PGC NEWS

What happens when you lose everything overnight—your home, your family, your noble status—and become an outcast? This is the premise of Nairi: Tower of Shirin, a captivating point-and-click adventure game. The story follows Nairi, an ordinary girl thrust into the depths of society, who unwittingly becomes a key player in unveiling a new and exciting chapter of history. While Nairi: Tower of Shirin utilizes familiar game mechanics, it offers a unique and memorable experience that sets it apart. Let’s delve into the world of Nairi: Tower of Shirin and discover what makes it so special.

Nairi: Tower of Shirin

The Charm of Simplicity and Complexity

The first impression of Nairi: Tower of Shirin is its undeniable charm. The captivating art style, from Nairi herself to the anthropomorphic characters populating the city, from the bustling streets to the ancient ruins, immediately draws you in. However, beneath this charming exterior lies a story rich in emotional depth, a vibrant tapestry woven with both light and dark hues.

A World of Memorable Characters

The desert bandits, a group of charming cats with diverse personalities, outwardly tough but inwardly warm, fiercely protect Nairi. Each member carries a unique backstory, often filled with hardship. Rex, the seemingly apathetic mouse, hides a brilliant mind and a willingness to sacrifice for a better future. Nairi: Tower of Shirin excels at breathing life into even seemingly minor characters. The patrons of the Wild Duck tavern, from the sentimental Bill to the grumpy owner, from the eccentric duck to the lurking thieves, each possess a distinct personality.

Nairi: Tower of Shirin

Nairi herself is a relatable protagonist. She’s not invincible, nor is she cunning or magically gifted (well, maybe a little). She represents the “everyman” placed in extraordinary circumstances. We witness her growth from a privileged, headstrong noble to a thoughtful, empathetic young woman. Her journey is one of transformation, from seeking revenge to striving for something more.

Engaging Gameplay

The gameplay of Nairi: Tower of Shirin follows the classic point-and-click adventure formula but with a twist. Interactive elements are cleverly hidden, requiring careful observation and attention to dialogue. Simply clicking randomly won’t suffice. Even after identifying the correct object, completing a task often involves multiple steps. For example, to obtain a stylish hat for Bill to gain access to the Wild Duck tavern, you must locate a shady merchant, trick some rowdy ducks into eating poisoned candy, and scavenge discarded items. These collected items are then combined to create the hat. Every item, from a discarded screw to a dropped coin, has potential value. Conversations with seemingly insignificant characters can also provide crucial clues.

Minor Shortcomings

While Nairi: Tower of Shirin boasts impressive strengths, it also has some minor flaws. The initial pacing of the story feels rushed. Events unfold rapidly: your parents’ misfortune, your exile to the desert, and your alliance with the bandits. This rapid succession of events can be disorienting. Fortunately, the pace settles down, allowing players to absorb the unfolding narrative.

Nairi: Tower of Shirin

The in-game currency system also feels somewhat underdeveloped. While interactive objects related to the main quest are cleverly concealed, finding coins is simply a matter of clicking on anything that might contain them. A more engaging method of acquiring currency would enhance the gameplay experience.

Nairi: Tower of Shirin

The hint system isn’t particularly helpful. Instead of dynamically updating based on the player’s progress, hints remain fixed at the beginning of each chapter. When stuck, the provided hints often refer to sections already completed.

Conclusion

Despite its minor flaws, Nairi: Tower of Shirin is a charming and engaging point-and-click adventure. Its captivating art style, memorable characters, and intriguing storyline create a truly immersive experience. The clever puzzles and emphasis on exploration provide a satisfying challenge. While the pacing and hint system could be improved, Nairi: Tower of Shirin remains a worthwhile adventure for fans of the genre.