Full Quiet is a port of a NES classic. As such, this old-school title will fill many gamers with a sense of nostalgia. Moreover, its retro concept has been wonderfully reworked to perform well on modern machines. However, it hasn’t lost any of its pixelated charm, harsh gameplay, or unique puzzles.
This open-world/Metroidvania experience was developed by Retrotainment Games and published by 8-Bit Legit. What’s more, it has a wicked day/night cycle and oodles of enemies to destroy. Accordingly, it is unbelievably harsh and wonderfully clever in equal measure.
Full Quiet tells a strange story.
As a parent, you’ll do anything for your children. However, this statement is put to the test in Full Quiet! The protagonist’s son has gone missing. Sadly, the environment is deadly and the creatures are worse still. Additionally, the communication relay has failed and the world is full of many challenging mysteries. Accordingly, you must work hard if you want to see your son alive again.
This is the strange and depressing story that underpins Full Quiet. This daunting task is made much harder by the cryptic puzzles and the often confusing world you must traverse. Moreover, there are tough creatures that must be killed if you wish to proceed. On top of this, you must dodge, leap, and avoid a range of deadly traps as you attempt to restore the relay grid.
Metroidvania mechanics.
Though the developers insist on this being an open-world title, I’m convinced it’s a Metroidvania experience. First, there is plenty of back and forth and a daunting world to explore. Second, you must unlock new gear and weapons if you wish to proceed past certain points. Finally, it will break your balls repeatedly as you die over and over again. As such, this is textbook Metroidvania, and I loved it as a consequence.
The incredible drip-fed elements and daunting world help to create an uncomfortable and sinister atmosphere. What’s more, the cruel puzzles and cryptic clues often lead to confusion and plenty of exploration. Accordingly, there is a sense of suspense and fear as you delve deeper into this dangerous world.
Exceptional puzzles.
If you don’t enjoy challenging puzzles, then Full Quiet may not be for you. However, I loved the cryptic nature of each problem. Alongside this, I adored the notes that you discovered and the incredible day/evening/night cycle. The focus on finding a new camp/save point and discovering new equipment and supplies was fantastic. Yet, I can understand why this approach will frustrate less patient gamers.
Unfortunately, a lack of hand-holding generates a layer of unforgiving frustration. Furthermore, the deliberate veil of mystery will make you scream with rage. As such, this is a game that will make you curse as you push yourself too hard. Subsequently, you must balance a desire to rush from point A to point B with a desire to solve problems, kill enemies, and find the next campsite.
Full Quiet is a pixelated dream.
Remakes can undermine the original design of much-loved games. Thankfully, though, this porting of Full Quiet retains its excellent pixelated finish. Moreover, it has a wonderfully garish art style and rudimentary animation. Accordingly, it is a phenomenal nostalgic experience that can be enjoyed on any modern machine (PlayStation to be announced soon). Where this excels, is its excellent stage design. Though the world is often confusing, I adored its varied biomes and cruel creatures.
The audio is just as fantastic. The excellent synth soundtrack is beautifully dated and wonderfully shrill. Furthermore, the basic and flat sound of your gun won’t disappoint. Instead, you’ll adore the step-down memory lane as you relive this classic NES experience.
Why so challenging?
A lack of hand-holding is my biggest gripe. I don’t mind a challenging experience, but a lack of guidance was frustrating. This issue comes to the fore when you die because of a lack of guidance. Additionally, the puzzles should have been better explained as the basic mechanics are often overlooked. However, other than these issues, the game handles well and the UI and controller setup were great.
Full Quiet is surprisingly vast and in-depth. Consequently, you’ll be amazed at how long this takes to complete. If you then account for the challenging puzzles and the brutal creatures, this oozes both replay value and longevity.
Full Quiet is a great retro experience.
8-Bit Legit focuses on amazing retro experiences. Thankfully, their latest endeavour doesn’t let them down. This incredible NES port/remake ticks every box. Furthermore, it is a fascinating step-down memory lane. Therefore, if you want a dated but challenging time, I recommend that you buy it here! Can you save your son? Restore the radio grid, overcome the puzzles, and kill anything that moves.
