A unique game, full of character.

The art style- based on the Ukiyo-e genre of painting - flows beautifully throughout the story, complimenting the smooth gameplay, and cradling the wonderful story it exists to capture. Amaterasu (The playable protagonist), is designed gorgeously, to be both recognisable, and effortlessly dazzling throughout the game.

The gameplay feel is pleasant, and the animations for each individual movement made by the player are smooth, and effortless. The use of brush techniques are interesting.

Every character, from friend to foe, is well designed, and introduced well into the story. Whether the interactions between the protagonist, and fellow characters are especially important for reaching the end of the game or not, the dialogue remains interesting, and encourages you to seek out further interactions. There is a good mixture of comedic characters, and characters who will give natural and realistic responses to what they perceive to just be a normal wolf.

The soundtrack is warm and inviting, and even the smaller areas you have spent a short amount of time traversing do well to stir fond emotion upon your return. The world feels much more expansive with the courageous music following you around across the rolling hills and expansive fields you travel throughout the story.

The story itself is heart-warming. Based around Japanese folklore, and especially the tales of the Goddess Amaterasu, Susanoo, and the serpent Yamata no Orochi, this game promises to pull at your heartstrings with memorable scenery and interactions I have never found in any other game. It is easy to keep up with the characters around you, and even when taking a lengthy break of 4 months, upon my return, it was easy to understand where I had left off and where I needed to go next as far as story goes.

The game, whilst not actually difficult, can sometimes be tricky with understanding and following certain instructions. On a few occasions I needed assistance in understanding my next steps due to the expectation of me having learned certain skills (Which were placed in a position which felt optional, rather than necessary to progress with the story). Learning new brush techniques can sometimes be tricky, as sometimes the brush strokes do not register correctly, and it can leave you wondering what you are doing wrong and trying every other option out of the assumption that your first guess was incorrect, before returning and managing to do. The Switch version of the game I found was much easier to use the brush techniques than the Xbox version, but the Xbox version wasn't impossible to play, just a little more difficult making the correct shapes for the techniques. These criticisms didn't do much to spoil my gameplay experience, however, I can see how they might frustrate others.

One of the prettiest, and most moving games I have played, and also one of my favourite games. I've returned to the game many times just to run across the landscape thanks to how smooth and free the controls feel, and the nostalgic music and scenery. I don't feel it has massive replayability, but returning to it every so often is a great way to destress.