#feb 20th

The constructed languages (or ‘conlangs’) used within the game are a total thrill for any linguistics nerds out there (myself included!) and provide a really unique puzzling experience as you try to pick up the meanings of various symbols through contextual clues. Each language has their own grammatical structure as well as their own scripts, and it’s really gratifying to figure out a full set of the symbols and communicate properly with the locals. The story elements are no slouch either, though it does rely quite a lot on player interpretation, given the language barrier inherent to the game.

There are a few frustrating stealth-based sections, but they shouldn’t stall experienced gamers for too long. No guesswork is required for any of the solutions, but trial and error is greatly encouraged through the journal system, which will confirm correct answers and allow you to easily label your suspicions on the meaning of each symbol as you go and change them on the fly. It’s a spectacularly pretty game with a tight grip on its theme and an excellent execution - what is there not to love?

Pros:

• Real sense of achievement when solving a puzzle

• Stunning to look at

• Every language feels unique and makes sense in the context of the game world

Cons:

• Stealth sections can be annoying if you fail them more than a few times