Rarely does a developer create a perfect surreal space. Normally, they are not immersive enough, or they don’t allow your imagination to run free. However, Tonguc Bodur is a rare talent who creates magical dreamlike arenas. Luckily, I’ve played many of his games and I looked at Drizzlepath: Déjà vu in November 2021. I adored this beautiful game and as such was thrilled to be offered The Redress of Mira.
Developed by Tonguc Bodur and published by Eastasiasoft Limited, this is a surreal walking simulation title. What’s more, it flits from first to third-person perspective and has some puzzle and combat mechanics. Yet, its core concept focuses on its rich story, drip-fed lore, and creepy and unusual environment. As such, it comprises many key Bodur elements.
The Redress of Mira is a story of forgiveness or revenge.
I love a dramatic tale, and The Redress of Mira is as powerful as its peers. Yet, it allows its surroundings and environment to do much of the work. Consequently, the plot comes to life as you explore its strange and dark lands. On top of this, the surreal medieval setting is merely a front for a much deeper and more sinister story. Accordingly, there are some shocking twists in store.
You are a young woman called Mira. This powerful being is on a journey to find her inner peace. Growing up, she learned guarded secrets from her mother. Now, the girl wishes to discover the truth and uses her wits and power to succeed. Furthermore, by reading extracts from hidden books, and studying long-forgotten images, she can make sense of her existence.
A beautiful environment with minimal guidance.
Bodur is renowned for his stunning settings and immersive worlds. Thankfully, The Redress of Mira retains this model. Moreover, its dreamy and mystical setting is enhanced by a lack of guidance. Consequently, you’ll wander through an odd world that is full of bizarre imagery, dangerous creatures, and grim secrets.
On top of this, the strange nightmares and snippets of lore are fascinating. What’s more, the use of still images and extracts from each tome was confusing but interesting. At times, the two unique elements appeared fractured and strange. However, its shrouded nature worked perfectly with the eerie plot.
Simple puzzles, radioactive rabbits, and lacklustre combat.
There is lots to love about The Redress of Mira. Yet, there are plenty of unfortunate shortcomings as well. The simple puzzles, weird radioactive mana-inducing rabbits, and lacklustre combat let it down. Moreover, the third-person perspective is awful and the action and animation are laughable.
Unfortunately, many of the environmental-based puzzles require little to no thought process. Accordingly, you’ll fly through every problem with no issues whatsoever. Additionally, the luminescent rabbits are weird and poorly explained. These mana-carrying beasts power your wand and allow you to open pathways, activate switches, and fight. In theory, this should be an interesting, albeit odd mechanic. But in reality, it was a damp squib that never worked.
On top of this, the appalling combat is tedious, clunky, and poorly thought out. A not-so-hilarious Benny Hill chase culminates in a fallen warrior, some harsh words, and little else. Thankfully, the only saving grace is that this only happens 3 times.
Rarely do I find fault with Tonguc Bodur’s work, but each of these elements is terrible, rough, and poorly executed. Thankfully, though, the rest of the game is well-conceived. Otherwise, it would be doomed to failure.
Visually, The Redress of Mira is a mixed bag.
The first-person elements of The Redress of Mira are fantastic. As such, you’ll lose yourself in the medieval setting and the immersive world. However, it’s ruined by the third-person viewpoint. Whenever Mira pushes a box or climbs a vine, you observe some truly awful animation. Mira’s movement is kin to the offspring of a spider and a crab. If it wasn’t so hilarious, it would be dreadful. Yet, this is bettered by the genuinely terrible cutscenes and the interesting robotic walk. Amusingly, this could have easily been avoided if the third-person perspective was removed altogether.
Like the graphics, the audio is hit-and-miss. The acting is unfortunately terrible! It is wooden, hammy, and belongs to an amateur dramatic society. Yet, it is so bad that it is hilarious. Consequently, I laughed repeatedly at the lack of emotion and the poorly delivered lines. However, if we forget this for one moment, the music and sound effects are mind-blowing. The soundtrack is a spectacular blend of aggression, romance and fantasy. Subsequently, I adored this amazing and immersive treat.
Clumsy controls.
Though the UI and button layout is well thought out, the navigation was somewhat clumsy. Therefore, you’ll collide with the scenery, and hit hidden walls, and generally get stuck. As such, the immersive nature of the game is ruined.
Unfortunately, this short endeavour lacks replay value and longevity. Disappointingly, 3 hours are what stands between you and completion. Yes, there are 2 endings, but both can be experienced one after the other. Moreover, a lack of content or collectables means there are limited reasons to return.
The Redress of Mira is a rare miss from Bodur.
I never thought I’d say it, but The Redress of Mira is a rare miss from Bodur. This normally reliable developer has tried something new, and it has ruined the immersive approach. Furthermore, the visuals are far from the standard that I’ve come to expect. Accordingly, it was disappointing and I don’t recommend that you buy it! However, more information can be found here. This was an interesting idea that was poorly executed and badly delivered. As such, it was a shame, as Bodur usually executes every concept he conceives.
