Salus Per Aquam

These only up games have almost no reward mechanism which is crazy to me. The gameplay is basically nothing, or actively annoying and the ONLY reward mechanism present is getting a little bit higher each time. But the punishment is having to re-do every bit of mediocre gameplay along the way. Not to mention that a "Silent Narrative" still needs to...you know...BE a narrative. Nothing in this game is linked to a story. I like the audio design and the aesthetic is pretty cool, but this needs more. https://youtu.be/3TLs1uk2NLY

Che dire? Gioco molto intrigante. Gli scenari sono particolarmente suggestivi e unici. Non mancano checkpoints e cinematic che danno quel qualcosa in più al gioco. Anche le meccaniche della scalata sono fatte veramente bene. Grandioso!

Atmospheric and chill, a nice break from the chaotic, loud and violent landscape of modern games. Felt kind of nostalgic playing it, between the 3D platforming and aesthetics/OST reminiscent of Team Ico games. Greatly enjoyed it, will be waiting for dev's next game.

Just started and i'm having so much fun thanks to the mix of puzzles and climbing parts. I love problem solving and this game is perfect because you have to understand what action to perform before actually try to overcome the obstacles. Movement is easy and the first part asks you to learn EVERYTHING you need to procede in the game. If you're always in need of something more than just try/repeat from the usual climbing game, this is the game for you.

Giocare Salus per aquam è stato in viaggio incredibile! Grafica, ambientazioni e sound design sono eccellenti per non parlare delle cinematiche che mi hanno sorpreso non poco! Il livello di sfida è alto ma il riprovare spesso può risultare più utile di quanto sembri, arrivare in cima mi ha dato una soddisfazione enorme! Consigliatissimo!!!

Ho avuto modo di giocarlo mentre era ancora in sviluppo e ora che è uscito completo posso finalmente dirlo: scaricatevelo! Grafica curata, atmosfera rilassante e scenica...e alcuni passaggi da superare piuttosto enigmatici. Perfetto per chi vuole staccare e immergersi in un'esperienza tranquilla e con un'atmosfera chill. [b]Consigliato![/b]

Salus Per Aquam is an atmospheric indie climbing adventure developed and published by Andrea Bacciu that prioritizes symbolism, exploration, and personal interpretation over conventional storytelling. Rather than relying on combat or fast-paced gameplay, it invites players into a surreal world where every ascent carries emotional and philosophical significance. From the opening moments, the game establishes a mysterious tone by placing players in the role of a faceless wooden mannequin wearing an unusual mask, embarking on a journey toward an unknown destination. The minimal narrative leaves room for imagination, encouraging players to discover their own meaning behind the strange landscapes and symbolic imagery scattered throughout the experience. The core gameplay revolves around carefully navigating vertical environments through deliberate climbing and platforming mechanics. Precision is essential, as every jump and movement requires concentration, and mistakes can result in losing valuable progress. This design creates a constant balance between frustration and satisfaction, making every successful climb feel rewarding. Instead of introducing numerous gameplay systems, Salus Per Aquam focuses on refining a single central mechanic, allowing the challenge to emerge naturally from environmental design and player skill. The steady pacing rewards patience and persistence, making it especially appealing to players who enjoy overcoming demanding obstacles through careful execution rather than quick reflexes alone. The game's environments are among its strongest qualities. Every location is crafted to feel like a fragment of a dream, filled with abstract architecture, unusual structures, and symbolic objects that rarely provide direct explanations. Rather than functioning solely as scenery, these surreal settings contribute to the overall narrative by provoking curiosity and reflection. Exploration becomes more than simply reaching the next checkpoint; it transforms into an exercise in interpreting visual metaphors and uncovering the emotional themes hidden within the world. The artistic direction succeeds in creating a memorable atmosphere that remains intriguing even when little is explicitly explained. Storytelling follows a minimalist philosophy, allowing players to piece together the meaning of the journey through observation instead of dialogue or lengthy exposition. Themes such as identity, purpose, transformation, and self-discovery quietly emerge as players continue climbing toward the summit. This ambiguity may not satisfy those looking for a traditional plot with clear answers, but it is one of the game's defining strengths. By refusing to dictate a single interpretation, Salus Per Aquam encourages each player to experience the adventure through their own perspective, giving the narrative a deeply personal quality. Complementing the visual presentation is a subtle original soundtrack that reinforces the game's meditative atmosphere. The music never overwhelms the experience, instead providing gentle emotional support during moments of solitude and discovery. Combined with restrained sound effects, the audio design creates an immersive environment where players can fully appreciate both the physical challenge of climbing and the quiet emotional undertones of the adventure. The soundtrack blends naturally with the surreal environments, making the world feel even more mysterious and contemplative. Although the game makes use of some pre-made environmental assets, their integration is handled thoughtfully enough that the overall presentation maintains a cohesive artistic identity. The careful arrangement of these elements demonstrates a clear creative vision, proving that strong art direction can often have a greater impact than purely technical achievements. As a debut project from a solo developer, the game showcases an impressive level of ambition, successfully combining challenging gameplay with philosophical storytelling and distinctive visual design. Salus Per Aquam is not intended for players seeking constant excitement or action-heavy gameplay. Instead, it offers a slower, more reflective experience where determination, observation, and interpretation take center stage. Its focused climbing mechanics, dreamlike environments, and symbolic narrative combine to create a memorable journey that stands apart from more conventional platformers. While its niche approach may limit its audience, those who appreciate artistic indie games with meaningful themes and demanding gameplay will likely find it to be a rewarding experience. Rating: 7/10