The Path of Motus

As you start Path of Motus the first idea that comes to my mind is platformer with some deep meaning social experiment message on bullying. There are enemies, pitfalls and you learn by dying quite a bit. And even though the has it's moments it's never too hard that you want to quit. I like games like these. You don't go through it quickly but you can take your time and figure out how to progress.  There are numerous platformers like that. I think what sets Motus apart isn't so much it's straight forward take on bullying but the underlying messages that occur throughout the game and there are a couple. As I played through the main character's different stages of growth the stories told through the  notes about his father's life and how he settled for a menial existence rather than going for his dreams speaks to how many people function in our society. Where instead of following our dreams we settle for less than we want. The forest that we're trying to get through is a metaphorical one relating to life goals. This is very well emphasized throughout the game. Even the parts where you have someone whispering to "give up and just quit" are a nice touch but it's never as hopeless or unfair in it's approach.  Another aspect featured is this idea of bridge building. It's happens sporadically and can be more challenging than the actual platforming in some instances but, after the first few they are optional parts you can skip. Even after you're almost done with the game it introduces new mechanics to pass some troubling obstacles that you had at your disposal all along. At the end, if you so choose can replay the game using your acquired knowledge for a "no-kill" run.  In all I enjoyed the game. It has good graphics, a compelling story and a nice soundtrack to go along with your journey and level design is solid. While you go through the story your player's personality changes in response to your actions leading to more than one ending but it's short. Something you can play though in less than an hour. This isn't necessarily bad but the price point might make you want to get this game on sale. There is a small amount of replay value but nothing that will keep you sticking with it for hours on end.  [url=playingwithphyre.wordpress.com]<If you liked my review you can check out others on my blog.>[/url]

Full disclosure, I received a free copy to review this game. The game is neat, puzzles are great, story is greatly told. But let's get the elephant out of the room, the game is too short. 1h and it's over. You can play it again with harder puzzles and a "no kill" run, but even then. Way too short. I have 4.9 hours on the clock cause I left it open. The developper really putted his all in the game, but sadly it's way too short :(

Full disclosure: I was a playtester on this game and I've worked with the developer, Mr. Hicks, in the past. I paid for my own copy of the game, as well. As a fan of platforming, adventure games, and puzzle games, I think this quaint, personal journey is worth trying out. You have an equal amount of jumping puzzles and logic puzzles, but they all support the game's main idea of perseverance and empathy. Some players may not appreciate the interpersonal message here, but it doesn't get in the way of gameplay. The puzzles here can be tricky and specific. The closest two games I can say this game reminds me of are 'Braid' and 'The Witness' but smaller in scope. The presentation is rock solid, with gorgeous art, colors, sound design, and backgrounds. It's easy to tell what's going on in the world, and the UI has an appropriate level of feedback. The controls are responsive, and the entire experience feels polished. Since I was a tester for a bit, my play time is skewed to me being familiar with the game. It's worth noting that the game opens up a 'new game plus' playthrough once you complete the third act. You'd have learned some specific skills by then, and when you replay the game, to paraphrase 'The Big Lebowski,' "new s*** has come to light." This game has a ton of heart thanks to the MichaelArts team. Try it out for yourself.

I've never connected so deeply with a game on the first time playing it. No exaggeration. This game, if you take the time to understand it, will leave an impression. Just an absolutely brilliant masterpiece. I'm serious. If you have emotions, play this game.

My Full review of the PS4 version is here: http://www.gamepitt.co.uk/the-path-of-motus-ps4-review/ I love this game so much - The game is so simple yet it hides a much deeper meaning which I believe a lot of us could learn a thing or two from. Literally, you're playing the role of Motus, a young goblin who resides within a hidden village in the middle of a forest. Nobody has ever made it through the forest as everyone who tries always ends up becoming defeated and torn down by negativity and the cruel words of the bullies who live there. Motus, however, isn't going to give up even though things look hard and everything is getting him down - he struggles on as he believes he can do it, he can make it out of the forest and prove everyone wrong! Now, if you flip it around a little, this is a story about chasing your dreams, not getting put down by others, don't give in to negativity and don't just stop what you're doing because other people say so. I connected with Motus a lot throughout my time with him - on both the PS4 and here on Steam (where I have 100% both versions) - I've not had a great past, I've been deterred and put off by bullies, I've lost sight of some of my goals, and my life is now full of "What If" moments. The Path of Motus should be played multiple times, at first you'll most likely take the easy route and combat the bullies by using their words against them and 'destroying' them just as they were trying to 'destroy' you. However, how does that make you any different from the bullies? Sure, you may have been doing it as self-defence or in retaliation to the others, but it still doesn't explain why you lower yourself to their level. As such, there is a second path through the game, which you should do after the above if you want all of the trophies, which is a lot harder, yet it's also not easy in life to forgive and forget in order to remain strong and move on. Not every confrontation has to result in one person having the last word. There isn't enough room to type everything I want to say here - Please check out my full review in the link above if you want my full thoughts and feelings on the game. The only negative points about the PC version, which wasn't present in the PS4 version review, is the controls. Controls wise you have WASD and HUK + Space as your controls. It felt a little cramped on my keyboard, but plugging in a controller fixed that issue for me. So regardless of the point above, I would still say the game gets a solid 8/10 if you're interested in the number of my opinion :)

