Reviews:
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A charming mix of local folklore, some music, and a sense of adventure
It has been fascinating to see how the indie space has expanded the expectations of what should be possible on the Switch, and that’s not in terms of technology but in unique experiences. A Highland Song is one such creative endeavor, and while it has gaming elements to go with its often satisfying exploration and discovery, it’s best enjoyed at the big picture level as a means of capturing the beauty and culture of the Scottish Highlands. While you may have a bigger goal in mind, the emphasis is really on enjoying the winding paths and encounters you’ll have along the way. At first it is a bit confusing, trying to understand how you’re supposed to plot your destination on a simple map to inform where you’re supposed to be going, but thankfully none of it is terribly complex and you simply get the hang of it with a little time and patience. Rather than focusing on my final destination I found myself more inclined to relish finding locations and items with their own stories to tell, and accepting the fact that “beating” the game would likely take multiple run throughs I felt comfortable ignoring any pressure for a while. Not everything here is perfect though, as there are times it felt like the stamina system for climbing was a bit odd or inconsistent and the rhythm-based sections at best just “mostly” work, but I don’t think detracted too greatly from the overall experience. If you’re looking for excitement you likely won’t find it here, but if instead you’re looking for a little immersion in a culture and landscape that will likely feel quite different it’s an engaging and quite enjoyable time.
Justin Nation, Score:Nindie Choice! [8.2]