Europa does it really live up to the hype? With its Ghibli visual inspiration, the independent title has captivated the attention of players since its first announcement, which dates back to June 2018. Here we are six years later and the game is finally available on Steam and Nintendo Switch since the 11 last October. The wait was not easy but it is clear thatEuropa comes at the right time.
Cozy games are at the height of their popularity and this video game experience ticks all the boxes of a must-have of the genre. If the enthusiasm around this game comes mainly from its aesthetics, the experience is not based solely on this aspect and reserves many more surprises than one might think. For less than 15€, Europa is a memorable little nugget that deserves your full attention. But if you are still hesitant, here are three reasons to embark on this adventure without further delay.
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Visuals and a relaxing atmosphere
The main argument of the game is to offer a journey into a dreamlike world with an atmosphere worthy of a Ghibli film, and suffice to say that the bet has paid off. From its staging, to its music, through the narration and the environment, Europa is a real waking dream as we would like to experience it every day. Far from Earth and at the edge of our solar system, Jupiter’s moon has been terraformed into a lush paradise. The origins of this environment not only make it possible to give birth to a captivating scenario, but also to offer an exotic universe that would almost make us want to pass through the screen.
The fauna, flora, architecture and machines all seem in harmony and reinforce the image of utopia that the title tries to convey. The artistic direction work is truly remarkable. During a few hours of play, we easily let ourselves be transported into this world where the vices of humanity have no place. This visual and sensory journey that offers Europa is also supported by simple, but perfectly mastered, gameplay mechanics.
Float like a dream
If you like contemplative titles like Journey or Abzu, Europa is made for you. After a short introduction to limited capabilities in order to get to grips with the controls, the title quickly allows for very satisfying freedom of movement. In order to successfully complete his initiatory journey, Zee – the little android that we play as – must explore Jupiter’s moon and resolve its mysteries. But it is not easy to get around on foot in all these terraformed reliefs and these immense structures built to accommodate humans. Fortunately, our protagonist is equipped with a canister capable of storing energy allowing him to fly.
We then take a delightful pleasure to soar above the green plains taking either to recover enough energy to never fall stranded. But you shouldn’t get carried away either. While the sensation of flight is particularly effective, sometimes you have to drop down to discover hidden secrets and solve puzzles. Even on the ground, the game took care to work on its movements to make them more pleasant. It is then possible to slide down hills and overcome obstacles to optimize our route. Once started, it is difficult to stop as you want to discover new facets of this magical world.
An experience to savor in just a few hours
Europa proves once again that the shortest video game pleasures can also be the most memorable. It will not be necessary only 4 to 5 hours to complete the adventureor even a little more for completionists who don’t want to miss any object. This may not seem like much, but at a time when games are longer and longer and players have less and less time, how pleasant is it to discover a title with an emotional impact? so powerful after just a few hours of play. Like Dordogne last year, Europa is a pleasure that it would be a shame to deprive yourself of as it is so easy to enjoy.
Zee’s story unfolds naturally and the narration works perfectly well. It is by finding the pages of his grandfather’s diary that the little robot learns the symbolism behind this terraformed moon and discovers the mission it is up to him to fulfill. With this format, Europa has all the makings of a video game tale that never fails to hit us right in the heart. This poetic reflection on humanity is truly worthy of the Ghibli-esque character that the title boasts.
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