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
- Unleaving features stunning hand-drawn artwork and a captivating atmosphere that immerses players in its world.
- The puzzles are creatively designed, offering a fair challenge that encourages critical thinking and problem-solving.
- The game provides a unique emotional experience, with its art and music complementing the storytelling beautifully.
- Some puzzles require a high level of precision, which can lead to frustration and hinder immersion.
- The controls can feel imprecise at times, making platforming sections more challenging than intended.
- The game is relatively short, which may leave some players wanting more content for the price.
- graphics22 mentions
- 45 % positive mentions
- 41 % neutral mentions
- 14 % negative mentions
The game's graphics are widely praised for their stunning hand-drawn artwork and immersive atmosphere, creating a visually captivating experience akin to walking through paintings. While the visuals enhance the gameplay and puzzle-solving elements, some reviewers note that despite the artistic achievements, the game may not stand out enough to be highly recommended. Overall, the graphics contribute significantly to the emotional journey and aesthetic appeal of the game.
“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.”
“What then remains is the audiovisuals and emotional journey, through the presentation and narrative.”
“Though the puzzles using the visuals and sounds to solve the puzzles are great.”
- emotional14 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted as a significant strength, with comparisons made to the impactful storytelling of Devolver Digital's "Gris." Players appreciate the unique emotional journey crafted by Orangutan Matter, although some note that the music is often lacking and fails to enhance the emotional depth of the narrative. Overall, the game is described as a wholesome and deeply emotional experience worth exploring.
“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.”
- music12 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 42 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The music in the game is often described as chill and complementary to the atmosphere, enhancing the overall experience. However, some reviewers note that it is sparse and fails to evoke a strong emotional response, particularly in relation to the story. While the music and art are praised for their beauty, concerns about their impact relative to the game's price and length persist.
“The art is so breathtaking and the music perfectly complements the game's mood and atmosphere.”
“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.”
“The music is really chill too; it helps you relax while you play.”
- story12 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 42 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The story of "Unleaving" revolves around a lost child who hears whispers from a leaf, creating a mysterious and artistic narrative reminiscent of games like "Limbo" and "Gris." While the game effectively conveys its story through visuals rather than words, many reviewers feel that the overall execution, including gameplay and music, does not justify its price, leaving the emotional impact lacking. The art enhances the storytelling experience, but the absence of a strong musical score detracts from the intended emotional depth.
“But the coolest part is how the game tells a story without even using words.”
“The art completely ties in with the story, making the experience even better.”
“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.”
- gameplay8 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 38 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
The gameplay has received mixed reviews, with some players finding it enjoyable and clever, while others feel it falls short compared to the game's asking price and other titles. Many agree that the primary appeal lies in the art and music rather than the gameplay itself, which is seen as less engaging and lacking depth. Overall, while there are fun moments, the gameplay does not consistently meet expectations.
“But unfortunately the gameplay, length, music, and story do not hold up in comparison for the asking price.”
“There's some fun parts left and right, 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.”
- atmosphere6 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 50 % 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 their admiration for the game's style and mood, particularly after experiencing it at events like PAX East 2023.
“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.”
