Nocturnal

In Nocturnal, you play Ardeshir, an adventurer returning to his island homeland after many years. Ardesher is a soldier of the Enduring Flame and is best suited to solve the mystery of the islands. The island is covered with a fog that will consume you if the flame on your sword isn’t lit. The result is a fascinating game that manages to combine many different mechanics to make a challenging game. You never know when the game is going to have you face a new mob, drop you into fog, or throw something else at you.

While the game isn’t impossible, the game mechanics definitely make certain parts of the game a challenge.

Great Graphics

Most platformers have pretty average graphics. Nocturnal really pops with its flare for dramatic color, beauty, and animations. The game is never pixelated, and instead looks like a well-drawn cartoon. Every once in a while, you are treated to a cinematic experience that reveals more of the story.

If you were impressed by the graphics in LUMIONE, you won’t be disappointed by the graphics in Nocturnal. It’s interesting to note that one of the reviewers is an Iranian woman who claims she was contacted to get details for the Persian backdrop. She mentions that they were very respectful about making sure the graphics match the look and feel of the culture in a positive way.

Clever Game Mechanics

Through the story, players quickly learn that if their Enduring Flame goes out, the fog will destroy them. The developers used this to make what might have been ordinary parts of the game more challenging. You never know when the world will drop out from underneath you, plunging you into fog, with only a few seconds of Enduring Flame left on the sword.

There’s always a way out, but you’ll have to use your brains to make use of those few seconds and get your Enduring Flame back or get out of the fog as quickly as possible.

Very Short Gameplay

This game is very short. It can be played through in just a few hours. That’s great if you are a weekend warrior who doesn’t want to try and remember your place in the game, but if you are looking for a longer piece of entertainment, this won’t do the trick.

This game is a real gem. The developers have worked hard to mix together beautiful graphics, an amazing story, and an immersive experience all in one short platformer game. Although the story is very linear, you don’t really mind it due to the quality of the game.

Pros:

• Beautiful graphics
• Heartwarming story
• Interesting game mechanics

Cons:

• Very short

Nocturnal is an atmospheric action-adventure game that takes players on a treacherous journey to the island of Nahran, shrouded in a mysterious Mist. As Ardeshir, a soldier of the Enduring Flame, your mission is to uncover the truth behind the island's obscured reality and free it from the grasp of darkness.

With its captivating narrative, intense combat, and exploration-driven gameplay, Nocturnal offers a compelling experience that keeps players engaged throughout their quest. Nocturnal immerses players in a dark and enigmatic world, challenging them to navigate through the Mist and unravel the secrets that lie within.

Unveiling the Mystery

Nocturnal excels in building an eerie and captivating atmosphere. The shrouded island of Nahran, consumed by the Mist, creates a sense of foreboding and mystery. As you venture deeper into the darkness, uncovering secret locations and encountering formidable foes, the game keeps you on edge, eagerly anticipating the next revelation.

The mysterious ambiance is reminiscent of titles like Limbo and Inside, immersing players in a dark and atmospheric world that is both visually stunning and thematically compelling. Contrary to those exploration-based titles, however, Nocturnal features its healthy share of intense combat.

Engaging Combat and the Power of Fire

The combat mechanics in Nocturnal are fast-paced and satisfying. As Ardeshir, you wield the sacred flame to fend off the encroaching darkness and vanquish enemies. The ability to use fire to ward off the Mist, ignite the environment, and overcome adversaries adds a strategic element to the combat encounters.

It is reminiscent of games like Dark Souls, where timing and precision are crucial for success. Mastering the combat mechanics and utilizing the power of fire to your advantage is immensely gratifying. The result is a game that feels equally rewarding – and challenging – in the exploration and combat departments.

Speaking of Dark Souls, fans of environmental storytelling will also find a diamond in the rough with Nocturnal. While the narrative isn't as polished as what we've come to expect from FromSoftware, the attention to detail and the quality of the game's world-building is undeniable.

Exploration and Progression

Nocturnal offers a vast and intriguing world to explore, filled with hidden secrets and abilities. As you navigate the island, you'll discover new areas and gain ashes by defeating enemies and exploring your surroundings. The game evokes a similar sense of discovery you may find in other Metroidvania titles, where unlocking new abilities opens up previously inaccessible areas.

These ashes can be offered to Phoenix statues, granting you new abilities and stat boosts. The exploration-driven progression system adds depth and motivation to the gameplay, rewarding players for their curiosity and encouraging thorough exploration of the island.

Pros

• Captivating atmosphere and mysterious setting
• Satisfying combat mechanics and the strategic use of fire
• Rewarding exploration and progression system

Cons

• The length of the game may feel short for players seeking a longer and more substantial experience
• The pacing of the narrative could be improved to maintain a consistent sense of intrigue throughout
• Limited replayability once the main story and exploration objectives are completed