Loading into ‘Rauniot’ for the first time, players are greeted with a nostalgic nod to the past, as the game’s DOS coding and vintage computers bring a sense of retro charm. It’s akin to stepping into a time capsule, reminiscent of the golden days of gaming.

Act Normal Games has masterfully captured this essence but has also made the point-and-click adventure reminiscent of the classic horror game vibes found in titles like ‘7 Days To Die’, resonating particularly with those who fondly remember gaming eras of yore.

In this 1975 post-apocalyptic Finnish landscape, players embark on a desperate quest for survival amid the ruins of a civilisation ravaged by nuclear war. Navigating through the hauntingly beautiful yet treacherous terrain, your character must forge alliances, scavenge for vital resources, and confront moral dilemmas in a relentless struggle for sustenance and security in this scary new world. The world is definitely a changed place and you got to fight for what you need to survive.

There is no tutorial or quick reference guide, once you load in, you find yourself having to learn how to interact with the world on your own. This is fine, but troublesome for someone new to this style or genre of gameplay.

Once you get the hang of this isometric view, a few clicks and you are on your way as the mouse is all you need to navigate and interact with the world. The left click of a mouse will make you move and the right click brings up your inventory where you have a raft of tools at your disposal to complete your journey.

Within the world, anything you can interact with will light up when you hover over it, which can detract from the experience, as you can quickly scour a scene with the mouse if you don’t want to immerse yourself in the scenario.

The game’s structure subtly guides players towards each objective, restricting exploration outside designated areas per scene. This limitation can feel restrictive, especially as movement requires navigating the mouse to the screen’s edge rather than utilising keyboard arrows, which some players may find less intuitive. On a brighter note, the puzzles within each scene offer a refreshing dose of flexibility and challenge.

With multiple solutions and varying levels of difficulty, players can expect to be challenged over and over, ensuring that gameplay remains engaging and dynamic despite the apparent constraints.

The graphics in this isometric game are meticulously detailed, maintaining a perfect balance between the expected and the post-apocalyptic aesthetic. The subdued colour palette, while seemingly bland, cleverly immerses players further into the desolate world, enhancing their engagement with the unfolding narrative. Accompanied by atmospheric wildlife sounds, the environment feels alive as players traverse the maps.

Cutscenes, delivered entirely in authentic Finnish, effectively set the tone, though their length can sometimes disrupt the flow of gameplay. While shorter interactions seamlessly integrate into the experience, longer cutscenes tend to get tedious over time. The more I played it though, the more I found myself being dragged into the storyline of human survival and perseverance.

Overall, Rauniot captivates players with its extensive repertoire of over 70 intricately detailed scenes and numerous engaging puzzles. Each challenge beckons with a tantalising allure, showcasing the meticulous craftsmanship behind Act Normal Games design. From the captivating visuals to the thoughtfully curated gameplay, every aspect of the experience is crafted to ensnare the player’s attention and ignite their curiosity.

Written by: Mikey B