Lumini

Besides the couple of crashes and frame rate issues I ran into, it's a short and sweet little adventure with some beautiful set pieces. Gameplay isn't anything masterful, but it is satisfying dashing through the levels. Also, the species you play as kinda sound like Pikmin, so the game gets bonus points for that. 7/10

I wish there was a "neutral" option for rating Steam games. I adore the titular characters so much. They are precious and must be protected at all costs! But it's the protecting that stresses me out. For a "relaxing" game, trying to get your long column of mostly defenseless critters passed a predator that shakes off your stuns in three seconds is not what I had anticipated. I also didn't know that the purple Lumini can't be regenerated as the other colors can, and this frustrates me. It's also frustrating that there are no hints as to what you are supposed to do. Like why are there three different energy sources and why should I be collecting them? Why are gems significant? It makes it hard to care when I don't have *some* form of guidance here.

However, this game is absolutely gorgeous. It reminds me of the setting in the movie "Annihilation" - it's beautiful in an alien, unsettling sort of way. The soundtrack is just as aesthetically pleasing. As I said, the main characters are perfectly designed and the way they move and flow and interact with their environment is so satisfying. I am also intrigued by the story - I feel like an archaeologist putting together pieces of a puzzle. For these reasons I'm willing to give this game another chance.

So if you are looking for a game with an otherworldly aesthetic and a compelling mystery, this one is for you. But if you want a wholesome, relaxing experience, I would look elsewhere