Do you remember the first video game you ever played? When I was young, video games were nothing compared to what they are today, but I remember playing a computer game based on the Madeline and wandering the streets of Paris, as well as the classic Lego Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy on the original Xbox. These games were brightand cheerful, with friendly characters and extremely simple storylines. The Path of Motus is clearly targeted toward young players, but it adds fresh and new elements to the children’s genre of video games: not only does it test your problem solving skills with surpisingly perplexing puzzles, it also incorporates a strong anti-bullying message that touches upon a serious issue faced by children in real life. Set in a fantastical forest, the game opens with the main protagonist, a young boy named Motus, setting off on a quest into the heart of the woods. Motus’s father tells him that his quest is a silly idea compared to the practical alternative of pursuing a “career” in farming, which struck me as humorous but also similar to growing up in real life. Additionally, veryone tells him that no one has ever returned from the forest—a rather concerning fact that would be enough to deter me—but he is determined. As you enter the forest, you encounter several rather nasty boys Motus’s age who call him “Grasshead” and shoot lethal magic sparkles at him, and in order to progress through the map you have to shoot back. I honestly did not know exactly what to make of this—if this is a game teaching a message about anti-bullying, why do you just shoot the buillies to make them disappear? Does Motus ever confront his tormentors or, I don’t know, have a heart-to-heart chat with them? Perhaps this happens later on in the game, but as for right now Motus just dealsl with his problems with lethal sparkles. Furthermore, there are other obstacles in the forest; occasionally you willl be faced with a puzzle that requires problem solving skills. Sometimes it is because of the layout and configuration of the bullies: your enemies are placed strategically on different logs, and you often have to time your shots just right in order to jump up to the next level or pass through the area. Another interesting aspect is that you block incoming shots by shooting your own sparkles, so you often have to shoot multiple times to make them disappear. The trick is that there are several different keys on the keyboard that shoot sparkles, but each enemy requires a different key. What’s more, the specific key might change as you fight the enemy, so your reflexes also come into play. Lastly, at times you come across a chasm that requires a bridge to get across, and you build the bridge by solving intricate puzzles that involve connecting multiple dots in a certain configuration. In my opinion, this elevates the game and makes enjoyable, even for older and more experienced players. All in all, Path of Motus is a surprise, both in its hidden challenges and its strong (if sometimes confusing) anti-bullying message. Whether you are a kid or a full-grown adult, I recommed you give it a try! Rating: 8/10

소심하고 소극적인 고블린, 낮은 자존감의 찝찝한 뒷맛. 소심하고 외골수적인 성격으로 인해 따돌림당하는 작은 고블린 모투스의 이야기를 담은 게임이다. 자존감이 낮은 모투스가 점점 희망을 찾아가는 내용을 담은 게임............이었어야 했는데, 사실 게임을 하다보면 그 과정이 제대로 서술되는 것 같진 않다. 극단적으로 말하자면, 한 번 쭈구리가 끝까지 쭈구리인 느낌. 점프를 통해 발판을 넘어다니고 세 가지 소리 패턴을 통해 다른 고블린의 음파 공격을 받아내야 한다. 조작감이 나쁘진 않지만 레벨 디자인이 꼼꼼하게 짜여진 건 아니라 생각보다 자주 죽게 된다. 게다가 해피 엔딩을 보기 위해선 게임 상에 존재하는 다른 고블린들을 한 마리도 처치하면 안 되는데, 사실상 꼼수로 넘어가야 하는 부분이 많아 파해법을 한 번에 알아채기가 상당히 난해하다. 플랫포밍 파트는 조금 불필요하게 어렵고 불편하게 만들어진 느낌이다. 중간중간 등장하는 숫자 퍼즐은 나름 푸는 재미가 있다. 각 칸마다 정해진 숫자만큼 연결시켜야 하는 규칙인데, 조금 어렵긴 해도 적당히 고민해보면 전부 풀 수 있을 정도다. 다만 새로운 매커니즘이 등장할 때마다 설명이 일절 없어 스스로 헤메야 한다는 점은 조금 아쉽다. 딱 하나 어떻게 푸는 건지 감을 전혀 못 잡는 퍼즐이 있긴 하다만, 그래도 단순 플랫포밍 보다는 이 쪽에 좀 더 비중을 두는 편이 더 낫지 않았나 싶다. 그 밖에 게임의 내용을 알려주는 노트도 준비되있고 마지막에는 개발자의 코멘트도 준비되있다. 다만 이것들을 전부 봐도 게임 내용이 제대로 이해되는 것도 아니고 개발자의 코멘트는 다소...... 지루하다. 소심한 고블린이 주인공이었던 걸 감안하더라도 게임의 전반적인 분위기가 다소 밋밋하고 축 쳐진다. 이 때문에 게임을 플레이하는 입장에서도 의욕이 좀 안 생긴다. 참고로 이 게임의 수익 중 10%가 학교폭력 피해자들을 돕는 재단에 모금될 예정이라고 한다. 게임 자체의 재미는 고만고만하나, 학교폭력의 피해자의 입장에서 진행되는 게임이라 생각하고 플레이한다면 나름의 가치는 있을 게임이다. https://blog.naver.com/kitpage/221355487052

A relaxing game that explores the idea of bullying, the art is nice too and the mechanics feel solid. It takes a little to get used to the shooting controls but once you get the hang of it you are good to go, if you are into puzzle platformers be sure to check it out.

Even though I killed myself working on this game I still think it is a pretty cool one

I dont really like the art. The way you attack feels limited but you do have to combo it sometimes so thats ok. Puzzles are ok.