The Pathless

The concept of an unlikely protagonist tasked with vanquishing a dark force determined to destroy the world Is a familiar one, but it's the presentation and play that helps this game stand out. The Pathless uses a stylized, painterly style that brings the sprawling, naturalistic world to life with the sort of beauty typically reserved for an artist's canvas. Additionally, the gameplay allows you to move through the serene settings with a clever control scheme that sees you building momentum with the protagonist's bow and arrows. By shooting small targets -- littered throughout the land -- in quick succession, you're able to propel yourself forward in a manner that'll immediately put a smile on your face.

As much fun as it is using the archer's skills to get around, the fluid controls only represent part of the game's imaginative take on traversal. You can also call on your eagle companion to help you ascend to high destinations and cross wide gaps. Of course, the warrior and her winged ally don't only rely on these tricks to go sightseeing, but also to solve environmental puzzles and take down the cursed beasts threatening to consume the land. Exploring the world, cracking puzzles, and engaging in epic boss battles offers an absorbing, generally well-paced mix of activities. The evolution of your abilities, as well as your growing bond with the bird also deepen the experience. That said, the game's title is sometimes applied too literally, leaving the player lost in the world -- or at a loss for a puzzle solution. These are minor gripes though, ones that rarely overshadow The Pathless' stronger elements. Still, players craving a more structured experience, tied to a less mysterious tale, might want to consider a different path.