REVIEW – The Pathless is an open-world adventure game that follows a hunter and her eagle companion as they explore a mystical island and restore balance to the world. It’s a game that focuses on fluid movement, environmental puzzles, and epic boss battles. It’s also a game that has been ported to the Nintendo Switch with impressive results, offering a smooth and immersive experience on the go. Whether you are looking for a relaxing escape or a thrilling challenge, The Pathless is a game that will take your breath away.

The Pathless is a game that has been praised for its artistic vision, original gameplay, and emotional storytelling. It’s a game that was developed by Giant Squid, the studio behind the acclaimed underwater adventure Abzû. It’s also a game that was released on multiple platforms, including PC, PS4, PS5, and Apple Arcade. But how does it fare on the Nintendo Switch, the hybrid console that offers both portability and versatility? The answer is surprisingly well. The Pathless is a game that shines on the Switch, delivering a stunning and satisfying adventure that can be enjoyed anywhere.

The Movement System: A Joyful Ride

One of the main aspects of The Pathless is movement. You play as a hunter who can run, jump, glide, and dash across a vast and varied landscape. You can also shoot floating talismans with your bow to fill up your dash meter and maintain your momentum. You don’t have to aim precisely at the talismans, as the game automatically locks onto them when you hold down the trigger. You just have to time your shots well to get the most speed and distance.

But movement is not just about speed. It’s also about freedom and exploration. You can go anywhere you want in this open world, discovering secrets, solving puzzles, and unlocking new areas. You can also interact with your eagle companion, who can carry you in the air, help you reach high places, and assist you in combat. And you can do all this with ease and grace on the Switch, as the game runs smoothly and responsively on both docked and handheld modes. The movement system is a joyful ride that makes you feel like you are flying.

The Puzzle System: A Clever Challenge

Another main aspect of The Pathless is puzzle-solving. You have to use your wits and skills to overcome various obstacles and mysteries that stand in your way. You have to use your bow to activate switches, move platforms, or create paths. You have to use your eagle to lift objects, clear debris, or reveal clues. You have to use your spirit vision to see hidden symbols, messages, or portals.

But puzzle-solving is not just about logic. It’s also about creativity and curiosity. You can find different ways to approach or solve each puzzle, depending on your preference or playstyle. You can also find optional puzzles that reward you with crystals or lightstones, which are used to upgrade your abilities or progress the story. And you can do all this with fun and flair on the Switch, as the game offers intuitive controls and vibrant visuals on both docked and handheld modes. The puzzle system is a clever challenge that makes you think outside the box.

The Boss System: A Spectacular Showdown

The final main aspect of The Pathless is boss fighting. You have to face four corrupted spirits that have plunged the island into darkness. Each spirit has its own appearance, personality, and attack pattern. You have to chase them down in thrilling sequences where you have to dodge their projectiles, shoot their weak spots, and catch up to them. You also have to confront them in epic battles where you have to avoid their strikes, exploit their openings, and strike them down.

But boss fighting is not just about action. It’s also about emotion and story. You have to learn more about each spirit’s backstory, motivation, and fate through collectible lore and cutscenes. You also have to make a choice that will affect the outcome of each fight and the fate of the world. And you can do all this with awe and wonder on the Switch, as the game delivers cinematic graphics and sound on both docked and handheld modes. The boss system is a spectacular showdown that makes you feel like you are in a movie.

The Pathless: A Masterful Port

The Pathless is a masterful port. It’s a game that brings an open-world adventure game to the Switch with impressive results. It’s a game that offers fluid movement, clever puzzles, and spectacular bosses. It’s also a game that tells an emotional story, showcases an artistic vision, and creates an immersive experience. Whether you play it on the big screen or the small screen, The Pathless is a game that will captivate you from start to finish. It’s a game that deserves your attention and admiration.

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Publisher: Annapurna Interactive

Developer: Giant Squid

Style: Adventure

Release: November 12, 2020.