GSY Review
PC
PS4
Xbox One
Switch
The Nintendo Switch keeps welcoming indie titles previously released on other systems and it's the turn of FAR: Lone Sails to arrive on the eshop today. Since we were sent a code a few weeks ago and we obviously had time to complete this version, we thought you might want to take a look at a bunch of videos and to read our verdict on the port. Note that we started recorded our footage mid-game, which means it's different from what we showed on PC but it also could be considered a bit spoilery.
Verdict
Good news, developer Okomotive did a very good job when porting FAR: Lone Sails to Nintendo's console. Sure, you can't expect it to run at 60 frames per second, as on PC, but the game remains perfectly smooth, whether you zoom in or out, whatever the weather conditions and time (the scripted day/night cycle works very well). Visually, this version is very close to the others, though quite logically less sharp with a bit more aliasing, but we have to say it was a pleasure to play it in handheld mode. The possibility to zoom in manually can come in handy when the character is a bit too small to be seen, but FAR: Lone Sails isn't a challenging game which relies on precision so it's not like you would have been bothered that much if it hadn't been possible to do so. Also, the game usually zooms in automatically when it becomes necessary, so really, there is no reason not to play it nomad. FAR: Lone Sails is more like an interactive road trip than a puzzle game or a platformer, it's a sort of race against the elements in which we never know exactly why the main character will find at the finish line. The post apocalyptic landscapes make it quite obvious he's on an important mission, the environment leaving small clues as to what probably happened before, but the story elements remain cryptic enough to leave room for interpretation. The crushing loneliness we feel when playing is yet another incentive to keep playing, to help this little guy move his gigantic vehicle, finding resources to activate the engine or using wind to progress when it's possible. It's a short experience without a doubt, but that's why it conveys more marvel than boredom. Not a game for everyone for sure, but a journey that is worth a try if what you've seen appeals to you.
- On the upside
- Excellent atmosphere
- We just love the soundtrack
- Loos very good on Switch too
- Smooth (30 fps) in docked and handheld modes
- A mesmerizing journey to the unknown
- On the downside
- Some will find it short
- Not a challenging game (if that's important to you)
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