Omno Review
Played on Xbox One (base)
Developed by Jonas Manke & Inkyfox
Released 29th July 2021
While not a popular one, the tranquil sub-genre of adventure games can sometimes seem like it's saturated with unoriginal concepts and packed to the brim with games that don't reinvent any old tropes or create any new ideas. Despite this, solo developer Jonas Manke was capable of bringing a title that stands on the front lines with these types of peaceful games.
Gameplay
The gameplay is not original in the slightest, but it is welcoming. Throughout the game, you'll be guided by a mysterious light on your pilgrimage to uncover a secret civilisation. What makes this great is that as you unlock essential traversal abilities in each individual biome, you're free to explore it to your heart's content. It prioritises atmosphere immensely over gameplay as its content features simplistic puzzles, unified with light platforming elements. Throughout the world, you'll be able to ski across not only snow, but sand too, and even warp between monuments. The game is jam-packed with additional collectables in which a helpful map can be used to locate and track your progress. From interacting with the magnificent creatures to unlocking pieces of the past, it'll all help with your understanding and appreciation for this small world. This game is in no way, shape or form an innovator. It's simply another game in a long-running list of those that imitate Sky: Children of the Light and/or Abzu and their peaceful moods, but with its fresh coat of polish and over-familiar mechanics, it's easily welcomed.
Atmosphere
The atmosphere is beautiful. The serene soundtrack blended with the visually rich world performs miracles in this kind of game. From simply watching videos of the game to refresh my memory for the review, I was given a sense of relaxation. There is no other way I can describe it. You venture between soft waves of snow in the Tundra, lush chunks of nature in the Meadow, and even more. The creature design that is commonly placed in the game is incredible and possibly my favourite aspect of it all. The soundtrack is another presenter of this calming vibe as it settles into the background and does not attempt to bombard you with audio. In a way, it flows smoothly rather than eccentrically - I can really appreciate that. Personally, this pacifistic nature felt somewhat lacklustre to me, as I did not need it and instead felt like a dampener, but I can 100% inform you that it is beneficial to anyone who is stressed out.
Gameplay - 7/10
Atmosphere - 7/10
Good
A nice 2-hour experience for any of those who've had a long day at work/school.
