Giraffe and Annika

Like the rest of the experiences found on Spica Island, these rhythm battles can best be described as quaint. And while that term may not be the one publishers race to add to an accolades trailer, I hope the developers see it as the compliment I intend it to be. Because this is not the most engrossing game I'll play in 2020 or one I'll even remember six months from now. But the congenial nature of Giraffe and Annika was enough to be a welcoming, brief respite from an otherwise weary world.

It's a little ramshackle, but care and craft has gone into the making of Giraffe and Annika. There's nothing new here to speak of, but its disparate genres work well together and we had a good time unravelling the mysteries of Spica Island. A great game for kids and the young at heart, we're excited to see what developers Atelier Mimina do next.

Giraffe and Annika is not a good game, which is a sad thing, as it feels like there is something missing. It's very rough, and is reminiscent it is one of those Unreal Engine 4 demos made by students. There are some redeeming qualities, like the charming character design, and a unique battle system for bosses, but it's so overshadowed by technical bizarreness and a lack of cohesive feeling that it's simply impossible to recommend to anyone but the biggest fans of Annika's design.

Honestly, the amount of attention to detail and hidden touches is enough to make me recommend this game to platformer fans, but I reckon you may wanna go for the physical edition with extra goodies or wait for a digital sale if you want to check this out. Otherwise, this is a whimsical adventure that you’ll have a fun weekend with.

Giraffe and Annika may be a bit too simple for its own good but its childlike charm makes for a light and delightful adventure game.

Overall, Giraffe and Annika is a bit of a weird experience. On the one hand, it feels very unrefined. Not unfinished by any means, just not polished to the degree it could be. On the other hand, it has a very solid grasp of the fundamental requirements for a 3D platformer and rhythm game, that somehow manages to mesh them quite decently. It's short, sweet, and relaxing, but also a little janky at times, and can get a little frustrating if you're used to a tighter control scheme. Honestly, Giraffe and Annika isn't going to appeal to everyone, particularly given that it feels geared to a younger audience but can pack the difficulty for those a little older than the narrative would seem to be geared for. If your looking for a nice little relaxing game as an offhand title, Giraffe and Annika may be something you want to pick up.

Giraffe and Annika is clearly meant for gamers much younger than I but there were still some enjoyable parts to it for me.

Giraffe and Annika, presents a great premise, mixing elements of exploration, platforms and rhythm. Still, its best features are the combination of graphic sequences with the soundtrack. Its plot, while not original, tends to leave a good image in the overall experience. For those looking for an adventure that owes nothing to a fairy tale, this is an excellent option to consider.

Giraffe and Annika is a game with a lot of potential, but it oversimplifies some aspects and tries to compensate this by creating mechanisms to delay the player's progression. Despite the lack of depth, the adventure is still a considerable option if the objective is to relax and unwind, especially for those who love to be entertained with musical game dynamics.

Giraffe and Annika is an aventure 3D game with some rhythm battle and a cute design that trasport you to Spica Island, a misterious and colorful place with many friends and five dungeons that helps you to recover Annikas memories. Perfect for all the family.