painted scenes.”
“But unfortunately the gameplay, length, music, and story do not hold up in comparison for the asking price.”
“The music, however, is barely present throughout the game, and when it does show up, it doesn't quite hit the right notes to convey a deeper emotional response that the story failed to pull off.”
“I just wish the game was longer and that the soundtrack was available to purchase as an added bundle.”
- story9 mentions
- 22 % positive mentions
- 44 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The game presents a visually stunning narrative through hand-painted artwork and an atmospheric soundtrack, focusing on a lost child's journey inspired by whispers from a leaf. While the storytelling is praised for its artistic approach and emotional depth, some reviewers feel that the overall execution, including music and gameplay, does not justify the price. Nonetheless, the unique wordless storytelling enhances the experience, making it a recommended choice for fans of artistic puzzle platformers.
“An artful game that tells its story through a world of paintings accompanied with an atmospheric soundtrack.”
“But the coolest part is how the game tells a story without even using words.”
“But unfortunately the gameplay, length, music, and story do not hold up in comparison for the asking price.”
“The music, however, is barely present throughout the game, and when it does show up, it doesn't quite hit the right notes to convey a deeper emotional response that the story failed to pull off.”
“The story of Unleaving focuses on a small child, lost and hopeless, who hears whispers from a lone leaf.”
- emotional8 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted by its beautiful hand-drawn landscapes and a compelling narrative that resonates deeply with players, drawing comparisons to titles like Devolver Digital's Gris. However, some reviewers noted that the music is often lacking, failing to enhance the emotional experience as effectively as the story itself. Overall, it is regarded as a unique and worthwhile emotional journey.
“Beautiful, hand-drawn landscapes and a really emotional journey.”
“When on the Boss Rush podcast, I explained how the emotional pull of 'Unleaving' felt a lot like Devolver Digital’s 'Gris', and yet, Orangutan Matter has crafted their own identity.”
“I haven't played a game that feels this emotional before.”
- gameplay8 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
The gameplay is described as standard for a puzzle-platformer, primarily involving jumping, with some physics-based puzzles that are not frustratingly designed. While there are enjoyable moments, many reviewers find the overall experience lacking and recommend it only for those who prioritize artistic elements over engaging gameplay. The game is criticized for not justifying its price, as the gameplay does not hold up against other titles that offer more compelling mechanics and experiences.
“Some puzzles include physics; however, there are no wonky or unjust mechanics.”
“Throughout this ~3 hour experience, you will be delighted by its art, music, and clever gameplay.”
“There's some fun parts left and right, but again the main appeal is the art and not the gameplay.”
“Gameplay mechanics are standard for a puzzle-platformer because you can’t do much except jump.”
“It's kind of miserable to play through, to be honest, and I don't recommend it unless you're the kind of person who is excited to suffer through 3 hours of terrible gameplay in pursuit of vibes.”
“But unfortunately the gameplay, length, music, and story do not hold up in comparison for the asking price.”
- atmosphere6 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is characterized by stunning hand-drawn artwork and a moody soundtrack that enhances its eerie and unsettling tone. The combination of vibrant colors and artistic animation creates a captivating world that effectively conveys its story, leaving a lasting impression on players. Overall, the atmosphere is a standout feature, drawing players into its immersive and artful experience.
“A highly polished game featuring amazing hand-drawn artwork and great atmosphere.”
“The art is so breathtaking and the music perfectly complements the game's mood and atmosphere.”
“An artful game that tells its story through a world of paintings accompanied with an atmospheric soundtrack.”
“The game’s style and how it is animated heightens its eerie and unsettling atmosphere, with dashes of brighter colors splashing on screen with an almost violent nature.”
“The music is moody and adds to the atmosphere of the painted scenes.”
“I saw this game at PAX East 2023 and was in love with the style and the atmosphere it was giving.”
