Rating: 9/10 ⭐️
Sometimes, amidst the hustle and bustle of life, you need a game that isn't just about winning or scoring high but offers a relaxing, immersive experience. "Nuts: A Surveillance Mystery" is just that. In this game, you step into the tranquil yet enigmatic world of Melmoth Forest and all you have to do is observe squirrels and click a few pictures.
As you delve deeper into the forest, the story starts to take form. You get phone calls and fax messages from your boss which drives the game forward. The squirrels you are tracking lead you on a trail that reveals more than just their foraging habits. You uncover clues and piece together a story that hints at a larger, more complex issue at play in the forest.
The plot thickens when you discover that a shady construction company has its sights set on the forest, planning a project that could have devastating environmental impacts. This revelation shifts the game from a simple nature study to an environmental thriller, where your findings about the squirrels become crucial in a larger battle to save the forest.
The gameplay revolves around strategically placing cameras to capture the nocturnal activities of squirrels. This mechanic, though simple, is executed with a finesse that turns each night into a suspenseful wait for what the footage will reveal. You venture into the forest in the daytime and review the footage at night. As soon as you review the footage and venture into the forest, it turns into day. Each day you have to review the footage and then adjust the cameras so that you are following the squirrels to their hideout, their stash of nuts or their secret meeting spot.
The visuals are unique and minimalistic. A vibrant colour palette that changes with each level. The sound design complements this beautifully, with the ambient sounds of the forest creating an immersive experience that is both calming and captivating.
There comes a point where you take a fall and get trapped in a deep part of the forest, the shady construction company is outright changing your reports and possibly intercepting your fax and the forest is flooding, you gotta get out of there quickly on your own. On top of that, one of the squirrels has stolen your surveillance report with all the photos and details. You have to get it back to preserve the forest and the habitat of these squirrels. The ending was quite something and it has me sitting back reflecting on the game I just played and the credits roll while my character is slowly drifting in an abandoned boat down the forest.
This game is an experience you don't want to miss, I'd give it a 9/10 ⭐️
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