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Review of The Touryst on Xbox Series X/S

by Hemal Harris Hemal Harris photo Nov 2020
Cover image of The Touryst on Xbox Series X/S
Gamefings Score: 8.5
Released: 10 Nov 2020
Genre: Action-adventure, Puzzle
Developer: Shin'en Multimedia
Publisher: Shin'en Multimedia

Introduction

Let's be honest: who doesn't love a good vacation? Crystal clear waters, endless sunshine, and most importantly, getting to chill with some palm trees while casually solving puzzles. Welcome to 'The Touryst,' where the idea of soaking up sun lies more in solving colorful puzzles on your way to unlocking amusement rather than getting a sick tan. If you've ever wanted to turn holiday vibes into a gaming experience, this title promises to take you for a ride-or a dive (and sometimes both, but let's not get ahead of ourselves).

Gameplay

In 'The Touryst,' you step into the sandals of a stylish little square-headed tourist. Your mission? Explore beautiful islands, experience quirky mini-games, and - most importantly - uncover the mystery of ancient temples. Puzzles abound as you leap, swim, and wiggle your way through levels, needing to think outside of that boxy head of yours. The challenge here is as vibrant as the voxel-crafted flora around you. The puzzles range from the ridiculously easy (like, can't fail even if you're on another coffee break) to the mind-bendingly tricky. Some challenges require timing that'll make you feel like you're competing in a dance-off, where one wrong move leads to what could only be described as a dramatic swan dive into a wall of doom. Basic tasks like collecting items, activating switches, and discovering shortcuts are spiced up with quirky mechanics and fun animations. One moment you're dodging jellyfish while diving, and the next, you're bowling with coconuts. You also engage in quirky activities like chopping wood or challenging locals in their skill-based competitions. This mix of skills keeps you guessing and gives you the joy of feeling like a kid again-where the only thing that mattered was discovering the ultimate snack in the fridge after a long day of play. Most importantly, your brain will thank you for the workout as you gradually unlock treasures and defeat inventive challenges that teeter on the edge of genius and absurdity. Each island is its own little adventure, crammed with both whimsical distractions and genuine challenges. Diving into the ocean might seem simple, but returning to the surface to solve complex underwater puzzles while fending off sharks requires cleverness and finesse. Good luck outsmarting those fishy foes!

Graphics

Graphically, 'The Touryst' is a feast for the eyes, combining voxel art with what I can only describe as a pop of vibrant, candy-coated goodness. It thumbed its nose at our tradition of realism in gaming by adopting a style reminiscent of classic 8-bit games-only in fully realized 3D. The bright colors, clever use of lighting effects, and whimsical character designs work together to bring each island to luscious life. Watching the sun set over the beaches or the waves gently crash against the rocks, you'd almost forget you weren't on an actual beach-until you realize you haven't left your gaming chair in hours. There's a charm to seeing pixelated characters doing pixelated things, and 'The Touryst' nails it. As you navigate through diverse environments, from bustling markets to serene shores, you'll appreciate the sheer love poured into the game's design. Each detail captivates your eye and draws you deeper into its vacation vibe. A beach that's as inviting as grandma's cooking, a market that rivals your dreams of world shopping-everything in this game screams love letter to adventure!

Conclusion

Overall, 'The Touryst' invites you to catch a virtual wave-even if, under the surface, it's got you wrestling with some enlightening puzzles. With quirky gameplay that keeps your brain buzzing while treating your eyes to some pixelated delights, it manages to brilliantly blend challenge and vacation vibes into a delightful experience. If you're looking for a game that combines unique puzzles, vibrant environments, and a sprinkle of that sunny escapism, 'The Touryst' could just be the secret getaway you didn't know you needed. Whether you're a hardcore puzzle wizard or someone who's just here for a fun time exploring on a digital beach, trust me, this game is worth it. Put on your virtual sunscreen and dive in, because this holiday awaits, just don't forget about your snacks!

See Latest Prices for The Touryst on Xbox Series X/S on Amazon

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