A soulful, haunting game
Embark on an ethereal adventure with the titular protagonist Hauntii, a naive yet brave ghost on a relentless quest for answers. Developed by Moonloop Games, this pay-to-play title presents a gorgeous, hand-crafted art style that strongly complements a mesmerizing journey through the otherworldly landscapes of Eternity.
In Hauntii, players harness ghostly powers to possess both inhabitants and the environment as they search for solutions to combat and puzzle challenges. This mechanic allows for a multitude of strategies, making each playthrough a unique experience. The overall vibe and premise of exploring the vast unknown are quite reminiscent of Starfield.
A captivating audio-visual experience
Hauntii combines twin-stick shooting action with a slower, more pensive pace, offering a balanced gameplay experience. While the game appears laid-back and casual at first, it soon reveals modest challenges that keep players engaged. The combination of single-player exploration and puzzle-solving ensures a varied gameplay experience that never feels stale, although one may think that a co-op mode can alleviate the game’s melancholy feel.
Players are tasked with building Constellations to uncover the story of the protagonist’s past life. To accomplish this, players must explore the world, solve challenges, and trade with other ghosts to collect the necessary pieces. However, it’s not without its flaws. The lack of cloud saving is a significant detriment for players who wish to switch between devices. Additionally, certain camera angles in specific areas could benefit from tweaking to enhance the overall experience.
Another aspect to take note of is the game’s well-detailed, hand-drawn world that features tight yet open-ended environments that encourage exploration. The distinct art style, characterized by detailed line art and a striking two-tone palette, adds a peculiar charm to the game, making every scene a visual treat. Perfectly complementing that is the dynamic soundtrack, composed by Michael Kirby Ward, which sways and swells with the happenings on-screen.
A must-play
Overall, Hauntii is a twin-stick shooter collect-A-Thon with massive amounts of soul, both literally and figuratively. Its impressive art direction, smart writing, and excellent music create a richly textured and immersive experience. In concert with its solid game design, it stands out as a polished and captivating adventure. Though there are areas for improvement, the experience is one of discovery, contemplation, and beauty.
