Somerville, the debut title from Jumpship, evokes comparisons to Limbo and Inside, both critically acclaimed games previously helmed by Jumpship co-founder Dino Patti. While sharing similar atmospheric and narrative DNA, Somerville unfortunately falls short of its predecessors, leaving much to be desired in terms of gameplay and storytelling.
This wordless narrative centers around an alien invasion, placing players in the role of a father desperately searching for his family. Separated amidst the chaos, the protagonist traverses haunting landscapes, encountering enigmatic characters and acquiring strange powers seemingly linked to the invasion. The initial premise is undeniably compelling, establishing a sense of urgency and mystery. However, the narrative loses focus in its final act, expanding its scope too rapidly and sacrificing clarity for spectacle. While visual storytelling can be powerful, Somerville’s climactic events feel rushed and ultimately unsatisfying, leaving too many questions unanswered.
somerville.jpgSomerville’s most redeeming quality lies in its striking art direction. The game boasts distinct and visually captivating landscapes and character designs. Despite the somewhat familiar alien invasion trope, Jumpship’s artistic vision creates a pervasive sense of dread and intrigue throughout the experience.
The core gameplay revolves around solving environmental puzzles to progress through the game’s various areas. While some puzzles introduce unique mechanics, others rely on player observation and deduction. However, the primary challenge often isn’t the puzzles themselves, but rather deciphering what actions are even possible within the environment.
Unlike the 2D worlds of Limbo and Inside, Somerville opts for a 3D environment, offering more space for exploration and interaction. However, this added dimension becomes a detriment due to a lack of clear direction. The game struggles to highlight interactable objects, leaving players wandering aimlessly, unsure of how to proceed.
somerville-log.jpgCompounding this issue is the fixed camera perspective, which frequently obscures crucial elements. Interactable objects often appear at a distance, forcing players to strain their eyes and decipher what they’re meant to engage with. This recurring problem significantly hinders the overall gameplay experience, making progression feel tedious and frustrating.
Despite the desire to unravel the unfolding narrative, the constant struggle to understand basic gameplay mechanics often overshadows the story’s intrigue. This ultimately undermines Somerville’s potential, transforming exploration into a frustrating exercise in trial and error.
Somerville shows promise but ultimately feels like a game grappling with growing pains. As Jumpship’s inaugural title, it lays a foundation for future endeavors, showcasing artistic talent and a captivating initial premise. However, the frustrating gameplay mechanics and muddled narrative prevent it from achieving true greatness. While not a must-play title, Somerville highlights Jumpship as a studio worth watching in the years to come.
Rating: 3 out of 5
Somerville is available now on Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC, and Xbox Game Pass. This review was conducted on an Xbox Series X using a review copy provided by the publisher.
