Trek to Yomi is a side-scrolling action game that was released in May 2022. Trek to Yomi was developed by Flying Wild Hog and published by Revolver Productions. Playstation released a gameplay trailer five months ago for the PS4 and PS5, showcasing striking visuals, graceful music, and cathartic combat. Trek to Yomi has an average playtime of around five hours, with the developing team at Flying Wild Hog preferring a high standard of gameplay. So let's take a look into what Trek to Yomi is all about.
Trek to Yomi is based in Japan and set in the Edo Period in warring, feudal times. The story centers around Hiroki, a brave young samurai set on vengeance after the destruction of his village and the death of his sensei. Trek to Yomi will see Hiroki face his fears, strengthen his resolve, adhere to his duty, and honour his promise to his sensei. The maturation of Hiroki's character will no doubt be a visible element that the player will observe as the game moves forward.
A predominant factor in Trek to Yomi's appeal is it's striking visuals and unique aesthetic. Trek to Yomi is produced with a highly stylised, black-and-white palette in Unreal Engine 4. This stylistic choice pays homage to the samurai feature films in the 1950s and 60s by Akira Kurosawa: such as The Seven Samurai (1954) and Yojimbo (1961). The grainy, black-and-white aesthetic mimics the monochromatic 35mm film that Kurosawa used to achieve his bold, dynamic style. Trek to Yomi will undoubtably celebrate typical Kurosawa tropes such as static wide angle shots, exaggerated violence, and psychologically and physically scarred warriors, to name a few. Striking visuals and dynamic camera angles will create a cinematic experience for the gamer.
The gameplay trailer of Trek to Yomi featured mellifluous Japanese music and memorable scores. Flying Wild Hog sourced extremely rare Japanese instruments for the recordings. The unique, 'buzzing' sound of the shamisen and the thundering sound of the taiko drums, imbue the trailer with suspense. Authenticity is a stressed element in Trek to Yomi, from the design of Shinto shrines, to the way a kimono is tied, or to how a katana is hung up on a wall. A great deal of the detail was accessed from the impressive exhibits at the Edo Museum in Tokyo. Trek to Yomi will supply an authentic insight into Japanese culture and religious practices prevalent in the Edo Period.
Trek to Yomi incorporates real moves from Kenjutsu; including the stances, strikes, and stepping. Yet another element of authenticity to Japanese culture and history that Flying Wild Hog pushed for. The gore is obviously very hyperbolic, yet another well-known Kurosawa trope. These macabre displays of extreme violence will provide gut-wrenching and cathartic moments.
Gameplay will likely involve traversing burning ruins, vast forests, winding footpaths, and elegant shrines. The 2.5D environment will introduce a depth of movement as you navigate through large villages, multi-tiered pagodas, and dojos. The static, long shot scenes in Trek to Yomi mirror the horizontal, wide angle, long shots that Kurosawa favoured. The choice of lateral and dynamic movement in a 2D and a 2.5D environment will provide a freeing, explorative experience.
The Trek to Yomi trailer boasts striking visuals, visceral combat, authentic environments, and euphonious scores. Although the playtime is short, I am expecting a thrilling plot and a cinematic experience. I very much look forward to playing this samurai-slasher, revenge tale.
By Lucas Daniel Barker, a niché gamer with a passion for games with visceral combat, thrilling gameplay, aesthetic environments, well-developed characters, and complex story plots. 12/7/22
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