Tengami – Nyamyam – Wii U eShop
Tengami is the latest of many indie games to hit the Wii U eShop, but what sets it aside is its unique art style. Set in ancient Japan, but presented as a pop-up book style point and click, it’s an aesthetic delight from the off. There’s little in way of an introduction, other than a philosophically brief overview of life and death. From then on, you take control of a paper character and set out to find the blossom that has fallen from a tree. That’s as much as you’re getting in way of a plot, as this game is all about the journey, and it’s one that takes you through valleys, waterfalls, oceans and shrines, and through various seasons. Described by the developer as ‘Chill Out Gaming’, Tengami is a game to unwind to at the end of the day, that only needs one or two sittings to complete. The game’s roots are set in iOS territory having been available for the touch screen devices already, so it’s right at home on the Wii U gamepad. The game is entirely controlled via the touch screen, be it directing the character or turning the pages of the pop-up book.
Said pop-up book is glorious to look at. It’s a vivid array of colour and sound, presented beautifully. Each scene in the game is a page in the book, with smaller pop-ups dotted around various pages, some creating obstacles which need to be navigated by changing the pop-ups to create a suitable route. Most of the puzzles are quite easy to navigate, and as the developer wants the game to be as relaxing and straight forward as possible, there are hints available if need be. One of the puzzles towards the end of the game was quite the noodle scratcher, as it required some eagle eyed observation throughout the section, at all times, looking in every nook and cranny for specific parts of the puzzle. That snag aside, it’s very laid back and a beautiful game to look at, although the longevity of the game is something of a drawback. It’s only going to take around a couple of hours to complete, and although it’s designed to only last that long, it is a little disappointing that this is all we get to see of this glorious looking world. There is some replay value as it is a wonderful game to look at, and there are several Miiverse stamps to collect, which are littered throughout the game, usualy behind a rock or bush which you won’t notice until you’re turning the page or you’ve already passed it.
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FXgmAEPBLF0[/youtube]
Although there’s substance as well as style with Tengami, if you’re looking for something to really sink your teeth into, then this isn’t what you’re after. It’s a relaxing, visually serene experience that isn’t involving and can be enjoyed in short measures, and another reason why indie games are on the rise.
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