Manairons Review A Magical 3D Platforming Adventure in the Pyrenees
Manairons developed by JanduSoft and 3Cat presents a 3D action platformer experience which takes players through the mountainous region of the Pyrenees. The story introduces an exciting concept where players must assist Nai in defeating the landowner who has taken control of a charming village. My experience with this genre has been limited but playing through Nai's world demonstrated to me all the content I had previously missed.
The game immediately recommends using a gamepad as it delivers the optimal gaming experience. I connected my wired controller which I had not used for over ten years to my PC and it functioned perfectly. The game lets you play as Nai who represents the exclusive character of the Manairons universe. According to the lore she possesses a direct bond with you the player through her magical essence connection.
The narrative hook is strong. You need to persuade Nai to escape from Llorenc who controls the Manairons through his magical canut. His excessive power leads him to treat his workers as if they are laboring in slavery. The latest command from Lloren made Nai decide to leave the Vilamont village for good.
The gameplay of Manairons combines two primary elements which establish its fundamental design. The game lacks a conventional tutorial system instead the developers introduce players to game mechanics through a gradual immersive process. The initial abilities allow players to perform jumping and crouching actions. The game introduces players to vaulting and climbing skills although I must mention that climbing mechanics sometimes exhibit problems with their operation.
Players use their magical flute as their main tool for performing gameplay activities. The instrument functions as both a weapon and a tool for players to use in gameplay. The player uses it to interact with objects and the combination of visual effects and musical notes produced by it creates an enjoyable experience. The game introduces dodging and blocking mechanics when players face their first encounter with evil Manairons. The system functions as a compact and organized structure which prevents players from becoming overwhelmed by excessive keybinding demands.
The developers scattered various objects across the map which forces players to search for hidden items while using critical thinking skills to discover collectibles that exist outside the main story. The inventory system maintains tracking of your collected items and the songs you have recorded on your flute. Players need these songs for environmental puzzle solving and enemy defeat throughout different game stages.
Players will encounter difficult puzzles which include circuit based challenges that require them to manage multiple battery circuits before they can operate the main switch. New players should focus their attention on colors and patterns because those elements will determine their success in completing the game.
The game also features a basic health system. Players face danger from every direction because enemies battle against them while spikes and terrorizing mouse traps (which always managed to catch me) stayed hidden throughout the game. The save system provides players with an easygoing experience. At checkpoints after major puzzles, Nai sits in a lounge chair to save the game and restore full health.
The graphics and atmosphere are, simply put, second to none. The world presents a stunning appearance because it enables you to traverse the entire screen while solving puzzles through its extensive depth of field. The developer has created an exceptional map environment through his work because the map features cobwebs and shadows and props which create an immersive fantasy experience.
The jump indicator functioned as a quality of life element which I found to be beneficial. Nai creates a circle which appears beneath her when she jumps to show where she will land making it easier for players to platform with accuracy.
The story serves as a connection bridge which unites all the various parts of the journey. For example, you meet Pere Mas, a disgruntled chicken farmer. The player must assist Pere Mas in his henhouse task before he sends Nai to the village. These narrative threads are intertwined perfectly throughout the adventure.
The music suits the environment while the sound effects maintain a realistic quality. The sounds of everything in this fantasy world are sized according to the dimensions of its objects and characters which creates a believable atmosphere. The mouse trap snap sounds function as powerful audio signals which create suspenseful moments.
Pros
- Beautiful Atmosphere: The game combines top tier graphics with environmental details that include shadows and cobwebs to create an excellent visual experience.
- Smart Mechanics: The landing circle helps players jump with better accuracy during platforming tasks.
- The game introduces new mechanics to players at a gradual pace through its engaging gameplay system. Puzzles and bosses like the metal rooster exist as important elements which advance the story.
- Sound Design: Fitting music and realistic sound effects.
Cons
- Camera Controls: You cannot move the camera to look above you, which makes some complex vertical levels difficult.
- Finicky Climbing: The climbing mechanics can occasionally feel imprecise.
- The puzzles become difficult because players need to experience multiple failures before achieving success.
Manairons stands as an exceptional 3D action platformer in the gaming industry. Even if this isn't your go to genre, it is a must play experience. The game presents a cozy atmosphere which players can enjoy. The player experiences a frustrating journey after falling 20 times on one puzzle but he finds happiness when he solves it.
Pc Version Tested.
Disclosure: We received a free review copy of this product from Devs
