For example, you may have to throw sprites onto a ledge, keep them there, go to a different part of the map, open a gate, and then retrieve the sprites to stand on a mechanism to open yet another gate. Using the sprites and Wake (and eventually his friend) are the only ways to solve these environmental riddles. These obstacles could be gates, they could be broken mechanisms, they could be large bosses, or they could be multi-tiered puzzles that require many steps to get passed. You will run into different puzzles that are landscape-based meaning that you must get to a certain part of the map but have obstacles in front of you to get around. The secondary gameplay element which both Wake (and his friend you’ll meet later) and the sprites play into is puzzle solving. Getting the gist here? The sprites are the main mechanic in the game, and they play into far more than just throwing them at enemies.

They can also do some basic functions of the wood sprites, though they cannot attack mushrooms or poisonous creatures – that is unique to the wood sprites.

For example, the next set of sprites you’ll get in the game are fire sprites, which can knock down flaming barriers, burn down vines, and pretty much react to anything fire-related. There are some obstacles in the game that require different sprites with alternate attributes. If you throw them close to the items, they’ll begin to function the way they need to against them (hitting, destroying, collecting). You get them to do these things by throwing them towards the items of appropriate interest. For example, the initial wood sprites that you get at the beginning of the game can take down barriers, destroy poisonous mushrooms, and attack basic enemies. These tiny creatures have certain functions. In The Wild at Heart, the story is very meaningful.Īnyway, the main mechanic of the gameplay starts with groups of unique sprites that follow you around. That usually means the developers worked hard to make the story meaningful. I always lean towards a positive experience when the story has its hooks in the gameplay. In my opinion, an appropriate design, although you will have limited moments of non-linear journey-ing. Definitely a design that won’t appease all gamers, but nonetheless a design that was meticulously planned to follow along with the story. That’s not a terrible path, though slightly linear by design. The gameplay in The Wild at Heart is driven by the story, which means you only get what the story wants you to have. It’s a helluva fun story to see unfold, and it’s a long adventure, and it might even make you feel the feels. There are so many parallels between what is happening to Wake in the real world and what is happening in the forest that is in desperate need of his help. Wake’s journey leads him through dangerous territories, frightening foes, and across a land that is horribly shattered and waiting for his help. Grey Coat needs Wake’s help to undo some broken paths and put balance back into the forest before it’s too late. Along the way to a new life, Wake runs into a strange sprite, who drags him into a destiny-driven journey that leads him to a mysterious figure named Grey Coat, a person embedded in nature. Frustrated and fed up, Wake goes on an adventure into the woods to meet up with his friend, another runaway, in hopes of finding a new life where people care about him and know that he is there, and more importantly worth something. The story follows a runaway named Wake, who is angry, alone, and convinced that there is nothing for him at home. The combination of everything is something remarkable and it really does all begin with the story.

The devs at Moonlight Kids have done an incredible job of mixing together a meaningful story with a heavy amount of adventure, action, and puzzles. There is so much here, and it all starts with the story but ends with pleasant and clever gameplay. It’s a journey of getting through grief, opening communication, and understanding the life that is going on around you. Moonlight Kids are on to something with The Wild at Heart.

The wild at heart ps4