Trek to Yomi: A Stunning Visual Journey Hampered by Combat
Contents
Trek to Yomi, developed by Leonard Menchiari and Flying Wild Hog, published by Devolver Digital, is a side-scrolling action-adventure game that pays homage to the legendary filmmaker Akira Kurosawa and the classic samurai film genre. Released in May 2022, the game immediately captures attention with its striking black-and-white aesthetic, film grain effect, and beautifully crafted environments reminiscent of Edo-period Japan. But does this visual feast translate into a satisfying gameplay experience?
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A Tale of Vengeance and the Underworld
Players step into the sandals of Hiroki, a young samurai tasked with protecting his village from bandits. Tragedy strikes, and Hiroki’s journey takes him to Yomi, the land of the dead in Shinto mythology. He must navigate this treacherous realm and overcome numerous challenges to avenge his fallen master and the innocent lives lost.
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A Visual Masterpiece
Trek to Yomi’s most impressive aspect is undoubtedly its visual presentation. Despite a modest budget, the game delivers a stunning collection of environments that evoke the beauty and serenity of Edo-period Japan. From tranquil villages and lush forests to ancient temples and the ethereal landscapes of Yomi, every scene is meticulously crafted and brimming with detail. Many are worthy of being framed as desktop wallpapers.
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The game’s use of black and white is not merely a filter but a stylistic choice that elevates the overall experience. The interplay of light and shadow, combined with the cinematic camera angles, creates a unique atmosphere that wouldn’t be as impactful in color.
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The Sword’s Edge: Where the Game Falters
Ironically, for a game centered around samurai combat, the fighting mechanics are Trek to Yomi’s biggest weakness. While players unlock new combos by defeating minibosses, many of these feel impractical. Some have lengthy animations, leaving Hiroki vulnerable to counterattacks. Others require specific conditions that rarely occur, making them easily forgotten. This leaves players with a limited set of truly effective moves.
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The combat also lacks impact. Successfully landing blows sometimes feels inconsequential, with enemies shrugging off attacks that visually connect. The parry system, while present, is poorly implemented. The timing window feels inconsistent and almost random. Even successful parries offer only a brief opening for counterattack.
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Furthermore, some techniques have obscure input commands, seemingly requiring frame-perfect timing not explained in the tutorials. This makes them difficult to execute reliably in the heat of battle. The dodging mechanic, which allows Hiroki to roll behind enemies, is also inconsistent. Some enemies can be bypassed, while others act as impenetrable walls, leading to frustrating and easily avoidable damage.
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Conclusion
Trek to Yomi is a visually captivating experience that successfully pays tribute to classic samurai cinema. However, its flawed combat system ultimately detracts from the overall enjoyment. While the artistic direction is commendable, the gameplay leaves much to be desired. Hopefully, future updates or sequels will address these shortcomings and deliver the polished samurai experience that Trek to Yomi promises.
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