New kind of adventure is an unconventional indie title that aims to capture a sense of childlike wonder through exploration, fantasy, and light role-playing elements, even as it struggles to fully realize its ambitions. Developed by Mint Age Studios and published by Back To Basics Gaming, the game presents itself as a surreal coming-of-age journey framed through the eyes of a young girl named Mary. After an argument at home, she retreats into a wardrobe, falls asleep, and awakens in a strange magical world that feels equal parts fairy tale and dream logic. This premise sets the tone for an experience that prioritizes imagination and atmosphere over structure and mechanical depth.
The world Mary finds herself in is deliberately whimsical, filled with oversized objects, unusual creatures, druids, and fantastical landmarks that suggest a storybook universe rather than a grounded fantasy setting. Exploration is the core pillar of the experience, encouraging players to wander freely, discover new areas, and interact with eccentric characters who offer quests or cryptic hints. There is a clear desire to evoke curiosity and discovery, with environments designed to feel inviting and slightly surreal rather than dangerous or oppressive. The game rarely pressures the player, opting instead for a relaxed pace that emphasizes wandering and observation.
Gameplay blends light RPG systems with basic adventure mechanics. Players collect artifacts that unlock abilities or progression paths, gradually expanding what Mary can do in the world. Her companion, Aquarius, plays a supporting role in traversal and interaction, reinforcing the idea that this journey is as much about companionship as it is about self-discovery. However, these systems remain relatively shallow. Combat is minimal and often feels secondary, while quests tend to be simple in structure, frequently revolving around fetching items or reaching specific locations. For some players, this simplicity supports the dreamlike tone; for others, it highlights a lack of mechanical engagement.
Narratively, the game operates more on implication than explicit storytelling. The emotional hook of a child escaping into a fantasy world after conflict at home is relatable and potentially powerful, but it is not deeply explored through dialogue or character development. Instead, the story unfolds indirectly through the environments and the odd inhabitants Mary encounters. This approach can feel poetic, but it also leaves large gaps in narrative clarity, making it difficult to feel a strong sense of progression or resolution. The game often feels like a prologue to a much larger story that never fully materializes.
Visually, New kind of adventure embraces an indie aesthetic that favors bright colors and imaginative concepts over polish or technical sophistication. Some areas feel vibrant and creative, while others appear sparse or unfinished, reinforcing the impression that the game’s scope exceeded what was ultimately completed. Animations and interactions are functional but basic, and the overall presentation can feel inconsistent as players move between more inspired locations and areas that lack detail or purpose.
Sound design and music support the fantasy atmosphere with gentle, folk-inspired tones that suit the game’s relaxed pacing. Audio rarely demands attention, instead acting as a soft backdrop to exploration. Dialogue is limited, and much of the world’s personality is conveyed visually rather than through voice or extensive text. This reinforces the game’s quiet, introspective mood, but it can also make the world feel empty at times.
One of the most defining aspects of New kind of adventure is its prolonged Early Access status. Released in an unfinished state with the promise of expansion and refinement, the game has remained largely unchanged for many years. As a result, it feels more like a prototype or concept piece than a complete adventure. There are clear signs of ideas that were meant to be expanded—systems that hint at depth, areas that suggest future content—but these remain unrealized, which significantly affects the overall experience.
Ultimately, New kind of adventure is a game driven more by imagination than execution. It offers a glimpse into a whimsical fantasy world shaped by childhood emotion and escapism, but it lacks the content, polish, and progression needed to fully engage players over the long term. For those who enjoy experimental indie games, surreal exploration, and quiet, low-pressure experiences, it may hold a certain charm as a curiosity. However, players seeking a complete, mechanically satisfying adventure or a fully realized RPG will likely find it frustratingly incomplete, a reminder of what might have been rather than what ultimately is.
Rating: 5/10
