Ubik Studios’ Leila is a poignant, introspective journey that blends traditional animation with minimalist gameplay to explore the complexities of womanhood, identity, and self-worth. This narrative-driven point-and-click adventure invites players to step into the shoes of Leila, a woman revisiting key moments of her life, from adolescence to adulthood, in search of meaning and reconciliation.
The game’s emotional core is its strongest asset. Leila’s story is deeply personal yet universally resonant, touching on themes like societal expectations, motherhood, and the struggle to maintain a sense of self amid life’s demands. The narrative doesn’t shy away from discomfort, offering a raw portrayal of a life shaped by compromise and longing. While the game’s brevity – clocking in at just over an hour – will feel disappointing, it ensures a focused and impactful experience that lingers with you after the credits roll.
Visually, Leila is a hand-drawn marvel that’s wonderful to look at. Each scene is meticulously crafted, with subtle animations that breathe life into static images. The art style complements the game’s introspective tone, creating an atmosphere that’s both intimate and immersive. The soundtrack, featuring 16 original compositions, further enhances the experience, seamlessly weaving into the narrative and amplifying its emotional beats.
Gameplay-wise, Leila offers a series of puzzles and mini-games that, while not overly complex, serve to deepen the player’s connection to Leila’s journey. Some puzzles are elegantly integrated into the narrative, providing moments of reflection and insight. However, others can feel less intuitive, occasionally disrupting this short game’s pacing. The controls, particularly on the PlayStation 5, can be cumbersome, with the analog stick and cursor-based interactions sometimes leading to frustration during more intricate tasks – making it feel like Leila was designed with the PC and/or touch screens in mind.
Despite these minor shortcomings, Leila succeeds in delivering a compelling narrative experience that challenges players to reflect on their own lives. It’s a game that prioritizes storytelling over traditional gameplay mechanics, offering a meditative exploration of memory, regret, and the pursuit of self-acceptance.
In conclusion, Leila stands out as a heartfelt and artistically rich title that showcases the potential of video games as a medium for personal storytelling. While its gameplay elements may not appeal to everyone, those willing to embrace its narrative focus will find a deeply moving experience that resonates on a profound level.
Score: 7.4/10
Press Play Media 