NaissanceE
Gameplay 8
Graphics 8
Sound 8

NaissanceE is not a game for players that want to know exactly what is going on at all times. Instead of offering any explanations the game simply drops you into a surreal and intimidating gameworld that thrives on your confusion. The result is an experience quite unlike anything else and one that will stay with you long after the journey is complete.

Gameplay: First person exploration with a dash of puzzle solving and platforming.

Graphics: Beautiful and imposing in equal measures.

Sound: Atmospheric audio that greatly enhances the whole experience

Summary 8.0 Great
Gameplay 0
Graphics 0
Sound 0
Summary rating from user's marks. You can set own marks for this article - just click on stars above and press "Accept".
Accept
Summary 0.0 Terrible

NaissanceE

Developer: Limasse Five | Publisher: Limasse Five | Release Date: 2014 | Genre: Adventure / Indie | Website: Official Website | Purchase: Steam / itch.io

The opening scene of NaissanceE, in which your character is sprinting for dear life through seemingly endless corridors, might fool you into thinking this is an action title. The chase comes to an end when her pursuer (something that looks like a swarm of angry cubes) corners her. Unexpectedly the floor gives way and our protagonist lands heavily in a stark white room below. The words “Lucy is lost” briefly appears on the screen and you take control.

A short tutorial teaches you the basic controls, running, jumping, ducking and breathing, but the game remains tight lipped about your whereabouts and purpose.  NaissanceE is a first person exploration game, so there are no weapons, special abilities or any of the usual tools you might find in a game. There are no mission goals, objectives or overarching purpose either so, if you require those things in order to enjoy a game, NaissanceE will leave you feeling lost and bewildered.

The game takes place inside what the developers call a “primitive mysterious structure” which doesn’t even begin to describe the surreal setting. The abstract architecture show traces of inspiration by titles like Portal as well as the manga “Blame!” by Tsutomu Nihei. There is no HUD, health indicators, score or even map that comes between you and the game –and don’t expect any hand holding either. Naissancee is a game that was designed to make you feel lost and lonely in an unknown setting and, trust me, it succeeds. While the game is pretty linear, it doesn’t mean that making progress is easy. Dark, claustrophobic tunnels give way to open areas that are so vast it will make you feel like an ant. You’ll also encounter dizzying heights and traverse enough steep staircases to induce bathmophobia.

While the majority of the game involves exploring your mysterious surroundings there is also some platforming and puzzle solving to be done. The puzzles mostly have to do with lights and shadows, which can be tricky, but there is nothing that is too obscure. The platforming sections are a bit more challenging as you often have to traverse areas where a slight miscalculation can see you plummeting to your death. This wouldn’t have been too bad if it wasn’t for the rather harsh checkpoint system which can lead to needless repetition. The developer has stated that an upcoming patch will add more checkpoints, though.

The highlight of Naissancee is without a doubt the visuals and atmosphere. As I made my way through the foreboding surrounds, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of unease. There is just something about certain areas that is unsettling in a way that I cannot even begin to explain. Even areas that feature familiar architecture feel surreal and out of place due to the lack of textures and excellent use of shadows. The game can also be beautiful at times, with sweeping views of some unfathomably big structures. It is probably a good thing that you can’t wander too far off course, as the sheer scale of some areas is downright intimidating. There are some surprises tucked away in the depths of the game as well, some good, like a doll of a familiar character cropping up unexpectedly, and others not so good, such as an infinite staircase that can trap the unaware. No explanations are ever offered about where you are or why certain things are happening which just deepens the mystery.

The game uses standard first person controls so you look around using your mouse and jump using spacebar. Sprinting is made a little trickier by the inclusion of a breathing mechanic. As you run, a white circle appears onscreen prompting you to click the mouse button to take a breath. Controlling your characters breathing enables her to sprint for longer and it adds a little more challenge to the platforming sections. There is no speech, but you can hear your characters breathing as she runs and her gasps of pain if you miss any jumps. We have become so accustomed to the constant jabbering in games, from audio logs and diaries that interrupt even solo horror titles, that the silence in Naissancee can be somewhat unsettling. The music is superb and really enhances the atmosphere of the game. Interestingly enough, the audio was not composed for the game, but instead came from existing albums.

