Review of the Cute NAIRI: Rising Tide! on PC Steam

NAIRI: Rising Tide is an indie game developed by HomeBearStudio, serving as a sequel to NAIRI: Tower of Shirin. This visually captivating point-and-click adventure brings back the titular character, Nairi, and her trusted companion, Rex, in a story that blends puzzle-solving with rich lore and engaging characters. Set in a beautifully illustrated world, Rising Tide dives into political intrigue, hidden secrets, and a charming tale of friendship and courage.

Graphics and Art Style

One of the first things that captures your attention in NAIRI: Rising Tide is its enchanting art style. The game boasts hand-drawn graphics that make each scene look like a page from a storybook. The color palette is vibrant and appealing, and the various locations—from bustling markets to mysterious dungeons—are rich in detail. Every background feels carefully crafted, and the characters themselves, anthropomorphic animals and humans alike, have distinct, expressive designs that make them memorable. The game’s art style sets it apart and adds a cozy, endearing feel that enhances the narrative’s impact.

The animations are simple but effective, supporting the game’s storybook aesthetic. Each character’s movements and expressions are conveyed with minimalism, which suits the tone well and never feels overly complex or distracting. Instead, the art invites players to immerse themselves in the world, making exploration and interaction feel like a rewarding experience on their own.

Story and Characters

The story picks up after the events of NAIRI: Tower of Shirin, with Nairi and her allies trying to uncover secrets tied to the Tower of Shirin and the enigmatic Rising Tide. The narrative in Rising Tide expands the lore introduced in the first game, delving into the mysteries surrounding Nairi’s heritage and the ancient forces that shape her world. The writing is solid, with a tone that mixes lightheartedness with moments of genuine tension, adding a level of maturity to the game without losing its charm.

Nairi herself is a relatable protagonist, combining bravery and curiosity with a certain innocence that makes her journey engaging. Her companion, Rex, serves as a nice counterbalance, providing a slightly gruff but caring personality that keeps the dynamic interesting. The side characters add layers to the story, each bringing their quirks and backstories, which help flesh out the setting and add depth to the main narrative. Fans of character-driven stories will find plenty to enjoy as they uncover secrets and make new allies (and foes) along the way.

Gameplay and Mechanics

As a point-and-click adventure, NAIRI: Rising Tide emphasizes exploration and puzzle-solving. The puzzles are well-designed, with just the right level of difficulty to challenge players without causing frustration. There’s a logical progression to most puzzles, which makes solving them feel rewarding and adds a sense of accomplishment as you advance. The game also has inventory-based puzzles, where players must gather and use items creatively to unlock new areas and progress in the story. For fans of classic adventure games, the mechanics feel familiar but refreshing in their execution.

One of the highlights is the game’s hint system, which is thoughtfully designed to guide players without completely giving away solutions. This is especially helpful for those who might be newer to the genre, as it provides a gentle nudge without breaking immersion. However, at times, the pacing can slow down due to backtracking, as players are occasionally required to revisit previous areas to find items or clues they may have missed. While this adds to the sense of exploration, it can feel tedious if not balanced with the main storyline’s momentum.

Sound and Music

The soundtrack of NAIRI: Rising Tide complements its whimsical, fantasy setting with soothing and atmospheric tracks. Each area has its own theme, enhancing the sense of immersion and making the world feel more alive. The sound effects are subtle but effective, providing necessary audio cues that help bring the environments to life. There is no voice acting, which, while understandable for an indie game, does mean players rely on text to connect with the characters. Nonetheless, the music and sound design work together to create a charming ambiance that suits the game’s aesthetic.

Final Thoughts

NAIRI: Rising Tide is a delightful continuation of the story introduced in Tower of Shirin. Its hand-drawn art style, engaging characters, and well-thought-out puzzles make it a standout title in the indie adventure genre. While it’s relatively short, the game’s story and characters leave a lasting impression, and its puzzles provide just enough challenge to keep players engaged without overwhelming them.

The game is ideal for fans of narrative-driven experiences and those who appreciate a bit of whimsy and adventure in their storytelling. While it may not reinvent the point-and-click genre, it excels in creating a warm and inviting world that beckons you to explore its mysteries. NAIRI: Rising Tide is a gem worth discovering, especially for those who enjoyed its predecessor or are looking for a storybook adventure that balances charm with intrigue.