MELLOWOLLEM

The controls are awful, but the core idea behind the game is... I have no idea what it is about, but it's creepier than intended, so bonus points for that.

[h1]Short Review[/h1] MELLOWOLLEM is your typical Lu game. The controls aren't the best, and the story is abstract, but at least it's paired with nice character portraits along the way. Thankfully, the story here is easier to follow than some of Lu's other titles, and it isn't a bad one either, even if I wouldn't call it the best story ever written. It's not something you need to be chomping at the bit to play, but it's a relaxing, non-frustrating little experience that's worth a look, especially given the price. [h1]Full Review[/h1] MELLOWOLLEM has you exploring a hazy summer setting after your character meets a girl on a sunny day, with the story unfolding gradually through her words as you poke around and find objects to progress. As with most of Lu's catalog, I went in expecting an odd, atmospheric little adventure with more vibes than mechanics, and that's mostly what I got. [b]The controls.[/b] In typical Lu game fashion, the controls aren't the best. Nothing here is going to ruin the experience outright, but movement and interaction feel a bit clunky in the way I've come to expect from this developer's work at this point. It's a minor, recurring gripe rather than anything that I hate. Some of their games are REALLY bad when it comes to controls, but this isn't one of them. [b]The story and characters.[/b] The story is abstract, which again tracks with most of what Lu puts out, but it's paired with some nice character portraits that help carry the mood. Thankfully, this story is easier to follow than some of the developer's other games, and it's not a bad one. I can't say it's the best story I've ever seen either, though. It isn't all that unique, and you've probably run into similar beats in other pieces of media before, but it's conveyed well enough here and doesn't overstay its welcome by dragging on. Overall, MELLOWOLLEM isn't something you need to be rushing to play, but it isn't a bad experience by any means. It's fairly relaxing, the controls and abstract storytelling aside, and it never once frustrated me during my time with it. If you enjoy Lu's other work or just want a short, low-stakes way to kill some time, this one is worth checking out, especially since it's free. [code]If you liked this review, then feel free to check out my [url=https://www.youtube.com/@VinroyIsViral]YouTube Channel[/url] for more reviews. I also have a curator group called [url=https://store.steampowered.com/curator/43774503-The-Completionist-Crusaders/]"The Completionist Crusaders"[/url] that focuses more toward completionists. Thank you, and happy gaming![/code]