Song of Nunu: A League of Legends Story, which was developed by Tequila Works and is being published by Riot Forge, offers up a platforming adventure set in the Freljord, featuring the duo of Nunu and Willump. Released on PlayStation 5 now after the initial launch on PC, the game showcases the commitment to expanding the rich lore of League of Legends through diverse gaming experiences. And despite not being League of Legends players, we had a lot of fun with this one!
The narrative revolves around Nunu, a young Notai child, and his companion, the last Yeti named Willump. The tale follows their quest to uncover the mysteries of the Freljord and find Nunu’s missing mother. The story, though straightforward, keeps players engaged, with the goal of reaching the “Heart of the Blue”. Throughout their journey, players encounter League of Legends champions such as Braum, Ornn, Volibear, and Lissandra, adding depth to the narrative even if all these characters are new to you (like they were to us).
The game successfully captures the essence of classic N64/PS1 era platformers with its gameplay and level designs. The art style, characterized by vibrant colors and charming animations, contributes to a visually appealing world. Nunu and Willump’s cute presence further enhances the overall experience, making it a joy to explore each new section and watch them explore.
The platforming mechanics are smooth and reminiscent of old-school classics, with a few light-hearted puzzles that are both enjoyable and fair. These puzzles are a standout feature, as they progressively increase in complexity and provide a satisfying challenge without ever becoming too frustrating. The incorporation of Nunu’s musical abilities, which allows for interaction with the environment through musical notes, adds a unique and charming aspect to the gameplay. Every now and then you’ll also run into different sequences that provide breaks from the norm, like when you’re sledding downhill – adding a bit of variety into the mix.
While the narrative primarily focuses on the friendship between Nunu and Willump, it doesn’t shy away from exploring darker and somber elements, adding depth to the characters and their growth. The music, often emotional, contributes to the general atmosphere as well, fitting in well with the gameplay.
Despite its strengths, Song of Nunu is not without minor flaws. There are occasional instances of slight visual glitches, and the combat lacks depth and variety if that’s what you’re looking for. Nunu’s vulnerability when you’re without Willump also adds a layer of tension, but it will also lead to situations where you’ll find unable to move forward.
In summary, Song of Nunu: A League of Legends Story is a charming and accessible adventure, successfully achieving its goal of expanding the League of Legends lore through a different gaming style that will appeal to existing fans as well as a new audience. While it may not offer groundbreaking mechanics, its heartwarming narrative, engaging puzzles, and lovely visuals make it a worthwhile experience, particularly for League of Legends fans and those seeking a family-friendly platforming adventure.
Score: 7.2/10
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