NIVA

Exploration is an important part of video games, especially in adventure games that try to present you with a unique world. Having the freedom to waltz around the environment as you wish makes everything feel bigger and more enjoyable, which is why MMOs like World of Warcraft have such a large player base. On the other hand, larger worlds are usually less detailed, so it’s up to you to decide if it’s worth the trade-off.

NIVA is a third-person exploration game in which you play the role of a weird animal trying to live in peace with the forest and tend to the plants. The creature you play as is actually a god, which means that it has the power to controls the nature around it and change it in a matter of seconds. This is not a violent game, on the other hand, since the only byproduct of the gameplay is relaxation and enjoyment.

To begin with, there are all sorts of plants around the forest that can be picked up, but it’s also possible to plant them back wherever you see fit. Other plants can be helped to groom and bare fruit, which in turn attracts various animals. The experience can actually feel like some sort of dream, given the psychedelic music and the colorful visuals.

Although you are free to go wherever you want, the forest is rather restrictive, not to mention pretty small. There are blocked pathways and high walls everywhere, so free exploration is a bit of a stretch in this case. Even so, you can at least feel like you are walking through the forest, given the fact that the level design is gorgeous and very detailed.

Speaking of which, the graphics are very nice, especially when it comes to the colors used to portray the plants and the general mood of the forest. You can also experience different times of the day and see nature as it looks at night. On top of that, the sound effects work their magic as well, since you are constantly mesmerized by the smooth music in the background and the environmental effects.

In the end, NIVA is not much of a hit in the gameplay department, but it certainly has what it takes in order to relieve stress. Hence, it’s a great way to meditate or let go of your problems for a few minutes every now and again.