This game is really really cool. Oh—were you expecting me to be more eloquent than that? Sorry, but the truth doesn’t need fluffing-up. Also, not sorry. Antler Interactive has blessed us with the sequel to Krystopia: A Puzzle Journey with the polished and far more expansiv,e KRYSTOPIA: NOVA’S JOURNEY.
This point and click adventure far exceeded my expectations for any phone game. This puzzling escapade for iOS has so many merits to boast. Smartphone games are either terrible or fantastic, often times plagued with mechanics that aren’t meant for such small screen or make you pay to have any real fun. Big screen or small screen—I can see this being fun on any platform.
Let’s talk visuals. Graphically, this is positively outstanding. The amalgam of vibrant colors with smooth, almost creamy edges gives this title an ethereal, yet playful essence. Daytime and nighttime environments are equally striking; a subtle enchantment in the dark and an understated airiness in the light. Pair this aesthetic delight with a melodic soundtrack and you have yourself a truly charming experience.
The puzzles in KRYSTOPIA: NOVA’S JOURNEY present a decent challenge. These puzzles will put your problem-solving skills to the test, dusting off the cobwebs that have collected in our brain for many of us during this worldwide shutdown—but they are not agonizing. As with any good puzzle game, there are a few that might really puzzle your puzzler, but nothing, in my experience, that made me want to rage quit and burn my phone. As you progress in chapters, you should certainly expect an increase in difficulty. If you do find yourself getting frustrated and wondering if the smoke coming out of your ears is worth it, bear in mind that you have a mystery to uncover!
This leads us into the narrative. The story of this game and the way the mystery of Krystopia unfolds brings an elevated purpose to the puzzles. An addition that is somewhat unique to the puzzle genre is you will have to make some moral calls as the story unfolds, making for an interesting sprinkling of the Telltale genre.
Mechanics function about as you would expect for a point and click. Naturally given the nature of the smaller screen and all the goop we get on our phones, moving what you want where you want may come across a little sloppy, but you get used to it.
One last stand out for me in KRYSTOPIA: NOVA’S JOURNEY is how you have an adorable little alien/lizard sidekick, Skrii, who is able to lend a helping hand. Switch between the two characters any time, they really can be quite helpful.
I have seen some complaints that actual gameplay time is fairly short for a paid game. I can understand that gripe and there isn’t much in the way of replay value after you know the puzzles (unless you really want to make different choices), but it deserves to have a price tag. For how densely packed this game is, actual gameplay quality is well worth the five dollars.
Rating: 9/10
Check Out the KRYSTOPIA: NOVA’S JOURNEY Trailer:
Krystopia: Nova’s Journey is out on Steam, the App Store, and Google Play as a premium title.
For more information, please visit: https://krystopiagame.com/krystopia-novas-journey
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iPhone Review
Kendra grew up in the era where playing Donkey Kong in the dentist's office was a thing. Her creative mind enjoys the imaginative genius that goes into the intricate worlds and enticing narratives that have become the new wave of gaming. Forever a devotee of Crash Bandicoot and Spyro, Kendra has stepped into the next generation of gaming with favorites like God of War, Red Dead Redemption 2, and Spider-Man. She is always looking for the next gaming challenge and utilizes her fancy English degree to articulate her detailed reviews for hungry gamers like you.
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