There are plenty of excellent rhythm games available for cheap right now as part of Steam Rhythm Fest. In fact, we've picked up seven titles that you should definitely pick up while the event is running until August 26, right? HereHowever, there is one game that is not included in the summary but is worth highlighting individually: the rhythm adventure game A Plateau Song.
A 2023 game from developer inkle, the studio behind indie games Vault of Heaven, 80 DaysAnd To the sea!transports players to the scenic landscapes of the Scottish Highlands. While there is a rhythm element, as you might expect considering its participation in the Steam Rhythm Fest sale, the majority of the game A Plateau SongIt's a loose narrative adventure with meaty traversal mechanics that's a love letter to the Highlands.
Speaking from first-hand experience after recently returning from a trip to Scotland where I did a lot of walking among the game’s real-world inspirations, the Highlands are special. Rolling hills, rushing rivers and towering mountains are so steeped in history and folklore that, in addition to being constantly drenched in rain, it feels as if the land has absorbed a living cultural memory. A Plateau Song He tries to wake up and succeeds in doing so perfectly.
The game takes players on a long, multi-day trek from heroine Moira McKinnon’s home (which she has escaped from) to her uncle’s lighthouse. Between points A and B lies the beautiful but treacherous landscapes for which the Highlands are famous. With erratic weather bringing sudden downpours of rain or snow, sheer cliffs and deep caverns constantly getting in your way, it quickly becomes clear that the journey will not be easy. A Plateau Song all of these obstacles make for meaningful challenges, as Moira is fragile and must rest each night to maintain her warmth and health. Sleep without shelter or stay out in the rain for too long and you'll freeze to death. Slip and fall after your stamina runs out while climbing, and you'll see half your health bar suddenly disappear. You'll need to move slowly to keep Moira alive and complete this journey.
This methodical approach encourages you to explore the game’s environment. Eventually, through this more exploratory approach, you’ll begin to uncover the stories embedded throughout the game. Every hill and dale you pass through has a story to tell; you might find the remains of a battlefield from the Jacobean revolution, or even encounter potentially mystical creatures from Scottish folklore. Each of these encounters offers a lesson about the land and its people. Plateau SongThe rhythm aspects of 's come into play during transitional moments where you must chase after a deer and press timed inputs set to the game's music. While not an exciting rhythm game by its simplicity, chasing the deer often takes you far from where you started and off the main path, offering plenty of exploration for those looking to discover more about this surreal area.
None of these discoveries are forced upon the player through annoying quests or overly marked events, but through a natural sense of adventure. As you play, you can go wherever your heart desires and you will find something that interests you. As cliché as it may sound, A Plateau Song the game is about the journey, not the destination, and it's a brilliant one, not only thanks to its fantastical world inspired by the true beauty and history of the Highlands, but also its wonderful and challenging traversal mechanics that make every little bit of progress feel truly rewarding.
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