Meditation, spirituality and the search for balance. We can thus summarize the central themes of Retreat to Enenan unconventional survival carried out by the independent study Head West. The pun (with Edenwhich in the Old Testament represents the earthly paradise) contained in the name also reflects the clear social criticism contained in the project and addressed, if you like, to all of humanity.
So let’s find out what it is in this review by Retreat to Enen. The title, published by Freedom Gamesis currently only available on PcStreet Steam and Epic Games Store. However, we do know of a next-gen console version (so PS5 And Xbox Series X / S) in progress, which will most likely be released in 2023. Happy reading.
PATH OF RE-EDUCATION
The title of Head West is set in the year 3,600, in the distant future in which humanity risked its own (and the planet’s) extinction due to wars, uncontrolled environmental exploitation and climatic catastrophes. One step away from the abyss, mankind has nevertheless chosen to “reason”, making the planet heal. This “spiritual” process with a high meditative rate is based on respect for the world around us, to the point of entering into symbiosis with Nature.
To do this, human beings perform a rite of passage, hence the game, Retreat to Enen, literally takes its name. Before becoming an adult with the task of transmitting knowledge to subsequent generations, each human being must in fact demonstrate that he is a keeper of Nature, and not a parasite like his ancestors. The test therefore consists in surviving on the island of Enen, divided into three freely explorable biomes and certainly not without pitfalls.
As we will later find out, there is survival and survival. In addition to the classic indicators of health, hunger and thirst, in fact, we must also take into account that of the “spirit”. A sort of karma that will make us present in real time our relationship with the environment. The spirit will not only diminish (albeit slowly) with the simple passage of time, but also and above all with the use of the skill known as “Quantum Control”.
The suit that we will wear during the adventure is extremely technological, and will allow us to carry out many traditional survivalist actions (extraction of minerals, recovery of materials from animal carcasses, etc.) in a rather particular way. However, it must be said that any environmental action and interaction (including the gathering of branches and stones) will “count” as the use of Quantum Controland therefore it will diminish the spirit.
A QUESTION OF BALANCE
As we mentioned, we will find ourselves using Quantum Control very often. Therefore, not only for “simple” actions such as the aforementioned extraction of minerals, collection of materials, etc. But also for more complex actions such as the building structures, making objects and preparing meals. It goes without saying that the need to “recharge” this spirit will soon become pressing.
To do this we will have to look for gods specific meditation points, one per biome, which will have the appearance of particular geodesic domes. Inside them we will find ourselves playing authentic meditation / breathing exercises, complete with on-screen instructions on how to perform them. Even with the help of headphones to listen to relaxing sounds and so on.
A function that can therefore also act on the player (and not only on his alter ego), and certainly not seen every day in a video game. Too bad, however, that once you have recharged your spirit after having completed these exercises, they are no longer “available” unless you start a new game. It would have been wise to have them run at any time, perhaps by operating an item from a menu.
Moreover, the interface and in general the various windows that appear on the screen present more than a few readability problems. Even the text is not infrequently difficult to read, due to almost transparent backgrounds and too small font. And unfortunately in the options there is no way to increase the font size or adjust the opacity of the interface …
LET’S TAKE A GOOD BREATH ..
There is no doubt that Retreat to Enen was conceived with many good intentions. Where, however, only a few have had an actual realization. From suggestive and captivating scenarios to meditation exercises, up to a bit of the whole general concept. The problem, however, stems from all those surrounding gameplay elements … Which are not so much of a contour, being linked to the same survival nature of the game.
Not to mention that there are several discrepancies between the context in which the adventure takes place, and what we will find ourselves in front of. For instance the absence of maps, compasses or any element in the interface capable of helping us in orientation is not explained and in general exploration. And to say that the suit worn by our alter ego is still equipped with incredible functions such as Quantum Control, or the ability to manifest buildings starting from simple holograms.
And as for hunting, the biomes of Retreat to Enen they are very sparsely populated for a planet which, according to the lore, is still on the road to “healing”. A few rabbits, deer and of course snakes, wolves and others dangerous animals, which also have really bizarre animations. The first few times we struggled to “decipher” their intentions. If it weren’t for the dwindling health bar, we wouldn’t have immediately realized we were being attacked.
In general, there are therefore several elements of the gameplay that “clash” with what should be the concept of the project. Quite singular is the fact, for example, that not all animals will allow us to recover hides and flesh from their bodies, as it should be. In fact, some will drop skins, while others will only drop meat. Whether it’s an oversight on the part of the development team or something deliberate, we don’t know. If nothing else, the title does not present any performance problems, net of a still remarkable graphics.
NOT RECOMMENDED
Retreat to Enen it is a title that takes on a truly important message, addressed to all of us inhabitants of the planet Earth. Themes such as respect for the nature that surrounds us, the need to take only what is strictly necessary without greed whatsoever, etc. break into a structured gameplay exactly on this… At least in theory. With the exception of some truly original elements such as meditation exercises, the work of the studio Head West it looks almost patchy. Definitely not up to the suggestive as ambitious premises. The idea for an atypical “ecological” survival is there, but the execution leaves something to be desired. Pity.