Morkredd Review
(Image credit: Hyper Games)
Embrace the Light
Looking for a different type of puzzle game or a new couch co-op to play with your family? Well then, the visually stunning world of Morkredd is a good answer. Developed by Hyper Games and published by Aspyr, the title brings a unique style of gameplay to puzzle solving. The game mechanics can be frustrating at times, but it can be played in single player or local co-op. The visual storytelling and puzzle varieties are worth the 2-3 hour playthrough, especially since it is available on the Xbox Game Pass currently.
Play as two spirits, one female and one male, or split control of the spirits with a friend in this 3D locked-camera explorer game. The overall mechanics are simple: stay in the light and push the orb of light to the end. The way light is used as a puzzle component is imaginative and gets intricately used throughout every section. Playing with a friend only amplifies the light component because it is easy to accidentally kill a teammate with any shadow. Teamwork is a key component, and it will take clear communication to successfully navigate any section of this game. Just pushing the orb could be challenging without proper cooperation.
(Image credit: Hyper Games)
The puzzle gameplay is subtly weaved throughout Morkredd and never forced. I often did not realize we had entered the next puzzle, making exploration feel truly organic. Also, the title does not bog the player down with tons of dialogue, in fact there is no dialogue at all. Normally games without dialogue can have issues with storytelling, but the visual story makes up for it. Each section takes the player deeper into the mysterious world and reveals more of the spirits and the orb. Haunting faceless enemies appear throughout as well, both as part of the story and as puzzle components.
The simple mechanics would get boring if it were not for the artistic style of the game. Playing off the main theme of light as a mechanic, pushing the orb of light around also reveals the scenery and ups the visual aesthetics of the game. Revealing a symbolic tapestry pulled me further into the story but every section had a distinctive tale. The backgrounds seemed to be full of life as shadows dance off the well-textured walls to the rhythm of the orb.
(Image credit: Hyper Games)
There is more to play in the Ra edition or the Ode expansion. Both grant access to the Ode expansion which adds depth with new puzzles, character hats, and designs for the orb such as a gigantic D20. There are also filters to use over the entire game, which can make the visuals of Morkredd worth experiencing multiple times.
Xbox Game Pass holders and anyone looking for another couch co-op should give this interesting and original puzzle game a try. The visual storytelling is stunning, and light is used as a clever component of the puzzles throughout Morkredd. Despite the occasional issues with the orb or boat getting stuck, this game is worth playing. Especially since a lack of team coordination usually lead to the predicament in my playthrough. The Load Screen looks forward to the next indie game developed by Hyper Games if it is anything similar to Morkredd in unique gameplay and visually deep worlds.