Harmony: The Fall of Reverie
is a 2D narrative game
developed and published by Don’t Nod.
You play as Polly, a young woman
on a quest to find her missing mother.
Upon returning to your hometown,
Polly uncovers her clairvoyant abilities,
granting her a profound connection
to the realm of Reverie,
where she assumes the role of Harmony.
Guided by the wisdom of six
ancient beings called Aspirations,
Polly will shape the fate of her community
and face pivotal decisions
that leave an indelible impact
on both worlds.
Don’t Nod has established a reputation
for developing
captivating games that excel
in storytelling, where player choices
hold significant weight, and Harmony:
The Fall of Reverie is no exception.
This title offers
a compelling allure, as the major choices
you make have a profound impact
on the storyline, leading you down
immersive narrative paths.
Once a decision is made,
there is no turning back without replaying
the game.
Will you collaborate with unfamiliar
allies to overcome a shared adversary,
or will you opt for a spontaneous change
in strategy?
The concept of freedom or the illusion
thereof is an integral
and enjoyable aspect of this game,
serving as its core strength,
and I loved how the plot unfolded
in my initial playthrough.
This game offers a highly engaging
narrative experience complemented
by outstanding voice
acting that enhances the storytelling.
The semi-3D backgrounds
exhibit unique styles and effectively
contribute to the connection
with the Aspirations and other characters.
While there is limited variation
in character models and their positioning,
resulting in some repeated clothing
and physical stances that may not align
perfectly with the dialogue’s intent, I
personally found these aspects tolerable.
However, I understand that
some players may find them frustrating.
Overall, the game succeeds in delivering
an immersive narrative with its own
distinctive charm.
In terms of gameplay,
the interactive elements in the title
are somewhat limited.
Player interaction mostly occurs
when advancing through dialogues
and making choices,
which are presented in a menu format.
Each branching decision offers
essential information,
including the overall choice,
any prerequisites,
and whether the final decision can be made
based on crystals
earned through previous choices
associated with aspirations.
Without an adequate amount of crystals, the node will remain locked and inaccessible during the playthrough.
Certain narrative
branches may be concealed, while
others are completely locked, depending
on the progression of the storyline.
I enjoyed this aspect, as it encourages
multiple
playthroughs and keeps players
engaged in the storytelling process.
Harmony: The Fall of Reverie stays true
to Don’t Nod’s successful formula,
offering a captivating story-driven
adventure set in a vibrant world
populated by well-crafted
and intriguing characters.
It differs from the Life is Strange series
in terms of player agency,
with limited control over the protagonist
and a heavier reliance on reading,
which some players may find less
appealing.
However, personally,
I loved every bit of it.
I had high expectations
for a compelling narrative experience,
and I emerged thoroughly impressed
and somewhat saddened
that I completed the game, as I wanted
more.