Review on Europa

Initial release date: October 11, 2024

Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and Series S, Microsoft Windows

Developers: Helder Pinto, Novadust Entertainment

Engine: Unreal Engine 4

License: proprietary license

Genres: Adventure game, Platform game, Adventure

Publisher: Future Friends Games

Every now and then, a title emerges that defies traditional gaming rules, serving almost as an evocative work of outsider art. Have you ever played something that felt more like a mood than a video game? Europa reminded me of the way Limbo made a platformer feel like a dread-inducing nightmare that we shouldn’t even be looking at, and of course thatgamecompany’s astonishing Journey, which Jenova Chen stated was intended to “make the player feel, rather than establishing game mechanics”.

Europa absolutely does this. I was moved to tears several times while exploring the dreamy titular area; it creates a sense of amazement and high imagination, underpinned by a plot that feels like you’re making it up as you go.

It’s difficult to analyze this one without spoiling what you’re about to see. You take on the role of Zee, the only humanoid to inhabit an exotic, devastated country nestled in the shadow of Jupiter. It’s all lush, waving grasslands, blue skies, and the ruins of an ancient, fallen civilization. It resembles parts of the terrain from current The Legend of Zelda games, courtesy of Studio Ghibli. Indeed, the very emotional story of a fragile and alone boy discovering his journey across an unknown world through notes left by his late father is reminiscent of the best allegory-laden separation anxiety tales dreamed up by Hayao Miyazaki.

It’s difficult to analyze this one without spoiling what you’re about to see. You take on the role of Zee, the only humanoid to inhabit an exotic, devastated country nestled in the shadow of Jupiter. It’s all lush, waving grasslands, blue skies, and the ruins of an ancient, fallen civilization. It resembles parts of the terrain from current The Legend of Zelda games, courtesy of Studio Ghibli. Indeed, the very emotional story of a fragile and alone boy discovering his journey across an unknown world through notes left by his late father is reminiscent of the best allegory-laden separation anxiety tales dreamed up by Hayao Miyazaki.

The first thing you see after the introductory scene is a tombstone with the word “ADAM” engraved on it. You are then given a gentle demonstration of how Zee controls. His movement is floating and ethereal, as if you’re in a dream sequence. He possesses a powered jump that allows him to reach higher platforms, as well as the ability to levitate far into the air and glide about the landscape on bright blue pockets of energy that direct a path through Europa. If you time it correctly, there’s a sense of fantastical propulsion that I haven’t felt since the glory days of Nights Into Dreams.

Back on land, when you’re going downhill, Zee glides over the lush flora in an enormously satisfying way. If you step out of boundaries, the game will notify you via the obstacles that surround the gaming area. If you miss a jump or fall into a chasm, everything will simply rewind, allowing you to attempt again. There are sections that are nearly on rails, where you fly through a vortex and are drawn to your next destination. It is ostensibly an exploration platform adventure, yet it feels unlike any else I’ve encountered in 2024.

Along the way, there are crystals to acquire and power-up items to boost the height of your vertical leaps. To advance, you may be assigned a duty, such as locating three glowing spheres known as “wisps”. There are gentle puzzles that make use of another of Zee’s abilities: after jumping, pressing X conducts a ground pound, resulting in a rush of energy. This can be used to do things such as lighting torches and activating switches. You uncover pages that provide information about Europa, who you are, and why you are here.

The narrator has a smooth, pleasant cadence that blends wonderfully with the meditative soundtrack, which is a heady mix of sad piano and strings. There is no danger to speak of except from Zee’s seclusion. Other lifeforms can be found in the countryside, including traditional fauna such as rabbits and deer that dart and scatter in the sight of your footsteps, as well as weird alien species. Turtle-like beasts amble around calmly, their bodies made of developing plant life, similar to small Torterra from Pokemon’s Sinnoh region. One of the first sequences features a massive, snaking snake creature that appears to have been carved from rocks from the ground below. Zee finally learns to sketch the inhabitants of Europa in his journal.

Conveying a full ambiance in a game is no small feat. And what Helder Pinto, the artist and designer, has created here may be the most emotionally affecting game I’ve played in quite some time. It transports you to a feeling of ecstatic relaxation. It does not require you to keep an eye on an energy meter, memorize a plethora of button combinations, or worry about having to kill things. It’s just you, alone, flying and gliding through a beautiful universe, which serves as the gaming equivalent of an effective mindfulness exercise and an escape from reality. Wonderful.

Review Overview

Gameplay: 82%

Controls: 84%

Aesthetics: 90%

Content: 78%

Accessibility: 80%

Value: 81%

Overall: 83%

VERY GOOD

Summary: “Europa” is a graphically stunning exploration game that smoothly integrates narrative and puzzle components into a beautifully created world. Its sleek controls and easy gameplay provide a pleasant experience, however the tempo might slow down during less action-packed moments. While the material may not be as extensive as some gamers want, the immersive environment and breathtaking visuals more than compensate. The game is accessible to a large audience, providing a well-rounded experience that warrants its price. Overall, “Europa” is an excellent game for those seeking a visually spectacular and thought-provoking journey.