Trek to Yomi may look like a simple 2.5D side-scrolling, action game. It’s so much more than that, let me take you on a journey!
Game Name: Trek to Yomi
Platform(s): Xbox Series X/S (reviewed), Xbox One, PlayStation 4/5, PC, also on Gamepass
Publisher(s): Devolver Digital
Developer(s): Leonard Menchiari, Flying Wild Hog
Release Date: 5th May 2022
For those that don’t know, Trek to Yomi is a game set in Japan during the Edo period. Developed primarily by Flying Wild Hog, the studio behind the Shadow Warrior series. The game sees players take control of Hiroki, a young samurai torn between duty and love.
The story is told across six short chapters. Starting with what seems like quite a generic tale. A samurai losing his master, being bound by his dying wish. One that I wasn’t much engaged with, it felt like a story I’d seen a thousand times. The game eventually takes an unexpected turn at the end of chapter three. While I won’t spoil what happens here, things became mysterious and less predictable. Part of this was the game added a few player choices that seem to affect the ending, with the achievements/trophies pointing to multiple endings. Despite the slow start and seemingly generic tale, by the end, I was in for the story just as much as anything else in the game.
Timing is Everything
Playing Trek to Yomi is a complete joy from beginning to end. A 2.5D Side Scroller focused on combat and exploration with a dash of puzzle-solving. Like the story, combat starts fairly basic with Light/Heavy Attacks, Blocking, and Parrying. As you make your way through the game, this system blossoms into something that can be simultaneously challenging and rewarding. It does this through unlocking combos that allow you to stun enemies, execute finishers to heal, and more. There is nothing quite like stunning multiple enemies and executing them without getting hit. On top of this, you get access to a good array of ranged weapons such as a Bow or an Ozutsu (a cannon). These are extremely useful, especially on higher difficulties and in boss fights. I spent most of my time playing the game on Bushido (medium) difficulty. It just felt right for me.
I’ll caution anyone who picks up this gem to take time to explore, even if exploration may seem unimportant to begin with. Initially, exploration may only seem interesting to those that want to find collectibles; it gets better. When you realise you can find scrolls that unlock new combos or upgrades, it immediately becomes more engaging. On your travels, you may run into a puzzle or two. These are often basic and don’t take too long to solve. The most common one requires you to align three symbols in the correct order. While they are basic and don’t take long, they serve as a break in combat and never outstay their welcome.
I enjoyed every aspect of the gameplay in Trek to Yomi. It doesn’t immediately shine, but timing is everything. This game nails timing when it comes to expanding its gameplay. With it always feeling like I found a new combo or health upgrade at exactly the right moment. Delivering me the break of a puzzle whenever I needed it. The pacing of the gameplay is expertly crafted and refined. All of this left me wanting to go back and find all the things I missed.
Presented with Love and Respect
Anyone who has watched an Akira Kurosawa film will be immediately familiar with the game’s presentation style. From the black and white visuals with film grain to the almost metallic rusty-like quality of the soundtrack. The presentation of Trek to Yomi screams at me… this was made by people who love and respect Kurosawa. When you mix these Kurosawa influences with the 2.5D design of the game, you end up with something that feels unique to video games. Something you would see nowhere else, and let me tell you that I’ve never used my screenshot button so much. This game is beautiful!
I can’t talk about visuals without mentioning cutscenes. The character models in these scenes look good for the scope of the game. While they aren’t the AAA visuals of a Ghost of Tsushima, but they certainly aren’t bad. The camera work, combined with the score and other audio elements, adds so much feeling to the scenes. It feels almost completely ripped out of a Kurosawa masterpiece, in a great way. It feels like I’m watching a movie. The audio adds to that experience, from the Japanese voice acting to the sound of clashing katanas. Everything looks and sounds like it is meant to… assuming what is meant is a wonderfully respectful presentation of the Akira Kurosawa style.
I loved almost everything about the presentation of this game. However, I do have a few negatives. For starters, there’s no English dub. This normally wouldn’t be an issue for this type of game, and how it does emulate Akira Kurosawa films, except that the added subtitles disappear too quickly. Which becomes a problem. The black and white visuals combined with camera angles in gameplay can make navigation difficult at times. Being unable to see where you are when the camera is more zoomed out can lead to you being lost or being attacked without you seeing where the hits are coming from.
Technical Experience
I had a handful of problems when playing on the Xbox Series X, such as dropped frames when entering some new areas. This seemed like it could just be down to loading assets for new areas, along with bad pop-in. I also had one cutscene where dialogue audio just stopped. Thankfully, it was only once. When it mattered most, mainly when you’re knee-deep in combat, the performance was perfect. Hopefully, the small issues I had may be fixed by the time is available via retail.
Summary
I loved my time with Trek to Yomi, a game that only got better and more interesting the more I played. Few games have ever left me immediately wanting to replay them. This is down to great gameplay and a unique presentation. Combat that was fun every step of the way. Through a variety of enemies, combos, and ranged weapons. I never got bored. With something new that seems to always come at the right time. Exploring this beautiful world never felt like a chore. Always something to find and a beautiful sight to see. Knowing that I ultimately had control over the narrative means I can’t wait to jump back in. I want to see the other endings, and I will enjoy every second of it.
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Trek to Yomi Review - Masterfully Crafted
Trek to Yomi Review - Masterfully Crafted
A masterful love letter to the films of Akira Kurosawa. Trek to Yomi’s inspirations are clear. It handles those inspirations with love and care. Ultimately standing on its own two feet as something unique in the current gaming space. Above all else, it is extremely fun to play!
Pros
- Combat that is both simple and deep
- Meaningful but not required places to Explore
- A presentation that stands out as unique for gaming
- Multiple endings give a reason to replay
Cons
- Small performance issues
- No English Dub
- The camera can make things difficult