Secrets of Raetikon
Released on Windows, Mac and Linux, Secrets of Raetikon stretched the boundaries of an animal-controlled game into the realms of open world and action-adventure. Secrets of Raetikon received major plaudits for its mesmerising artwork, challenging gameplay and environment.
Players play as a bird whose task is to explore and discover relics to activate an ancient device. The levels are split into different environments, providing new challenges, where shards are scattered around for the player to find. These relics may seem obvious to acquire, but the threats and danger increase the further the player explores the environment.
Secrets of Raetikon has simplistic controls, but the physics and environment can take several tries to get used to. Dangers appear in the form of other animals, environmental damage through falling rocks or trees, and even the wind itself that can detour your flight severely. Players have a few lives at a time, and too much damage will force a repeat of the last checkpoint.
There is something mystifying about Secrets of Raetikon, and from the up-tempo gameplay to the dozens of secrets, there is replayability along with a constant feeling of unsettlement. You are not safe, and although you search trying to safely bring these relics back, dangers exist and want to hurt you.
This game differs from your usual animal game due to its artwork, imagery, and constant suspense. The physics system brings out interesting dilemmas and challenges despite a linear storyline. Centering on simplistic objectives allows Broken Rules to focus on the adverse harshness of the environment and bring it forward where something menial to us is actually a lot harder as an animal.
