Introduction

Say hello to 'Fe', a platform-adventure game that serves as both a love letter to nature and a puzzle box for those of us who have often wondered what it's like to be a forest fox with a killer singing voice. The first in EA's Originals series, Fe invites you into a whimsical Scandinavian forest where every critter might just need your help (and trust me, they do). But beware, for lurking in the shadows are the menacing Silent Ones, who look like they took a wrong turn at the last industrial complex. Let's dig in, shall we?

Gameplay

At the heart of Fe's gameplay is exploration and communication through song-yes, you heard that right. Players control Fe, a cute, fox-like creature who prances around the forest, singing to various plants and critters. It sounds like a delightful vacation from reality, and it is... until you realize you're actually trying to save the wildlife from the Silent Ones (seriously, do they only come out when you're having fun?). The gameplay is very much a 'figure it out as you go' model because there's practically zero guidance except for the occasional vague hint. Picture wandering through a Pokémon forest without a map, except instead of catching creatures, you're befriending them. Fe learns new abilities based on the songs from the forest creatures. The mechanics are beautifully intended, but it feels like a hybrid between artistic intent and gameplay clarity left wandering in the deep woods without a compass. Navigational issues abound, and more than once, players might find themselves wondering if they should sing to the bushes or just let the plants flourish in peace.

Graphics

Visually, Fe pulls you in with its earthy and ethereal aesthetic. The art style presents vibrant colors that pop against the forest background like a painter's palette blown away by the wind. It's truly a sight for sore eyes, especially considering that many of us are so accustomed to the same old brown and gray palettes of many adventure games. The color shifts throughout the various regions of the forest help distinguish areas, giving the impression that each location holds its own little miracle. The animations are smooth, and although the resolution gets a bit fuzzy on the Switch (what game hasn't?), the artistic charm manages to shine through the fog, akin to a picturesque postcard from a nature-loving fairy.

Conclusion

In closing, Fe is like that quirky indie film you might watch once; you appreciate the message, the band of misfit characters, and the feel-good vibes, but you're also left scratching your head asking, 'Wait, what just happened?' Fe does a lot of things right in terms of artistic expression and atmosphere, creating an utterly enchanting world to play in; however, the gameplay itself can feel more like puzzling riddles designed by perplexing forest spirits. While fans of exploration and nature-inspired narratives may find solace within its gentle embrace, others might find themselves yearning for a bit more direction. In a world buzzing with tightly executed platformers, Fe remains a fascinating experiment that leaves us with a sprinkle of curiosity rather than a resounding holler of joy. So, if you're up for a journey to the woods, grab your Switch, don your best fox ears, and prepare for an experience that sings-sometimes brilliantly, sometimes bewilderingly. Grab a star out of ten and wish for a sequel. Maybe there's more out there, just waiting to be discovered.

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