Showing posts with label Animation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Animation. Show all posts

FTS: DON'T NOD's Wholesome Adventure Game "Koira" Releases Today (PC, PS5)

 

DON’T NOD Releases Koira, a Wholesome Adventure Game from Studio Tolima, Available Today on Steam & PlayStation 5

Watch the launch trailer now and begin your journey through an enchanted forest with an adorable puppy companion!

PARIS – April 1, 2025 – DON’T NOD and Studio Tolima are excited to launch Koira on Steam and PlayStation 5 today, with a launch discount of 10% on Steam until April 14. Koira is a heartwarming, hand-drawn adventure featuring a lost forest spirit and her new puppy friend. Together they must journey to safety in the heart of the enchanted forest, solving puzzles, finding friends, and avoiding the hunters lurking along the way.

Koira is a beautifully crafted experience, brought to life with hand-drawn animations and an atmospheric soundtrack that enhances its emotional depth. The game tells a touching story without the use of text, relying instead on visuals, sound, and animation to create a universally accessible narrative. As players explore the enchanted forest, they will uncover hidden secrets, solve environmental puzzles, and build a deep connection between the forest spirit and her puppy companion.

Support the Devs Bundle

Players have the option to support the developers at Studio Tolima by purchasing the Support the Devs Bundle on Steam, which contains the game and 10 pieces of concept art which can be used as wallpapers.

“Bringing Koira to players has been an incredible journey for our team. From the very beginning, we set out to create a universal and emotional adventure and we’re pleased to finally share it with the world. We hope Koira resonates with everyone and leaves a lasting impression, just as it has on us while making it,” said Ben Lega, Founder and Director at Studio Tolima.

Game & Bundle Pricing

The Koira base game is priced at $17.99 / €17.99 before discounts. A 10% launch discount is available on Steam until April 14.

The Support the Devs Bundle, which includes the base game, is priced at $19.99 / €19.99. Since the bundle includes the game, the 10% launch discount also applies on Steam until April 14.

Introducing the Adorable Koira Puppy Plush!

In collaboration with Makeship, a plush of Koira’s puppy will be available to purchase starting April 3! Players can have a cute companion of their very own for $29.99 USD from Makeship’s website.





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Symphonia: A Harmonious Blend of Art and Gameplay

Symphonia is a game that takes the concept of musical integration and marries it with beautiful 2D visuals. Developed by Sunny Peak, this 2D action platformer is a breath of fresh air.

From the moment you start playing Symphonia, the game's art style grabs your attention. The hand-drawn visuals are nothing short of stunning, with each frame meticulously crafted to create a vibrant and immersive world. The environments are rich with detail, and the character designs are both unique and expressive. The animation is fluid and smooth, making movements appealing when you aren't landing on spikes. It's clear that the Indie developers put a lot of love and effort into making the game visually appealing and equally challenging.

What sets Symphonia apart from other games is how it incorporates music into the gameplay without turning it into a rhythm game. Unlike notable titles like the Just Dance franchise, where the fun filled gameplay revolves around following the beat, Symphonia uses music as a core element of its world and mechanics to fuel the adventure. The protagonist, Philemon, is a violinist who uses his instrument to interact with the environment and looks good doing so. The goal in Symphonia is to re-activate the machinery that returns its life and energy. Whether it's playing a tune to unlock a door or using the violin bow to perform acrobatic moves, there is something music related in one way or another.

The creativity of the developers shines through in how they designed the levels and challenges. Each area in the game is inspired by different musical instruments, and the puzzles and obstacles are cleverly tied to these themes. For example, you might find yourself bouncing on strings like trampolines or navigating through wind-powered sections. This innovative approach keeps the gameplay fresh and exciting, as you're constantly discovering new ways to use music to your advantage. The orchestral soundtrack, composed by Olivier Esman and his team, is wonderful and enhances the emotional impact of the game. The music is not just background noise; it's an integral part of the story and gameplay as seen in this first 30 minutes of Symphonia:



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Nairi: Rising Tide - A True Sequel... in more ways than one! + Free Prologue!

The world of point-and-click adventures was been graced with a gem in the form of Nairi: Tower of Shirin. This charming game, developed by HomeBearStudio and published by Hound Picked Games, has captivated players with its engaging storyline, adorable characters, and challenging puzzles. The characters look like they were pulled right out of a storybook, and the adventure didn't stop there. The newly released sequel, Nairi: Rising Tide, takes everything that made the first game great and elevates it to new heights, making it a must-play for fans and casual gamers who love a good story.

 The Magic of Nairi: Tower of Shirin 

Nairi: Tower of Shirin | PC | Nintendo

In Nairi: Tower of Shirin, players are introduced to Nairi, a young girl from the rich district of Shirin, who finds herself thrust into the city's poorer quarters after her parents' mysterious arrest. Accompanied by Rex, a scholarly rat with a knack for history, Nairi embarks on a journey to uncover the secrets of the Tower of Shirin and rescue her parents. The game is set in a beautifully hand-drawn world inspired by Studio Ghibli, where humans and animals live side by side. The results of the game devs inspiration made magic, and there has to be a day in future that we get to enjoy a Nairi film! Could you imagine Studio Ghibli reaching out to the dev team to bring their story to life on the big screen? So cool!

The game's puzzles are cleverly designed, requiring players to think creatively and use their wits to progress. The narrative is rich and engaging, with a perfect blend of humor, mystery, and heartwarming moments. It's no wonder that Nairi: Tower of Shirin received positive reviews for its charming art style and captivating story. The deluxe edition is only $1 more and comes with the OST + Digital Art Book!

Enjoy the first 30 minutes of Nairi: Tower of Shirin to get a feel for the gameplay. Fans of story-driven point-and-click games and cozy adventures will find these titles particularly appealing. While those who seek more action-based games might prefer other genres, but it's worth a try if the gameplay looks appealing enough. Newcomers to point-and-click adventures will find this a great starting point:


 The Seamless Transition to Nairi: Rising Tide 

Nairi: Rising Tide | PC | Nintendo

Nairi: Rising Tide picks up where the first game left off, continuing Nairi's quest to save her family. This sequel introduces new features and improvements that make it a perfect transition in the storyline. The animations are smoother, the art is even more detailed, and the overall quality of the game has been significantly enhanced.

One of the standout features of Nairi: Rising Tide is the new 'Toolbelt' system, which allows players to combine items creatively to solve puzzles. This adds a new layer of depth to the gameplay, making it even more engaging and rewarding. The game also introduces new characters and expands on the lore of Shirin, providing players with a richer and more immersive experience as seen in this First 30:

If you enjoyed the first installment, then you'll love Nairi: Rising Tide. The game's point-and-click mechanics are easy to pick up, and the puzzles are challenging but not frustrating and you can see the effort to make the game memorable. The narrative is compelling, with well-written dialogue and a plot that keeps players hooked from start to finish. Studio Ghibli wouldn't have a difficult time delivering a memorable film, and curiosity is sure to come from fans and those who would love to see the results.

The improvements in the animations and overall quality make Nairi: Rising Tide a joy to play. The hand-drawn art is stunning, and the characters are more expressive than ever. The game's world feels alive and vibrant, easily drawing players into its enchanting story.

Nairi: Tower of Shirin and Nairi: Rising Tide are shining examples of what point-and-click adventures can achieve with the right inspiration and effort. What can the right inspiration and effort do for you? Both of these charming games are available now, rated T for Teen!


Sophima

 + Blu