Attempts to derive a formula for success through copying popular projects have been made many times already. Company Skybox labswhich helps 343 industries create Halo infinite and worked as an editor Forge for Halo 5: Guardianstried to make a successful clone of games Playdead, shoving all possible clichés and references to the apocalyptic classics into their interpretation of the destroyed world.
According to a straightforward plot Stela, the main character wakes up in the ruins of the ancient world. People under the influence of solar radiation turned into terrible creatures, monsters scour the destroyed cities, and the remnants of a powerful civilization remind themselves of themselves as luminous monoliths.
The girl follows through dangerous forests, ruins of castles and villages in the hope of achieving her unknown goal.
As the scenario progresses, the heroine in white is forced to hide from monsters, sneak past traps and avoid the shower of fiery arrows.
At the same time, the external part of the project dominates the plot, which tries to plug gigantic gaps in history through mystery.
Copying ideas Limbo and INSIDE, the development does not have a sufficient arsenal of interesting puzzles, most of which are too simple and can be solved the first time. Even the original rotating platforms in the later stages are not able to stop your two-hour marathon for the final credits.
Unlike the masterpieces from Playdead, you do not feel close connection with the heroine and do not worry about her life. Rare monsters are stupid enough, and the final part of the plot with a sudden ending causes the players more questions than pleasant admiration.
At the same time, SkyBox Labs managed to create a diverse world with bright landscapes, interesting environmental elements and a demonstration of the destroyed ecosystem of a dying planet.
It is a pity that all this does not fit well with the story and the character, as a result of which there is no deep immersion in the atmosphere.
