Hauntii Review: An Adventure as Beautiful as It Is Fun

• Developer: Moonloop Games LLC

• Publisher: Firestoke

• Release: May 23rd 2024

• On: Windows

• From: Steam, Game Pass

• Price: TBC

If you're looking for a game that's as much a treat for the eyes as it is for the soul, Hauntii might just be your next obsession. Developed by Moonloop Games and published by Firestoke, this adventure combines puzzling and twin-stick shooting in a way that's as mesmerizing to play as it is to behold. And if you're a fan of Super Mario Odyssey, you'll find a few familiar vibes here too.

The Setup: A Ghost's Journey Through Eternity

Hauntii kicks off with a magical opening that sets the tone for the entire game. You play as a little ghost—Hauntii—who crash lands in a mysterious realm called Eternity. Guided by a ghostly girl, you embark on a journey through various worlds, each one more intriguing than the last, all in an attempt to ascend to the heavenly skies she reaches but you do not.

But don’t worry, Eternity isn't some endless dungeon crawl filled with jump scares. Instead, it’s a collection of beautifully crafted worlds, each split into several stages. The game gently nudges you along light-filled paths, though venturing off the beaten track reveals playgrounds teeming with secrets. Just be careful not to linger too long in the dark, where purple demons and distorted music serve as a reminder that danger is never far away.

Exploration and Progression

The worlds of Hauntii are vast and packed with hidden stars that you need to collect to progress. Much like Super Mario Odyssey, the game encourages you to explore every nook and cranny, offering plenty of side stages and optional challenges to keep you engaged. However, there’s no need to stress about finding every single star—extra zones seem to appear just when you need them, ensuring the game’s pace remains smooth and enjoyable.

The stars themselves are rarely easy to obtain. You’ll often need to solve puzzles using Hauntii’s unique ability to haunt objects by shooting energy orbs at them. Whether it’s taking control of a ladybug to glide between trees or ringing a bell to open up new pathways, the game is constantly challenging you to think creatively.

Combat: A Gentle Yet Satisfying Challenge

When you’re not solving puzzles, Hauntii turns into a twin-stick shooter, where you’ll face off against unfriendly ghosts and other supernatural foes. Combat is never overly difficult, but it’s engaging enough to keep you on your toes. You’ll often need to haunt objects or creatures to gain an advantage in battles, adding a strategic layer to the action.

As you progress, enemies become tougher, and you'll find stations where you can invest your hard-earned stars into constellations. Completing these constellations boosts Hauntii's stats, making you stronger as the game goes on. It's a simple system, but it adds depth to the gameplay and gives you a reason to keep hunting for those elusive stars.

A Visual and Emotional Feast

One of Hauntii's most striking features is its hand-drawn art style, which combines a two-tone palette with a low-frame-rate animation that gives the game a unique, ethereal quality. The world of Eternity is truly a sight to behold, filled with whimsical creatures and beautifully crafted environments that feel like they’ve been plucked straight out of a dream.

But Hauntii isn’t just a visual masterpiece; it’s also a deeply emotional journey. As you complete constellations, you unlock brief but powerful cutscenes that offer glimpses into Hauntii’s past life. These moments, rendered in charming line-drawings, add a poignant layer to the game, making you care even more about the little ghost and his quest for redemption.

Final Thoughts: A Hidden Gem Worth Discovering

Every time I mention Hauntii, I’m met with blank stares and curious Googling. It’s a game that’s flown under the radar, but one that absolutely deserves your attention. From its gorgeous visuals to its clever gameplay mechanics, Hauntii is an adventure that will stay with you long after you’ve put down the controller.

So don’t sleep on this one. Dive into the world of Hauntii and discover an experience that’s as beautiful as it is unforgettable.