PGC NEWS

Giraffe and Annika offers a unique blend of storytelling and gameplay, reminiscent of a playable fairytale. Developed by atelier mimina and published by PLAYISM, the game combines 3D platforming with rhythm action sequences, a combination that sets it apart from contemporary trends. This review explores the enchanting world of Giraffe and Annika, highlighting its strengths and weaknesses.

A Visual Novel Experience

One of the most striking aspects of Giraffe and Annika is its unique approach to storytelling. While the 3D graphics might appear simplistic at first glance, the game’s narrative unfolds through vibrant comic book-style panels. These captivating cutscenes breathe life into the story, offering a refreshing alternative to traditional in-game cinematics. They enhance the game’s lighthearted atmosphere and effectively convey the emotional nuances of the plot.

Giraffe and Annika

Players assume the role of Annika, a young cat who awakens on a mysterious island with no memory of her past. As Annika explores this enchanting world, she encounters a cast of quirky characters, including the titular Giraffe, and embarks on a quest to recover her lost memories. The comic book panels effectively portray these interactions, adding a layer of charm and personality to the narrative.

Gameplay Imbalance

While Giraffe and Annika excels in its presentation, the gameplay falls short of expectations. The core gameplay loop consists of platforming sections interspersed with boss battles that transition into rhythm action sequences. This blend of genres, while ambitious, lacks balance. The platforming feels repetitive, consisting primarily of traversing environments and overcoming obstacles. The rhythm sections, while offering a change of pace, feel disjointed and tacked on.

Giraffe and Annika

The game’s structure revolves around a cycle of dungeon exploration and boss encounters, which grows monotonous over time. The difficulty increases progressively, but the core gameplay remains largely unchanged. This lack of variety leads to a sense of redundancy and ultimately diminishes the overall enjoyment.

Giraffe and Annika

Underutilized Mechanics and Design Flaws

Giraffe and Annika introduces several intriguing mechanics and items, but many of these are underutilized or poorly implemented. For example, the game features collectible healing items, but the abundance of healing stations throughout the island renders them largely unnecessary. Similarly, a quest requires the player to wait for three in-game days to pass, offering no meaningful gameplay during this period.

Giraffe and Annika

The 3D character models and animations also appear somewhat rudimentary. Character movements can feel stiff, and facial expressions lack nuance. Enemy behavior is equally simplistic, with limited attack patterns that quickly become predictable.

Giraffe and Annika

Conclusion

Giraffe and Annika presents a charming story and a visually appealing narrative style. However, its unbalanced gameplay, repetitive structure, and underutilized mechanics ultimately detract from the overall experience. While the game’s unique blend of genres and artistic presentation holds promise, the execution leaves much to be desired. If you’re seeking a lighthearted adventure with a focus on narrative, Giraffe and Annika might be worth exploring. However, those looking for a more engaging and polished gameplay experience may find themselves wanting.

Game Information

• Developer: atelier mimina
• Publisher: Playism
• Genre: Adventure, Platformer
• Release Date: February 18, 2020
• Platforms: PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4

Minimum System Requirements

• OS: Windows 10 64-bit
• CPU: Intel i5-2500K
• RAM: 6 GB
• GPU: GeForce GTX 760
• Storage: 3 GB

Tested System Configuration

• OS: Windows 10 Home 64-bit
• CPU: Intel Core i5-9300h 2.4GHz
• RAM: 16 GB
• GPU: Nvidia Geforce GTX 1660ti 6 GB
• Storage: 512 GB NVMe M.2 PCIe Gen 3×2 SSD