The North American cover-art is the visual antithesis to the sheer quality I precieve of this particular game.

It's a simple, haunting story about a cursed boy, whom is controlled by the player, that is forced to be a sacrificial lamb, only to free himself and later free a glowing girl that speaks an entirely different language from him.

It's a simple, haunting game where the two travel through the ruins and structures, navigating treacherous and perilous environments, solving ancient puzzles that lock their exits, and fight back against shadow beings that seek to spirit away the girl the player character freed.

It's a simple, haunting theme about a growing bond of friendship beyond language, and the power of trust and determination against nigh insurmountable odds.

It's a simple, haunting journey where boy meets girl, boy saves girl, and boy frees girl, with nothing but a stick and little else left to lose.

Is this review pretentious? A tad. Am I biased? Very likely. That said, this game isn't for everyone, and its simplicity alone might turn most away from it, but power and respect to those that give it an honest try.