THE LONGING

There are two nodes that The Longing displays that we feel haven't been showcased in a game for some time. The first being a classic point-and-click and venture game. The second being a theme that adopts from German folklore. Both present exciting premises for gameplay - and with the free reign of an indie developer, it could be something to remember.

However, there could be a reason why not many developers veer towards the traditional point-and-click mechanics. They don't seem to be suited for today's generally high-octane audience. But alas, there is still a trove of classic gamers that prefer their nostalgia to be satisfied. That over some wild experimentation. Is The Longing the game to do that?

It's a Long Journey

But let's not stray too far away from the idea that The Longing is strictly a classic point-and-click game - there is plenty of experimentation to boot. The most noticeable trait is that players will have 400 days to complete the game. Not in-game days - nope, real-time days. Even if you don't log on for that period - the days still count down. Essentially you could do nothing, and the game just ends.

The visuals present like a storybook as the player, named the Shade, trudges through caverns and caves with the odd objective of furnishing his home. The game's narrative stems from the German legend of Kyffhäuser. It's a tale where a German king sleeps within the walls of a mountain, longing for a better life. Although the Shade is not named, making the best of the situation is essentially the objective.

There's no combat and very little intensity to the game. You'll just be casually meandering through the labyrinth of the mountain, gathering resources to create a magnificent underground home. A narrative about the Shade's livelihood is dictated as time goes on and his home as furnished - and features several endings depending on the quality of life improvements.

'The Longing is a seriously odd concept but somehow strikes a wholesome tone with its players. Anybody searching for a game full of twists and turns will immediately pan it. However, those with patience will find that there's more to gameplay than one would see on the surface. It starts to strike an emotional nerve as those 400 days draw ever closer - and that's what makes The Longing a decent game.

Until Time Ends

The experimentation of The Longing is pretty respectable. It's not just a name devised by the developers to put minimum effort into the game. As you play on and watch the clock count down, the journey becomes more emotional - and does what was intended from designer to player.

Pros:

• Well-thought point-and-click mechanics that emotionally connects to players
• Decent use of experimentation
• Visuals resemble a storybook, perfectly paired to the theme

Cons:

• The game might end if you don't do anything with it
• Not much action will feel like a drag for many
• The objectives will fall flat with many players