Europa, from Future Friends Games, offers a tranquil and story-driven adventure set on the moon Europa, where an android named Zee embarks on a journey to uncover the mysteries of a fallen utopia. The game’s blend of exploration, puzzle-solving, and light platforming captures a unique sense of serenity and wonder, all set against the backdrop of a lush, terraformed paradise that hides remnants of a once-thriving civilization.
The narrative is mostly understated, drawing players in through its emotive storytelling and subtle exploration of themes like humanity’s relationship with nature and the passage of time. The game excels in how it lets players gradually piece together its world, unraveling secrets as Zee progresses through her journey. While the story is relatively short at around four hours, the audiovisual delivery and emotional depth packed into its runtime ensures a memorable experience.
One of Europa’s best features is its movement mechanics, particularly the free-flowing traversal that emphasizes gliding and jetpacking across its landscapes. The gradual upgrades to Zee’s Zephyr jetpack keep the gameplay fresh, allowing you to soar through the air with an increasing sense of freedom as you progress through the game. This fluidity in movement, where momentum builds as you chain boosts, feels empowering and adds to the game’s overall meditative tone. However, some players may find the puzzles and environmental challenges somewhat simplistic, especially compared to more complex exploration titles, as there’s definitely a more casual kind of feel to Europa.
Visually, Europa shines with its visually striking depiction of a fallen utopia. The hand-crafted environments are stunning on the Switch, whether you’re gliding over shimmering lakes or traversing ancient ruins, and the game’s art style perfectly complements its calm, reflective mood. However, the Nintendo Switch version does struggle with this at times, as can be seen through occasional frame rate dips, particularly when exploring larger areas. This slightly detracts from the otherwise smooth experience, but Europa’s still a great looking smaller title.
The audio design is another highlight, with a minimalist yet evocative score that underscores the game’s tranquil atmosphere. Combined with environmental sounds that add ambience, the music enhances the immersive quality of Europa’s world. It’s not a bombastic soundtrack but one that resonates with the game’s more introspective tone, making it a key part of the overall experience.
While Europa may not offer the deepest puzzles or the most complex narrative, its serene atmosphere, fluid movement, and beautiful world make it a compelling, meditative journey. For those looking for a more peaceful, exploration-driven experience on the Nintendo Switch, Europa is a unique adventure that, despite its simplicity, leaves a lasting impact. It can also be picked up at a budget price point, making it an easy recommendation.
Score: 7.7/10
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