Sights & Sounds
- The visuals have an excellent style to them. Every screen is full of colorful flora, interesting post-apocalyptic architecture, and unique-looking mutant NPCs
- Music ranges from serviceable to good
- Considering that music plays a minor role in the gardening sections of the game, it's a little disappointing that it isn't more memorable. I like how different plants represent different instruments and rhythms, though
Story & Vibes
- This is without question the most relaxing story-centric gaming experience since Spiritfarer. In fact, that's not the worst comparison from a "vibes" perspective (even though the gameplay is very different). Similar to that game, each character has an interesting history that has culminated in emotional turning point that you are conveniently around to witness. That said, Mutazione doesn't tug on the heartstrings quite as hard
- People into "cozy games" will love this one
- Storywise, you play as a teenage girl who has been sent to an island to help her dying grandfather. Initially, you don't know why you're there or what you're supposed to be doing, but you answer these questions progressively as you work through the plot
- The well-written dialogue and the plotlines surrounding each character are where this game really shines. If you don't mind the story sometimes running a little into soap opera territory, this is a game worth playing
Playability & Replayability
- 2D walking simulator? Point and click with minimal pointing and clicking? Let's just say it's an adventure game
- Gameplay largely consists of walking around, talking to people at different times of the day, and growing themed gardens
- If that last point turns you off a little, don't worry. You don't have to water or maintain any gardens, only fill them with plants that fit the defined mood you're supposed to be going for (don't worry, the game makes this obvious)
- There aren't any splitting plot paths to worry about and getting all the achievements is easy with a spoiler-free guide, so I'm not really anticipating a replay anytime soon
Overall Impressions & Performance
- I would heartily recommend this game to anyone who just wants to relax, experience some good writing, and look at some pretty visuals, but the price may be a little steep for a 6-10 hour experience without much replay incentive
- Played extremely well on the Steam Deck. Definitely deserves its Verified badge
Final Verdict
- 8/10. This is an excellent game for a rainy weekend day where you're just sitting under a blanket, sipping coffee, and taking in some casual mutant drama. Maybe wait for a sale, though
- The visuals have an excellent style to them. Every screen is full of colorful flora, interesting post-apocalyptic architecture, and unique-looking mutant NPCs
- Music ranges from serviceable to good
- Considering that music plays a minor role in the gardening sections of the game, it's a little disappointing that it isn't more memorable. I like how different plants represent different instruments and rhythms, though
Story & Vibes
- This is without question the most relaxing story-centric gaming experience since Spiritfarer. In fact, that's not the worst comparison from a "vibes" perspective (even though the gameplay is very different). Similar to that game, each character has an interesting history that has culminated in emotional turning point that you are conveniently around to witness. That said, Mutazione doesn't tug on the heartstrings quite as hard
- People into "cozy games" will love this one
- Storywise, you play as a teenage girl who has been sent to an island to help her dying grandfather. Initially, you don't know why you're there or what you're supposed to be doing, but you answer these questions progressively as you work through the plot
- The well-written dialogue and the plotlines surrounding each character are where this game really shines. If you don't mind the story sometimes running a little into soap opera territory, this is a game worth playing
Playability & Replayability
- 2D walking simulator? Point and click with minimal pointing and clicking? Let's just say it's an adventure game
- Gameplay largely consists of walking around, talking to people at different times of the day, and growing themed gardens
- If that last point turns you off a little, don't worry. You don't have to water or maintain any gardens, only fill them with plants that fit the defined mood you're supposed to be going for (don't worry, the game makes this obvious)
- There aren't any splitting plot paths to worry about and getting all the achievements is easy with a spoiler-free guide, so I'm not really anticipating a replay anytime soon
Overall Impressions & Performance
- I would heartily recommend this game to anyone who just wants to relax, experience some good writing, and look at some pretty visuals, but the price may be a little steep for a 6-10 hour experience without much replay incentive
- Played extremely well on the Steam Deck. Definitely deserves its Verified badge
Final Verdict
- 8/10. This is an excellent game for a rainy weekend day where you're just sitting under a blanket, sipping coffee, and taking in some casual mutant drama. Maybe wait for a sale, though