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.
Reviews
- Stunning hand-drawn artwork and immersive atmosphere that captivates players.
- Challenging yet fair puzzles that encourage creative thinking and problem-solving.
- Emotional storytelling conveyed through art and gameplay, leaving a lasting impression.
- Puzzles often require a high level of precision, which can lead to frustration.
- Controls can feel imprecise, making platforming sections challenging and sometimes unfair.
- The game is relatively short, which may leave some players wanting more content.
- graphics11 mentions
- 45 % positive mentions
- 27 % neutral mentions
- 27 % negative mentions
The game's graphics are highly praised for their stunning hand-drawn artwork and immersive atmosphere, creating a visually captivating experience akin to walking through paintings. While the visuals are exceptional and contribute to the emotional journey, some reviewers feel the overall execution may not be enough to elevate the game among its peers. The combination of great visuals and unique puzzles enhances the gameplay, making it a noteworthy experience despite some flaws.
“A highly polished game featuring amazing hand-drawn artwork and great atmosphere.”
“The graphics are amazing, like you're walking around in paintings.”
“Stunning visuals and incredibly unique puzzles.”
“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.”
“The handwritten graphics immerse you into the world of unleaving, and the puzzles offer a challenging yet rewarding experience.”
“Though the puzzles using the visuals and sounds to solve the puzzles are great.”
- emotional7 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted as a significant strength, with comparisons to titles like Devolver Digital's Gris, showcasing a unique identity and a compelling emotional journey. However, some reviewers noted that the music is often lacking, failing to enhance the emotional depth of the narrative. Overall, players found the experience to be wholesome and deeply moving, marking it as a standout in emotional storytelling.
“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.”
“What then remains is the audiovisuals and emotional journey, through the presentation and narrative.”
“I haven't played a game that feels this emotional before.”
- music6 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 17 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The music in the game is often described as breathtaking and well-suited to the atmosphere, providing a relaxing backdrop that enhances the experience. However, some reviewers note that it is sparse and lacks the emotional depth needed to resonate with the story. Overall, while the music contributes positively to the game's mood, its limited presence and impact may not justify the game's price for some players.
“The art is so breathtaking and the music perfectly complements the game's mood and atmosphere.”
“The music is really chill too, it helps you relax while you play.”
“Throughout this ~3 hour experience, you will be delighted by its art, music, and clever gameplay.”
“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.”
- story6 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 17 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The story of "Unleaving" revolves around a lost child who finds solace in the whispers of a lone leaf, creating a mysterious and artistic narrative reminiscent of games like "Limbo" and "Gris." While the visual storytelling is praised for its depth and integration with the art, the overall emotional impact is diminished by the gameplay and music, which fail to enhance the narrative experience.
“The story of Unleaving focuses on a small child, lost and hopeless, who hears whispers from a lone leaf.”
“If you like mysterious puzzle platformer games in the style of Limbo, with artistic masterpieces and storytelling like Gris, I think you will love this game.”
“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.”
- gameplay4 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 75 % negative mentions
The gameplay is generally seen as lacking depth and engagement compared to other titles, with some players finding it overshadowed by the game's art and music. While there are enjoyable moments, the overall experience is considered short and not worth the price for many, despite some appreciation for its clever elements.
“But unfortunately the gameplay, length, music, and story do not hold up in comparison to the asking price.”
“There's some fun parts here and there, but again the main appeal is the art and not the gameplay.”
“Throughout this ~3 hour experience, you will be delighted by its art, music, and clever gameplay.”
- atmosphere3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is highly praised for its breathtaking hand-drawn artwork and complementary music, creating an immersive experience that captivates players. Many reviewers noted the polished presentation and emotional depth, enhancing the overall mood of the game.
“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.”
“I saw this game at PAX East 2023 and was in love with the style and the atmosphere it was giving.”
