Lovingly crafted by Firestoke and Moonloop games, Hauntii is an ethereal adventure game that breaks free from creative restraints and throws caution to the wind. With its recent addition to the Xbox Game Pass library, this strangely wonderful title is perfect for those looking for something a little different and way out of the proverbial box.
Hauntii: The Story of a Lost Soul
Somewhere beyond what we know as space, exists an ethereal dimension where all souls find themselves upon worldly death. Eternity is a place shrouded in a veil of intriguing mystery, an existential plane inhabited by strange, ghostly beings called “Eternians”. Seemingly existing only to guide new souls to a central tower, where souls appear to go to a higher plane, it’s unclear whether these are friend or foe; or what lies beyond the ominous tower.
Taking the guise of a rather cute ghost, you must travel through this extraordinary realm and solve mind-bending puzzles to meet your fate and unlock the world of mysteries that now surround you.
The Wonderful World of Hauntii
From the first second you can tell that Hauntii is going to be different. Admittedly, it took me a short while to get accustomed to the strange graphical style but it wasn’t long before I could really appreciate the creative beauty the embellishes the game. Although simple, the artwork on display in Hauntii is strikingly impressive and becomes more so as the game opens up. The creative flair shouts from the rooftops that hundreds of hours have been lovingly thrown into the game, along with a creative hand behind true artistic prowess.
Yes, it really is that good. Despite my early reservations, the sheer simplicity of Hauntii is what I quickly came to appreciate. Sometimes less is more and this title is a shining testament to the age-old adage.
Hauntii Brings Something Fresh to the Table
With millions of games in existence, it’s not often that we come across a title that brings something truly unique to the table and Hauntii does just that by blessing us with a haunting mechanic. However, where we would usually assume that a haunting was relating to a person, here you can haunt a whole manner of things, from ladybugs and monsters, to mushrooms and even trees.
This new way of playing makes the puzzle elements of Hauntii all the more interesting. You will need to call upon some creative thinking if you are to progress through the game. I often found myself wandering the lands and wondering what to do but the challenge made the sense of achievement all the more rewarding for it.
There’s something about the world and its inhabitants that lends an air of mysterious intrigue to the game. Its a world that draws you in and keeps you engaged in an almost dreamlike state as you skate the realms beyond our knowledge, leading to seeds of questions about life outside death.
Hauntii Summary
Hauntii is a game packed to the brim with its very own brand of charm. Lovingly crafted in a simple but beautiful aesthetic, the game invites you into the minds of the developers as it draws you into its beautifully madcap land of mystery and intrigue.
As you venture through this unknown realm, you are accompanied by the rich and melodious tones of Michael Kirby Ward that dynamically change to fit the on-screen action as it plays out and to great affect. The world, the premise and the soundtrack perfectly blend to create a deeply immersive experience that should be tried by all.
Hauntii is available now on all major consoles and PC, or free to play for Xbox Game Pass subscribers.
REVIEW
OUR SCORE - 8
8
SCORE
Lovingly crafted in a simple but beautiful aesthetic, the game invites you into the minds of the developers as it draws you into its beautifully madcap land of mystery and intrigue.
Leave a Reply