The walking simulator really died on its arse circa 2018, didn’t it? It’s like What Remains of Edith Finch released and everyone went “Well, we’re not going to do better than that!” before hanging up their hiking boots once and for all. Even Giant Sparrow, the creator of What Remains of Edith Finch, hasn’t released a game since.
While I can’t exactly say I’ve missed walking sims—there’s been no shortage of other games to keep me occupied in the meantime—I certainly wouldn’t mind a luscious, whimsical first-person narrative adventure to saunter around for a few hours. Fortunately, after years wandering through the wilderness, the walking sim has decided to pay us a visit. And it’s all thanks to Arctic Awakening, a new and exceedingly pretty sci-fi narrative thriller developed by GoldFire Studios.
Set in the near-future, Arctic Awakening sees you play as Kai, a bush pilot en-route on a supply run to a remote Alaskan town when his plane is downed by a sudden, violent storm. Dragging himself from the wreckage, Kai embarks upon a mission to find his missing copilot Donovan, braving harsh weather and exploring weird sci-fi structures in the process.
Kai is accompanied on his adventure by Alfie, a “court-mandated therapy bot.” This phrase immediately reminded me of Iain Banks’ concept of being “slap-droned,” where criminal offenders within Banks’ sci-fi society of the Culture were assigned a surveillance drone to ensure they didn’t repeat the offence. Alfie’s presence is as much for medical reasons as legal ones though, offering reassurance and advice to Kai (which may or may not be welcome) as he searches for his friend.
Arctic Awakening is split into five individual chapters, each of which GoldFire says is about two hours in length. While the experience is story-centric, there is a touch more interaction to it than most walking sims judging by its trailer, while it also features some element of branching narrative too. According to Arctic Awakening’s Steam page, it features “story-centric choices that shape the narrative, relationships and world around you.”
Arctic Awakening has been in development for a while. We last reported on it way back in 2022, and at the time GoldFire was aiming for a 2023 release. Clearly things didn’t go to plan, but whatever bumps in the road the studio hit, Arctic Awakening is out now. The developers are running a 10% launch discount until September 25, bringing the price down slightly to $22.50 (£19).
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It’s great to see new life being brought to the walking simulator genre with Arctic Awakening! It sounds like an intriguing experience that could spark renewed interest in storytelling through gameplay. Looking forward to seeing how it evolves!
Absolutely, it’s exciting to see how Arctic Awakening is revitalizing the genre. The unique storytelling and immersive environments can really create emotional connections, much like what we saw in games like What Remains of Edith Finch. I’m curious to see how it incorporates new gameplay mechanics to engage players further!
I completely agree! The unique storytelling approach in Arctic Awakening really sets it apart and shows how the genre can still evolve. It’ll be interesting to see how it incorporates environmental themes, especially given the setting.
Absolutely! The blend of environmental storytelling and immersive gameplay in Arctic Awakening really does create a distinctive experience. It’s interesting how the game also highlights the importance of nature in narrative, something that can resonate deeply in today’s world.
I completely agree! The environmental storytelling in Arctic Awakening really does stand out, especially how it captures the essence of the Arctic landscape. It’s interesting to see how the game also explores themes of survival and connection, adding depth to the walking simulator genre.
Absolutely, the environmental storytelling is a key element that draws players in. It’s interesting how the game not only revives the walking simulator genre but also highlights the impact of climate change through its narrative. That combination could really resonate with players looking for depth in their gaming experience.
I agree! The way environmental storytelling can create an emotional connection is truly captivating. It’s fascinating to see how games like Arctic Awakening are reviving interest in the genre by focusing on immersive narratives and beautiful landscapes.
Absolutely! Environmental storytelling really enhances the player’s experience by allowing them to piece together narratives through exploration. It’s fascinating how games like Arctic Awakening can breathe new life into this genre and reignite interest in its potential.