Rime

One of the biggest trends of gaming in the 21st century has been the rise of smaller games on the market competing for our money. In the past these games were seen as cheap and of low quality, but in the last ten years the calibre in terms of storytelling and artistic design has risen significantly.  One example is Rime, which stunned me with its tranquil beauty and charming characters. 
 
GAMEPLAY: From the moment I loaded it up I was immediately taken with its simple yet elegant setting.  You take on the role of an unnamed boy who has just washed up on a deserted island, see a tower in the distance and decide to make your way to it.  Controls are simple but effective, with easy puzzles littered around the island blocking your way. There’s zero combat, instead, Rime relies on its puzzle system and its charming setting to keep players engaged.
 
GRAPHICS: Rime’s graphics are simple yet beautiful, everything has a nice touch to it; the waves of the ocean bob about, and trees sway in the wind realistically.  The graphics aren’t mind-blowing, but then again, they don’t have to be.
 
SOUND: The characters in Rime don’t talk, so there's no voice acting to speak of.  The music is stellar and matches the tempo of the game perfectly.  If I had to put it in one word I would say that the sound is adequate.
 
VERDICT: Rime is a game that’s meant to be a calming experience and to be honest, that’s a relief when so many games focus on killing someone or blowing something up.  I found my time with Rime to be enjoyable and fun.  If you’d like a game where you simply relax and explore your surroundings, then Rime’s the game for you. 
 
7/10