The Way Remastered

“Without death, life loses its meaning”

The Way Remastered on Nintendo Switch

If you haven’t already – please see my blog post The Way. It pretty much sums up what drew me to this title in the first place. Short answer: The Way Remastered is a very memorable, challenging, and immersive title that the mature Nintendo Switch gamer should try.

This game is a re-release but is more accessible than ever on the Nintendo Switch. I try to avoid reading up on games at all before I play them because I thoroughly enjoy going into the unknown and taking in the full experience – for this reason I write my own reviews with little detail about the plot, story, characters, etc. I certainly avoid spoilers at all costs.

Getting straight to it – from a story perspective this is where the game shines. The story is unique and engaging from the very beginning and filled with LOTS of symbology shrouded in mystery. No, it’s not a mystery game – but filled with mysterious ways. The story is the main driver here, but coming in a very close second is the art-work tying with the musical score.

The art is absolutely, positively, phenomenal. There are so many little details that can be found that add consistency to the theme. The overall mechanics of the game embed key functions and hints in the backdrops – so pay attention! Take your time through this side-scrolling action-adventure game and enjoy the celestial road-trip of vivid colors and detailed environments.

What would a good road-trip be without great music? Oh man, the music… the music is so good you almost don’t even notice it the way it ties into the art and the story. Talk about a trinity of sensory impressiveness. Speaking of trinity and threes, there is a reoccurring theme through-out the game building off the triangle. The story, the art, and the music is just the beginning of the trinity pattern.

“The sound and music are 50% of the entertainment in a movie.”

George Lucas – source unknown

As you progress through this impeccable journey, you will be faced with dying and trial-and-error. However, the skilled gamer will pick-up on subtle hints and solutions to problems if memory is strong and senses are keen. Certain phases require excellent timing and reaction – where the majority of puzzles are a quest in their own right. You will have to sit, think, and work it out mentally creating new neuro-pathways. Each phase of obstacles is adversarial and extremely rewarding (especially if you don’t cheat!)

It is hard to delve into any more detail because the contrast throughout the art, music, and story play pivotal roles in experiencing this game the right way. Just as a final-note, one of my key indicators for any well executed game is the controls. Let me just say that the controls are spot on. They are tight, responsive, and consistent. Yes – the game is frustrating in the sense of challenging puzzles and obstacles – however – it is not because of the controls. There are sequences where the game excels and really displays just how tightly-programmed the character movement is.

Overall – a prime-time experience for the thinker and mature gamer. Between the heavy philosophical story to the phenomenal controls, The Way Remastered is an experience filled with vivid art and sublime music that you will not forget anytime soon.