Official Review Computer Updated

Rauniot (Computer)
Official GBAtemp Review

Name: Rauniot
Item: Rauniot
Rating: 7
Author: Prans

Product Information:

Release Date (NA): April 17, 2024
Release Date (EU): April 17, 2024
Publisher: Act Normal Games
Developer: Act Normal Games
Genres: Point-and-click

Game Features:

Single player

Local Multiplayer

Online Multiplayer

Co-operative

Step into post-apocalyptic Northern Finland in Rauniot, Act Normal Game’s debut point-and-click title. Let’s click away!

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Global scale natural disasters led to a collapse of civilization in Rauniot’s post-apocalyptic version of 1975. Survivors have had to fend for themselves or work with each other in order to survive. Among such a group in Finland is Tovio who went missing and taking the role of Aino you set out to find him. Join her as she sets out on this quest and learn more about this crumbling world.

A stylish slice of post-apocalyptic Northern Finland

Fans of isometric games have been blessed with options lately with titles such as Sovereign Syndicate, The Thaumaturge and Broken Roads. Each offers a unique setting and artistic approach, and those looking for more games in this genre won’t be disappointed with Rauniot’s art direction.

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It is a decidedly stylish game with atmospheric soundtrack, close-up monologues and animated cutscenes. The post-apocalyptic melancholia is well depicted through such a presentation. The 70+ scenes also teem with details, making the game’s universe feel lived-in. Further adding to the presentation is the fully-voice acted conversations with Northern Finnish accent.

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Classic point-and-click puzzles

Rauniot plays as a classic isometric point-and-click title. You direct Aino where to head by clicking on a location on the scene and she can interact with some environmental elements. Some of these she will be able to pick up and add to her inventory, while others will introduce puzzles that you have to solve.

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Puzzles often make use of items you found by exploring, often not in the same scene. They vary in difficulty, with some being quite challenging to crack but once you do solve them, they are satisfying.

The game allows you to explore and investigate areas in an open-ended fashion as you look for Tovio. As you’ll be moving across scenes often to try to solve puzzles, it is very welcome that there’s a fast travel option, easing the need to backtrack, which is quite common.

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However, the inspiration from classic point-and-click mechanics means that Rauniot also falls into their tendency to be confusing and unintuitive. Interactive elements can’t be highlighted, except by hovering your mouse at the specific item. I ended up just moving my mouse around a lot in scenes to find out which items I can interact with.

Having such an assistive option would be helpful, and the developer already added some assistive elements like the notebook. The latter helps you keep track of the story and some clues you’ve uncovered. But the assistance goes only so far and being able to find interactive elements or getting a hint for puzzle solving would be handy.

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On a technical side, I was surprised to see that Rauniot does not support controller input. With the popularity of handheld PC gaming devices, being able to use a controller would be welcome, if not expected. I hope that such support comes in a future update.

That said, if you’re a fan of classic point-and-click isometric puzzle games, Rauniot will deliver on that with a stylish touch. But if you’re looking for something more modern and accessible, you’ll have to contend with its old-school approach.

Rauniot Release Gameplay Trailer

Verdict

What We Liked ...

Stylish presentation
Original puzzles
Fast travel option

What We Didn't Like ...

No controller support
Puzzles can be confusing and unintuitive

Gameplay

The classic point-and-click puzzle mechanic will entice the nostalgic among us but will likely frustrate those looking for a more accessible experience.

Presentation

Rauniot delivers a stylish slice of post-apocalyptic Northern Finland.

Lasting Appeal

While its original setting is a major draw, the confusing and unintuitive puzzles make a dent in its lasting appeal.

out of 10

Overall

Rauniot delivers a stylish slice of post-apocalyptic Finland with mechanics inspired by classic point-and-click titles.

Reactions: KiiWii, MarkDarkness and mathew77

SDA
Apr 17, 2024

Really? Northern Finland? Who we're gonna find there, Santa?

No controller support, took my willing to play this game : /

eyeliner
Apr 20, 2024

It's a point and click game for peecee. It's only normal not supporting gamepads.
Way more of a fluid gameplay with comparison to a gamepad.

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Product Information:

Game Features:

A stylish slice of post-apocalyptic Northern Finland

Classic point-and-click puzzles

Rauniot Release Gameplay Trailer

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