Developer: Act Normal Games
Publisher: Act Normal Games
Genre: Adventure
Release Date: April 17th, 2024
Price: $17.99
Where to buy: Steam
Rauniot, meaning “ruins” in Finnish, is an isometric point-and-click adventure game that takes players on a journey through the harsh post-apocalyptic landscape of Northern Finland. Released in April 2024 by Act Normal Games, Rauniot has garnered positive reviews for its unique blend of atmosphere, puzzles, and exploration.
A World in Ruins:
The game’s story unfolds in the year 1975, following a massive natural disaster that plunged civilization into chaos. Players navigate a desolate world ravaged by war, environmental pollution, and the lingering effects of nuclear fallout. This bleak setting is masterfully portrayed through detailed environments, from abandoned gas stations to overgrown forests, creating a sense of isolation and vulnerability.
Intriguing Puzzles and Exploration:
Rauniot offers a classic point-and-click gameplay experience, challenging players with a variety of puzzles to solve. These puzzles range from simple inventory manipulation to deciphering cryptic clues, requiring players to pay close attention to their surroundings and utilize the items they find. Exploration is also key, as players uncover hidden secrets and lore scattered throughout the abandoned settlements and natural landscapes.
Finnish Melancholy:
One of Rauniot’s distinct features is its melancholic atmosphere, heavily influenced by Finnish culture. The soundtrack and voice acting (featuring North-Finnish accents) contribute to this somber mood, effectively conveying the despair and struggle for survival in this desolate world.
- Players collect various items throughout their journey, from tools and resources to documents and clues.
- The inventory allows players to examine and combine items, often crucial for solving puzzles.
- Managing resources like food and water can be a challenge, adding a layer of survival to the gameplay.
Puzzles:
- Rauniot features a variety of puzzles, ranging from simple inventory manipulation to more complex logic-based challenges.
- Puzzles often require players to pay close attention to their surroundings, decipher clues found in the environment, and utilize the items in their inventory creatively.
- Some puzzles may have multiple solutions or require specific item combinations, adding replayability and a sense of discovery.
Dialogue and Choices:
- Players interact with a handful of survivors scattered throughout the world, engaging in conversations that reveal the story and provide hints for progression.
- In some instances, players may have limited choices that can affect the narrative or the fate of certain characters.
- While not a major focus, these choices add a layer of consequence and player agency to the experience.
Additional Gameplay Features:
- A notebook allows players to keep track of clues, notes, and important information gathered during their exploration.
- The game features a melancholic soundtrack and voice acting with North-Finnish accents, further immersing players in the desolate atmosphere.
In Conclusion:
Rauniot offers a compelling adventure for players seeking a post-apocalyptic experience with a unique blend of exploration, puzzles, and a melancholic Finnish atmosphere. With its detailed environments, intriguing story, and classic point-and-click mechanics, Rauniot provides a captivating journey through the ruins of a world lost to disaster.
Overall, Rauniot offers a classic point-and-click experience with a focus on exploration, puzzle-solving, and resource management. The unique post-apocalyptic setting and melancholic atmosphere add a distinct layer of intrigue to the gameplay, making it a captivating adventure for fans of the genre.
