After Us

The game After Us is the work of the independent Barcelona-based studio Piccolo Studio. The title, halfway between platforms and adventure, offers a powerful narrative accompanied by a careful graphic style. After Us tells how in a world devastated by humans, the spirit of life Gaia struggles to rescue the essence of the last extinct animals. Now, let’s get deeper into the game, so let’s get started.

About the game

After Us aims to be a moving spiritual adventure. Set in a devastated Earth where humanity has driven all life to extinction, our protagonist Gaia finds herself tasked with releasing the souls of animals trapped within their lifeless bodies. Only then will these essences be able to continue their journey to The Mother’s Ark, avoiding a permanent disappearance.

To progress through the bleakscenarios that compose the game, Gaia can jump, climb, swim and glide. She also possesses the power to purify contaminated areas and of course liberate the spirits of critters to complete her mission. However, she will frequently encounter dangers along the way, having to escape threats such as The Devourers - beings that behave irrationally and threaten our character.

Each biome in After Us is characterized by its striking abstract design, representing how human actions led to this post-apocalyptic state. The adventure thus feels like a haunting tale, one that serves as a reminder of the consequences of selfishness and disregard for the environment.

Gameplay

After Us is a three-dimensional platform game that allows players to control Gaia, who can jump, climb, swim, and glide through different scenarios. The game's controls are simple and fluid, making it easy for players to navigate through the different levels. The game's unique feature is Gaia's power to purge contaminated areas and release the spirits of animals to fulfill the main mission of the game. The game also offers challenges by introducing The Devourers, which act as enemies to Gaia and pose a threat to her. The game's gameplay style is engaging and immersive, making it an enjoyable experience for players.

While After Us appears as a simple platformer, it aims to provoke reflection. Players will find themselves transfixed by the profound themes explored, as well as the emotional weight of saying goodbye to Gaia's animal companions as their souls ascend to the afterlife. The gameplay itself serves to reinforce this feeling of loss and mourning nature's end.

Review: 9/10

In conclusion, After Us seems poised to tug at gamers' heartstrings while providing a thought-provoking experience. With a moving story, atmospheric environments and meditative gameplay, Piccolo Studio's next title dares to tread new creative ground in the gaming medium. Though the proposition may seem unusual, After Us could end upboth delighting and haunting audiences in equal measure.

Pros:

• Engaging Storyline
• Unique Gameplay Style
• Stunning Scenario

Cons:

• Lack of Replayability