Benign Land

I have played some walking simulators. I know the concept, right? But i wasn't able to completely grasp the concept of this one. See, all walking simulators have at least some kind of gameplay, of story, of...something. That's not true about Benigh Land however. The game is just, well, walking in poorly optimised fields and military camps or prisons for about 20 minutes. No story, no gameplay, nothing interactive. Perhaps, as the game is based on the Ireland and Northern Ireland history, some of these places are significant for the irish people, but the game is not even trying to tell how. So...i cannot say anything positive. OK, there is a pleasant music for few minutes. See? I said something positive :) Gameplay video: https://youtu.be/QDOEB3q97AQ

An amazing experience! The smooth camera movement, sound design, and visuals make this feel like an immersive dream you just get sucked into. I enjoyed the whole experience a lot, and I wasn't able to take my eyes of the screen till the story was completely unfolded (and even after that I kept the journey going by following the path a second time just to experience it again and more). If you're a fan of smooth game play and art I highly recommend it!

ストアページの翻訳を担当したものですが、贔屓目抜きでウォーキングシミュレータ好きとして歓喜するほど素晴らしい体験でした。操作が開始した瞬間にこの作品が真摯に、労力と時間をかけて作られたことが分かるはずです。すべてのシーンを巡るのにそう時間がかかる作品ではありませんが、美しく、静謐な空間を楽しむことができます。今作は元々ベルファストの教会で実施されたアートインスタレーションとして制作されたもので、現地の教会の中で6mのスクリーンでプレイされたそうです。羨ましい

I had a chance to experience Benign Land when it was exhibited in Belfast. The space, atmosphere and lighting was very unique, and the whole thing was quite trippy, with the huge LED screen sucking you into it. I wanted to jump into it again, and play it on my own, without other people watching me, so I could take my time with it, and not feel observed/rushed. The overall experience is not the same as in the installation, because of the different setting, but it managed to have me immersed in it just the same or even more (I do recommend playing it with the lights off, on a large screen, with headphones). The soundtrack is a real highlight for me, it really adds to the whole thing. Also, I had to do my research about Ireland and the Troubles after playing the first time, so this time I was a bit more aware of the references, and it really added to the experience! Maybe a difficult game to get into, but highly recommended for people who are looking for something a bit different, for a slower-paced artistic game without much gameplay!

Benign Land is an immersive journey, like stepping into a living, breathing artwork. The unique seamless camera movement makes the player feel weightless, as if floating through landscapes straight out of magical realism. The world around you is rich and detailed, yet there’s a haunting stillness that makes every moment feel significant. Rather than directly focusing on historical events, artist Leandros Ntolas creates landscapes that act as silent observers, subtly reflecting the weight of the past without overtly addressing it. This approach transforms the game into a contemplative experience, where the environment itself becomes a quiet witness to history. You’ll find yourself drifting through these spaces, absorbing the atmosphere at your own pace, almost as if you’re part of something larger than yourself. The lack of traditional gameplay and the slower, more deliberate pace might not be for everyone. However, if you're looking for something unique— a game that tells its story not through action, but through space, absence, and silence—Benign Land offers something truly special. I highly recommend playing with headphones, in the dark, and on a large screen to fully appreciate its immersive effect.

Striking visuals, mesmerising soundtrack, good pacing and a nice build up of intensity. It works very well! I’m curious about what is next!

I love a walking simulator, and I'm a big fan of Irish History. However... as a game formed from an interactive art installation I think that the story is a bit difficult to follow that's being told. The movements are clunky and slow and often times not given much direction. I got physically stuck in a few places and had to (very very slowly) backtrack. I didn't quite understand what I was supposed to learn, and couldn't decipher anything other than the wording at the very end of the walking simulation. I wish it was more. I wish it provided more of an educational experience and made more sense. It was a bit muddled and the emotion just wasn't there for what was trying to be conveyed. It was an interesting experience nonetheless. Just not one I would care to experience again.