Enjoy the Slavic folklore in this unique indie platformer that'll keep you in stitches.

Just when you thought you'd seen every pixel permutation the indie scene could muster, along comes a game that'll make your retinas do a double-take. Scarlet Deer Inn by Attu Games saunters in like a cool breeze on a sweltering day.

If you've ever found yourself swooning over the bubbly charm of Kirby's Epic Yarn or pondering the deep narratives of Pentiment, well, lace up those boots, because this embroidered narrative platformer is about to, well, stitch its way into your heart.

View the trailer here

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From the moment you lay eyes on the start screen, you'll be hit with enough charm to make a Disney princess jealous. I mean, we're talking huggable sheep, shifty geese (because all geese are a bit shifty), and trees swaying in the breeze like they're at a gentle rave party.

Soft colors create a gentle contrast between the background and foreground. Trees stand at attention, lining the village scene, while rocks and boulders scatter across the foreground, effectively separating the layers of depth.

A partially obscured sun peeks from behind clouds, adding to the serene atmosphere. The characters, depicted with soft hues, exude a gentle quality, their embroidered designs make each one distinct, standing out like a ball of orange yarn rolling through a lush green pasture.

According to the developers, all the images are embroidered. I can only imagine the number of pricked fingers and colorful expletives that went into this labor of love.

However, the process for transferring them into digital film was about as easy as teaching a cat how to drive. And yet, despite these hurdles, the final product in the demo has a charm reminiscent of a hand-drawn Saturday morning cartoon.

Now, don't let those cozy visuals lull you into a false sense of security. Beneath all that charm lurks a dark underworld teeming with mystery and magic. It's like finding out your sweet grandma moonlights as a ninja - unexpected, but kind of awesome in a weird way. The gameplay, I suppose, is a bit of a rollercoaster, swinging between serene and "holy moly, what was that?!" faster than you can say embroidered apocalypse.

Pins and Needles

At the heart of the game's story is Mother Elise, the industrious innkeeper juggling business and family life. Her youngest, Jimmy, seems to have a chronic case of misplacing his beloved stuffed bear. Then there's Bridgette, the precocious pre-teen whose curiosity knows no bounds with a knack for grilling guests with questions, much to her mother's chagrin.

The game mechanics sticks to the tried-and-true "fetch quest" formula; you know, the 'take this to so-and-so and bring it back' song and dance we've all done in games before. But don't roll your eyes just yet. The UI and inventory system are neat and tidy, automatically clearing out completed quest items faster than a politician's memory after a scandal.

As for gameplay, well, it's a mix of excitement and surprise, like trail mix where you're not quite sure if you're eating a raisin or a chocolate chip. The platforming elements are satisfying, but then you're suddenly thrust into adventure segments that feel about as smooth as a cat riding a bicycle. It's like the game is saying, "Oh, you were enjoying that peaceful stroll? How about a ghost chase!" Talk about a total 360 whiplash.

One aspect I noticed is how jumping and attacking only happen when necessary, as if your character suddenly remembers they have legs when there's something to jump on or a door to break. I suppose it streamlines things, but it also makes you feel a bit like a marionette on very specific strings.

Navigation is pretty straightforward: left and right keys to move, X button to interact, etc. It's not exactly rocket science, but hey, sometimes simple is best. The side-view perspective adds a bit of spice, though you'll need to keep your eyes peeled for sneaky upward detours that can lead you to different parts of town.

Stitched Echoes

The audio is on point, setting the mood like a pro. As you wander around, you'll hear distinct sounds from characters and animals. It's all very immersive… until you realize the village is quieter than a library full of mimes. For example, you won't hear any background chatter or children playing, which makes the town feel a bit like it's populated by a bunch of introverts.

The sound design, however, really flexes its muscles in the basement and tunnel stages. It's like the audio equivalent of that friend who's super quiet until they've had a few drinks and suddenly become the life of the party. The eerie ambiance in these sections will have you checking over your shoulder for something that might go bump in the night.

Knit-Picking

The game manages to be super compelling like watching a foreign movie you didn't fully understand but couldn't stop watching. The narrative hooks you, the visuals charm you, and gameplay immerses you to the point that you find yourself coming back for more.

Overall, Scarlet Deer Inn is shaping up to be a delightfully odd, but beautiful duck in the indie gaming pond. It's got its fair share of "oohs" and "huh?" moments, but it's also brimming with enough character to make you forgive its occasional stumbles.

So, if you're in the mood for a game that's part storybook, part magical dream, and all heart, keep your eyes peeled for this embroidered adventure. Who knows, it might just be the thread that ties your gaming life together when it's released later this year.

Pros:

• Unique, visually striking embroidered art style
• Charming and whimsical atmosphere
• Intriguing narrative inspired by Slavic folklore
• Captivating sound design, especially in tense moments
• Blend of platforming and adventure elements
• Nostalgic feel reminiscent of hand-drawn cartoons

Cons:

• Abrupt transitions between gameplay styles
• Limited availability of actions (jumping, attacking) may feel restrictive
• Lack of ambient sounds in village areas
• Some players may find the contextual actions less immersive