Indie Spotlight: Nihilumbra Lights Up The World
Welcome to Indie Spotlight!
Today we take a look at a very unique gem from June 2012 — Nihilumbra!
Nihilumbra is a casual puzzle platformer that tells the story of Born, a child of the Void. He manages to separate himself from the Void and embarks on an adventure through the real world. Though everything is unknown to him, Born quickly learns the laws of nature and travels across a multitude of lands as a means of self-discovery.
Of course, the Void does not approve of this. Throughout your journey, countless monsters and traps are sent to bring Born back where he belongs. The Void is always close behind you, consuming the world you want to understand (and eventually protect). Will Born find freedom, or is returning to nothingness his inevitable fate?
The game begins with a very simple and traditional structure — you are in control of Born. Much like the abstract styles of Braid and Limbo, all you can really do is start walking.
Fear not, for you are somehow not alone — a deep, celestial voice speaks to you. He narrates your adventure as you play, while the dialogue is displayed as part of the world. This voice serves as the literary tool to develop the story, whether by questioning Born on his actions, warning him of incoming threats, or giving his own take on the world around them. He also provides instruction on game mechanics as they are unlocked.
The puzzle element comes in the form of colors. Your mouse cursor serves as a paintbrush, and the world is your canvas. Your brush seems to have no effect at first … but then you find a single blue flower. Suddenly, it transports you to an alternate world, where you are given a new ability (in this case, ice). A few simple obstacles teach you how this power can be used. Once you get the hang of it, you are sent back to the main world, where suddenly you are more capable of continuing the journey.
Five colors are discovered throughout the game, each one carefully added so as to not overwhelm you with complexity. In some cases a single color can get you through a puzzle. In others, you will need to combine abilities to make things work.
Overall, the campaign is a very smooth, beautiful experience that you can appreciate like a piece of art. The animation is equal parts vibrant, ominous and breathtaking. The environment is accompanied by amazing scores by Furius Music which fill your ears with wonder and suspense.
My only critique during my playthrough was that the puzzles felt a little too easy. As an experienced gamer, each puzzle only took a few seconds to solve, and execution was generally autonomous. So when I completed the game and discovered a ‘Void Mode’ was unlocked, the part of me that revels in a challenge was very pleased. This mode lets you play through the game a second time, but strictly as an advanced puzzle platformer. All of the abilities are available (and needed) from the very beginning; My first death in Void Mode was about five seconds in!
The folks at Beautifun Games have created a highly respectable piece of art with this game. I highly recommend treating your mind to this experience.
Nihilumbra was originally released on iOS, and has been ported to Steam, Wii U and PS Vita.
(Editor’s Note: Chris Ruiz is the latest addition to Nerd Caliber and will be regularly writing Indie Spotlight. He is a life-long gamer, self-taught drummer and long-time cosplayer, known as Gallant-Z Cosplay. He spends his work hours as a software engineer and indulges in art, writing, music and games off the clock.)
