Summary

Release Year: 2014
Genres: Adventure, Indie, Platform, Puzzle
Platforms: Android, iOS, Linux, Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Wii U, Xbox One
Developers: Upper One Games
Publishers: E-Line Media

Never Alone: Kisima Ingitchuna: A Journey Through the Heart of the Arctic

Never Alone (Kisima Ingitchuna) is an atmospheric puzzle platformer and the first game to be developed in collaboration with the Iñupiat, an Alaska Native people, drawn from a traditional story that has been shared across the generations. Nearly 40 Alaska Native elders, storytellers and community members contributed to the development of the game.

The game features two characters: Nuna, a young Iñupiat girl, and her Arctic fox companion. Players can choose to play as either character, and they can switch between them at any time. Nuna is a skilled hunter and tracker, while the Arctic fox is agile and can reach places that Nuna cannot.

Together, Nuna and the Arctic fox must trek through the frozen tundra, leap across treacherous ice floes, swim through underwater caverns and face enemies both strange and familiar. Along the way, they will explore awe-inspiring environments, perform heroic deeds and meet legendary characters from Iñupiaq stories — all narrated by a master storyteller in the spoken Iñupiaq language.

Never Alone is a beautiful and moving game that celebrates the culture and traditions of the Iñupiat people. With its stunning visuals, engaging gameplay, and heartwarming story, it’s a must-play for fans of adventure games and anyone interested in learning more about the Arctic.

Gameplay

Never Alone is a puzzle platformer that requires players to use the unique abilities of Nuna and the Arctic fox to overcome obstacles and progress through the game. Nuna is a skilled hunter and tracker, and she can use her bow and arrow to take down enemies and solve puzzles. The Arctic fox is agile and can reach places that Nuna cannot, and it can also use its keen sense of smell to find hidden items.

Players can switch between Nuna and the Arctic fox at any time, and they will need to use both characters to solve some of the game’s puzzles. For example, Nuna may need to use her bow and arrow to create a platform for the Arctic fox to jump on, or the Arctic fox may need to use its keen sense of smell to find a hidden switch that Nuna can use to open a door.

The game’s puzzles are challenging but fair, and they never feel frustrating. The game also features a number of optional challenges that players can complete to earn rewards.

Story

Never Alone tells the story of Nuna, a young Iñupiat girl who sets out on a journey to find her missing father. Along the way, she is joined by an Arctic fox, and together they face the challenges of the frozen wilderness.

The game’s story is told through a series of cutscenes that are narrated by a master storyteller in the spoken Iñupiaq language. The cutscenes are beautifully animated and they do a great job of bringing the game’s characters and story to life.

The story of Never Alone is a heartwarming one that celebrates the culture and traditions of the Iñupiat people. It’s a story about family, friendship, and the power of the human spirit.

Visuals

Never Alone is a visually stunning game. The game’s environments are beautifully rendered, and they capture the beauty and majesty of the Arctic wilderness. The game’s characters are also well-animated, and they are expressive and believable.

The game’s art style is a unique blend of traditional Iñupiat art and modern 3D graphics. The result is a game that is both visually appealing and culturally authentic.

Audio

The audio in Never Alone is top-notch. The game’s soundtrack is beautiful and atmospheric, and it helps to create a sense of immersion. The game’s sound effects are also well-done, and they add to the game’s realism.

The game’s voice acting is also excellent. The master storyteller who narrates the game’s cutscenes does a fantastic job of bringing the story to life.

Overall

Never Alone is a beautiful, moving, and thought-provoking game. It’s a must-play for fans of adventure games and anyone interested in learning more about the Arctic.