The abstract nature of Naissancee makes for a refreshing change and at times I felt like I was exploring the endless corridors of a dream. This is the type of game where you have to immerse yourself in the experience, so turn down the lights and use a good pair of headphones. It is also the type of game that is not going to appeal to players who want a clearly laid out story and familiar gameplay, but there are already enough titles available to cater for such tastes. It took me seven hours to complete my journey through Naissancee and while there were definitely some frustrating moments, it was undoubtedly a memorable experience. If you are not afraid to try something new and have a vivid imagination, you might want to check out Naissancee. It is an ambitious debut title for Limasse Five and I look forward to see what they will come up with next.

*Review originally published February 2014.

System Requirements

  • OS: Windows XP SP3 or Windows Vista
  • Processor: 2.0+ GHz multi-core processor
  • Memory: 3 GB RAM
  • Graphics: NVIDIA 8800 gts or similar graphics card
  • DirectX: Version 9.0c
  • Hard Drive: 2 GB available space
  • OS: Windows 7
  • Processor: 3.0+ GHz multi-core processor
  • Memory: 4 GB RAM
  • Graphics: NVIDIA 460 gtx or higher graphics card
  • DirectX: Version 9.0c
  • Hard Drive: 2 GB available space

Related posts

BeatBlasters III

BeatBlasters III

BeatBlasters III shows a lot of imagination but has the gameplay to back up the wacky plot. The developers have gone for a quality over quantity approach with each level looking totally unique. It takes a while to get used to the controls but using a controller makes a big difference. If you are looking for an interesting fusion of platforming, puzzle solving and rhythm based action then grab yourself a copy. Gameplay: A very interesting fusion of genres. Graphics: The 2D visuals are packed with detail and imagination. Sound: The music is not my favorite genre but it matches the theme of the game.

Eversion

Eversion

Eversion is a very niche platform game that is definitely not going to be to everyone's liking. However, it is one of those titles that gets progressively more interesting the further you play, so don't dismiss it based on looks alone. Gameplay: The game offers pure platforming with a unique twist. Graphics: Some might call the visuals retro or dated, but they have a style and charm of their own. Sound: The audio plays a big part in the game's atmosphere and is nicely done.

Everreach: Project Eden

Everreach: Project Eden

Everreach: Project Eden is a sci-fi themed third-person shooter with some RPG elements thrown into the mix as well. It's not a bad looking game but struggles with cumbersome controls, stiff animations, and combat that lacks excitement. The story is interesting once you get caught up in it but prepare for some frustration and lack of polish along the way. Gameplay: Rather short and could have benefited from some more polish. Graphics: The visuals look good, but the animations are rather stiff. Sound: Nice soundtrack, but the sound effects are rather lacking.

WAGAMAMA HIGH SPEC

WAGAMAMA HIGH SPEC

Join Narumi Kouki, a hardworking manga author who is still a student as he tries to juggle work and studies. To complicate matters for Kouki, he is pressured into joining the student council where he finds himself with more responsibilities as well as the only guy among a group of beautiful girls. Wagamama High Spec is a typical slice of life visual novel with a school setting, but the charming characters, humor and different routes make it stand it from the competition. There’s nothing really new here for people who are tired of the setting or tropes, but the writing is good and the visuals very polished. Gameplay: Not a lot of choices, but they do lead to four very different story paths. Graphics: Beautiful illustrations, tons of CGs and some nice backgrounds. Sound: Full Japanese voice acting along with plenty of great tunes.

Indiana Jones® and the Fate of Atlantis™

Indiana Jones® and the Fate of Atlantis™

This is obviously a must-have title for Indiana Jones and Point & Click Adventure fans alike. Although showing its age it's still a great game from a company that was at the pinnacle of the genre back in their heyday. No self respecting adventure gamer should pass up on this one. Gameplay: Pure point & click goodness. Graphics: Pretty good back in the day but obviously dated now. Sound: A nice soundtrack and good effects for the time.

Incredipede

Incredipede

Incredipede is a unique puzzle title that challenges you to complete levels by controlling the muscles of one of the most bizarre characters ever to feature in a game. In easy mode, you are provided with a unique design for your creature every level, but in hard mode, it is up to you to create your own working designs. Throw in a sandbox mode as well as a level editor, and you have a game that can keep you entertained for far longer than expected. This game also has some of the most unique and eye-catching visual styles that we have seen in a while. Gameplay: Incredipede is quite challenging and frequently frustrating but always fun. Graphics: The art style is gorgeous, although the animations can be slightly creepy. Sound: The audio is very sparse but quite fitting.

Leave a comment

17 + 18 =