Return to Grace Xbox Series X Review
| Game: | Return to Grace |
|---|---|
| Publisher: | Creative Bytes Studios |
| Developer: |
Return to Grace is a sci-fi adventure that leans into the walking simulator genre, emphasizing exploration and environmental storytelling. While it involves some interactive elements, like simple button pressing, even some platforming, the primary focus lies on traversing the landscape and delving into the mysteries surrounding the enigmatic machine known as Grace.
In the distant future of 3820 AD, Adie Ito embarks on a journey to Jupiter’s moon, Ganymede, driven by a desire to unravel the mysteries surrounding Grace—an AI deity hailed as humanity’s greatest creation and once the guardian of the solar system. As Adie delves deeper into her quest, the narrative delves into themes of religious pilgrimage and the enigmatic role of a Keeper. While the plot’s religious undertones didn’t quite captivate me, I found myself drawn in by the straightforward gameplay, where puzzles are easily solved, allowing the story to progress smoothly across its 3 hour duration.
Adie relies on her wrist com for navigation, engaging in conversations with various AI configurations—fragments of Grace—that aid her journey. Initially accompanied by Allen upon their shuttle arrival, Adie soon encounters other AI bots embodying different aspects of the mind, such as Logic, Control, and Empathy. This dynamic reminded me of Disney’s “Inside Out,” albeit with a distinct twist that the AI entities are separate and can directly communicate with Adie. This setup sparks amusing dialogue between the characters, which colours the narrative with personality. Despite their simplicity, each AI possesses a unique personality and voice, fostering attachment and enjoyment in the banter between them and Adie, further enriched by some excellent voice acting.
In addition to straightforward puzzles—mostly involving inputting patterns to unlock doors, with the option for one of the AI characters to assist if desired—you encounter narrative choices that influence the story’s trajectory. Given the game’s emphasis on exploration and narrative discovery, these choices are intentionally streamlined to maintain gameplay fluidity. Consequently, don’t anticipate numerous branching storylines. However, multiple endings offer some replay value, though restarting the entire game is necessary rather than selecting specific chapters.
The visual presentation of the game is stunning, characterized by vibrant colours that evoke a retro-futuristic ambiance. Each area boasts unique features, ensuring that exploration never feels repetitive. Vivid reds and greens juxtapose against icy blues when Adie ventures outside, creating striking contrasts. Atmospheric lighting adds plenty of immersion to specific locations and the game effectively conveys a subtle unease that permeates the experience, although it never ventures into outright horror.
Return to Grace offers a captivating sci-fi adventure that immerses you in a richly detailed world of exploration and intrigue. While the gameplay leans towards the more relaxed style of the walking simulator genre, the emphasis on environmental storytelling and unravelling the mysteries of Grace ensures an engaging experience. The narrative, while featuring religious undertones and some branching storylines, may not grip everyone, but the straightforward puzzles and narrative choices contribute to a smooth gameplay flow.
The dynamic interactions between Adie and the diverse AI companions add charm, and despite the simplicity of the puzzles and streamlined narrative, multiple endings offer some replay value, encouraging you to explore different paths. Visually stunning with strong colours and atmospheric lighting, Return to Grace successfully creates a sense of isolation and unease, making it a memorable journey through a retro-futuristic landscape.
