It’s not too often nowadays that you’d stumble across what you might call an ‘educational’ game. If you’re a little tired of the modern military simulators, and fancy a little more insight in your gaming, then it might well be worth paying a visit to Kisima Inŋitchuŋa (Never Alone). From Upper One Games and E-Line Media, Never Alone hopes to build around the Alaskan community’s values and mythologies in bringing something a little different to the table.
Focusing on the Iñupiaq, the native, indigenous people of Alaska and their stories, Never Alone sees you in control of Nuna and her fox companion. Drawing heavy inspiration from the Alaskan tales, you’ll not only bear witness to adaptations of the stories, but also have some good old fashioned puzzle/platforming fun along the way too.
After a distressing encounter with a polar bear, you’re soon teamed up with your spiritual fox companion in an effort to make it back to your village in one piece. As the start of any involving game dictates however, all is not well upon your return. With the village destroyed by some unknown entity, it’s now your task to discover the true nature of the devastation.
As with any 2D platformer, there’ll be small puzzles to scratch your head over on your journey; this is where the arctic fox comes into play. Available to play in either coop or singleplayer, you’ll need cooperation and timing to succeed in your obstacles. Not only does the fox possess a smaller frame for access into smaller passageways, but can also scrabble and clamber up sheer ledges. And as far as his spiritual side goes, he’s got a few tricks up his fur collar there too. Namely involving being able to ‘see’ helpful spirits that can help guide you along your path, alongside acting as platforms for progression. Nuna on the other hand, can use her comparable strength to move boxes and later on, help access new areas with her acquired bola, even with its slightly awkward aiming system.
Amongst the many jumping sections and dabbling of puzzles you’ll come across, there are also a few ‘boss’ sections to contend with too. Mainly involving some sharpish reactions and accurate platforming, you’ll undoubtedly have to work with your partner to see the other side of them.
Taking place across eight chapters and featuring stories of the Blizzard Man, the Little People and the Rolling Heads amongst many others, it’ll take a solid afternoon to work your way through. It’s the (gratefully) easy to unlock, real time footage of Alaskan tales that stick with you the longest however. Stumbling upon a lone, mysterious owl will unlock a cultural video, immediately available to watch via a dab of the touchpad. Featuring genuine Alaskan folk, these cutaways give an insightful guise to the natives and their stories. Some may feature harrowing tales of being stranded on a floating slab of ice with little hope of escape, whereas others will focus on their proud heritage and memories of their childhoods.
The story, as a whole, should be praised for sticking with its native roots. Each chapter offers a new danger and is presented excellently by both real time scenes and artistic representations resembling ancient artwork from the region. The graphics retain a soft and gentle appearance that’s often offset by the forceful arctic weather to create a simple yet immersive atmosphere whilst the unobtrusive music sets the tone without forcing your attention.
Whilst the gameplay of the game itself is arguably its weakest point with some solid, if not a little predictable platforming and puzzles, everything else shines. The bonus cultural insights, the soft art style and the understated music alone, remain key reasons for you to play Never Alone.
