Cairn: A Unique Climbing Adventure
Cairn, from Montpellier’s The Game Bakers, offers players a gripping experience that explores the physicality of climbing. You step into Aava’s shoes, feeling her muscles tremble as you control her movements. You manage her hunger, thirst, and stamina, enhancing the realism. As you navigate the rocky terrain, you face real challenges, slipping and falling, frustrated yet determined to keep going.
This game feels different from last year’s Baby Steps, which focused on the comical side of walking. While Baby Steps has an air of lightheartedness, Cairn immerses you in a world filled with peril. The mountains Aava climbs are as majestic as they are dangerous. Each move is carefully calculated, requiring skill and focus.
In 2023, another climbing game, Jusant, was released by Don’t Nod. Both games share similarities, but Jusant leans toward a meditative experience. Its climbing is akin to solving puzzles, while Cairn feels more like a battleground. The tension of each climb keeps players on edge, especially when a single mistake could mean falling and losing significant progress.
In Cairn, climbing involves pressing buttons to select hand- and footholds. The game dynamically decides the best limb to move based on Aava’s weight and grip, but players can override these choices. The rock faces are intricate, requiring keen observation to find the right holds—a skill players must develop.
Players can use resources like pitons for safety, but timing is crucial. Misfit presses can lead to broken gear, adding to the challenge. Stamina and grip are vital assets communicated through sound and animation, highlighting Aava’s physical state without clear status meters. This design choice makes for a more immersive experience, but it can also lead to moments of confusion.
The challenge is part of the game’s charm. You have to face uncertainty, making each successful climb rewarding. However, the penalty for failure can be harsh, often forcing you to restart from earlier checkpoints. The developers have designed this intentionally, embracing the harsh realities of climbing.
Cairn not only focuses on the challenges of climbing but also explores themes of solitude and personal struggle. Aava encounters remnant clues from past climbers and the remnants of an abandoned community, emphasizing the lonely nature of her quest. Yet, the game also surprises with moments of connection, like Aava hearing from a social media manager or a partner updating her on a dying pet.
This duality—a mix of isolation and unexpected reminders of life below—adds depth to Aava’s journey. It raises questions about sacrifice and what it means to pursue determination at the cost of personal connections.
In the end, Cairn isn’t just a climbing game; it’s an exploration of perseverance and human emotion. The beauty of the climb is matched by the weight of the journey.
Cairn is now available on PlayStation 5 and Windows PC, and it’s already generating buzz among gamers looking for a blend of challenge and narrative depth. The blend of survival mechanics with rich storytelling makes it stand out in the gaming landscape. For more insights on survival games and the psychology of gaming, consider checking out resources like the Entertainment Software Association for industry studies and reports.
