In a world where narrative choices can lead you astray or outsmart the proverbial rabbit hole of fate, Harmony: The Fall of Reverie twirls into the spotlight like a ballerina on roller skates. Emerging from the highly regarded studio, Don't Nod, known for their penchant for storytelling as deep as the end of your sock drawer, this game intertwines adventure and choice in a fabric of alternate realities and clairvoyance, which is just a fancy word for 'I can see what's coming before you do.'
You control Polly, who returns to her hometown of Atina like a boomerang that's been away for too long. She's on a quest that's about as grim as it sounds - her mother has vanished, posing more questions than a teenager with an unsolvable algebra problem. You'll navigate through narrative paths using the Augural, a tree of choices that looks like an extra from a fairy tale but doubles as your decision-making assistant. The gameplay hinges on choices, alterations, and, oh yes, a sprinkle of clairvoyance. This 'look into the future' ability allows players to peer ahead, shaping the outcomes of their decisions in ways that your relatives won't appreciate at Thanksgiving. Picture a choose-your-own-adventure book where every decision branches out into different endings, but instead of a simple "turn to page 52," you get an existential crisis with pretty visuals. However, this narrative non-linearity is sometimes hindered by loading screens that seem to last longer than your average TikTok.
The graphics? Oh my stars! They're like the love child of a vibrant watercolor explosion and a good cup of coffee. The art style is a psychedelic blend that looks like your old art teacher's dreams after a weekend retreat. The visual aesthetics create a dream-like atmosphere that makes you want to lick your screen, just don't. Character designs are charming and lively - if they weren't drawn, you'd be inclined to think they escaped from a fantastical bazaar. The colors pop like your roommate's questionable taste in wall art, making every scene worthwhile, even if you don't fully grasp the plot.
Harmony: The Fall of Reverie brings forth a storytelling experience that challenges players to step beyond the linear remnants of traditional gaming. It's visually delightful, narratively intriguing, and might just offer you a glimpse into your future - or at least into your next gaming session. While it's not without its flaws, particularly in excessive loading times and controversial gameplay mechanics that feel like someone gave the suspense meter a little too much coffee, it stands tall amongst other contenders. For those of you who appreciate narrative depth, occasionally tangled with some ocular foresight, grab your Switch and jump into this enchanted yet perplexing world from Don't Nod. Rated a decent 7.5/10, it's a journey worth embarking on - just don't forget to look into the future... if you dare!