Tengami

Editor's Notes

Digital version reviewed on the Wii U.

Introduction

First time indie developer, Nyamyam, describes 'Tengami' as 'an atmospheric adventure game, full of wonder and mystery, set in Japan of ancient dark fairy tales' that lets the player "explore a beautifully crafted pop-up book world, with an art style inspired by traditional Japanese arts and crafts." Initially released for iOS, it has since been ported over to PC, Mac and, most recently, the Wii U. Is it a game? Is it interactive art? Most importantly, is it worth your time and money?

The Game Itself: Our Reviewer's Take

Taking a cue from thatgamecompany and their hugely successful and critically acclaimed titles 'Journey', 'Flower', and 'Flow', 'Tengami' focuses more on the experience of playing the game, and significantly less on the challenge of playing the game. Designed as a point-and-click adventure, players direct the main character through the simple gesture of tapping the Wii U's gamepad screen. I preferred using the stylus, rather than my finger, and discovered that it delivered a more precise response.

However, it becomes clear very early on that 'Tengami' is not a game of precision. It is a game that encourages the player to sit back, relax, and interact with the rich and dreamlike atmosphere. Set in Feudal Japan, 'Tengami's' world is presented as a fully realized and wonderfully developed, real-time pop-up book; a design choice that provided my inner child with a happiness beyond describing.

The first time I was prompted to flip the page - transforming the landscape and buildings before me - I was instantly transported back to my childhood and the immense love that I developed for this form of literature and storytelling. It was inspiring to see the amount of detail the developers at Nyamyam crafted into the story and I was just as pleased with the realization that a similar mechanic was incorporated into the variety of puzzles that made up the entirety of the game's challenges.

Manipulating specific points within the environment – as well as in and around a variety of structures – allows the controlled character to progress further along his journey to bring life back to a metaphorical cherry blossom tree. A journey that will take him across land, sea, and mountaintops. A journey that is both inspiring to witness, and refreshing to experience.

'Tengami' is played entirely on the Wii U gamepad. And while the same images are reflected on the television, I recommend playing the game exclusively on the smaller screen with a nice pair of headphones connected. It is an experience that demands a more intimate set-up. Although this prohibits others from helping with the puzzles (it's ok, you won't really need any help), this recommendation provides the greatest amount of satisfaction during this brief, single-sitting game.

And game length is really the only criticism that I have with 'Tengami', especially considering that the same experience can be had on the iPad – providing a higher resolution than the Wii U gamepad – for a fraction of the cost. While I was tempted to break up the experience and spread it out over additional play sessions, 'Tengami' was already done and over with by the time the thought even occurred to me. I generally don't judge a game based on the ratio of time devoted and money spent. I was sad to see the credits run so quickly after starting the game (maybe 90 minutes in total), but acknowledge that this as a desire to continue the experience.