Indie games tend to have been going one of two ways as of late: they are either retro inspired games with difficulty level set to impossible, or they are walking around simulators that are heavy on “narrative” and light –see non-existent– on gameplay. Lumini is billed as a flow adventure game and as such falls into the later of the above two categories. The difference with Lumini is that unlike most of these flow, walking, whatever the term of the week is, this game has some actual gameplay.
Lumni asks you to experience the world how you see fit, instead of giving you some linear defined path and or structure. Yes, there are a number of strange creatures that inhabit all manner of strange and surreal locals that you will face, as well as a number of environmental hazards that can cause you much grief, but these are all secondary to the exploration aspect the game lays out in front of you on this journey. Very little information is given to the player with respects to story, but it’s more about experiencing the game, instead of trying to understand it.
You control a flock of avian like creatures that come in a number of colors. These creatures each have their own unique abilities that will help you as you progress through the games large world. As with other games of this nature there are no levels or stages, with entire worlds and locations flowing smoothly into each other in incredibly pleasing ways. It’s often hard to even notice when one location ended and another began while playing.
Along the way you’ll also be presented with some simple puzzles that help to break up the game at specific parts. These puzzles are never difficult to figure out, but they fit well into the world and add some much-needed depth to a genre that tries to avoid gameplay like it was a deadly disease. What does make these puzzles interesting is they often force you to split up your flock, with each smaller group assigned to each control stick. Sometimes times these separate flocks will have to both activate something in unison which will require a bit of dexterity with the thumbs.
You can also split your flock at any time you want, but it isn’t recommended for most. It’s really fun to have two separate groups flying around as the screen pans out, but unless you have the sort of brain that can focus on two independent units doing their own things, this will become a nightmare, especially when enemies and hazards present themselves. When you do run into enemies in the game you’ll be able to switch on the fly between your units to deal with the situation accordingly.
Each part of the flock is mapped to a face button and once selected you will be able to access their special power via the trigger button. Some abilities allow for a quick speed boost that comes in handy when traveling or avoiding danger, an attack ring that stuns/kills enemies it comes into contact with, an electric charge, and others. These not only help with enemies, but come into play with certain structures and obstacles you’ll come across.
Graphicly Lumini is a really beautiful game to behold. It isn’t pushing the boundaries of what graphics can currently do, but it’s built in such a way that the engine makes amazing use of the assets the design team built. There was more than one occasion where I stop to admire where I was, or say “Wow” as I made my way across the back of some dinosaur like creature. Lumini is a relaxing experience which is a welcome change from all the dark and gritty games out there. Sometimes you just want to relax and enjoy an experience, and while many games like this would end up boring me to tears after a little while, Lumini kept things interesting right up until the end.
The sound and music are also pretty great, giving the game an added feel and fills out the world in all the right ways. From the soundtrack that puts the player at ease, to the various sound effects that add to the charm of the creatures you control, Lumini is a winner for those looking for a different sort of experience. Lumini is a graceful sort of adventure that feels more like you’re playing a ballet in motion than a video game. It’s not a long adventure and at $12.99 that may turn some prospects away, but you’d be missing something special. Lumini comes high recommended, especially for those looking to get lost for a little bit in a game world that is hard not to love.
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