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Armed only with a bow and arrow, Dani explores a surreal fantasy world in Blacktail – and is not only impressed by the graphics.
I’ve loved open-world games ever since I first scampered, jumped and climbed my way through Assassin’s Creed and co. The idea of exploring a virtual world full of secrets and dangers at my own pace has always fascinated and inspired me.
However, a certain routine is slowly setting in – especially in the triple-A sector.The worlds are becoming more and more visually impressive, but not necessarily more creative. Comfort, stories, tasks – everything follows a certain standard and tends to repeat itself.
At least for the really big ones. Because Steam in particular is full of inconspicuous, tiny open-world games that secretly create a little paradise. This is also true of Blacktail, which brings back open-world magic with a lot of wit and charm that I may have last experienced in a Skyrim.
And because it is currently on Steam also stillreduced by 70 percent (until January 24), I’m taking the chance to pack you in my backpack and take you with me on this unusual journey.
I’m a wicked witch… right?
Blacktail is paradoxical At first glance, the open world is actually not particularly special. But for a small game, it looks very chic: glistening light gently caresses densely leafy branches and reflects in streams overgrown with water lilies.
I walk past flowers through lush green grass, marvel at sparkling gems in dark caves or carefully sneak through a foggy swamp, from which a rotten witch’s hut grows like a crude, crooked tree.
As a young girl named Yaga, searching for her lost sister, I explore the forest and defend myself with a bow and arrow. And anyone familiar with Slavic mythology already knows that it gets exciting here: I am Baba Yaga herself , an evil witch who is said to devour children, but can also appear as a kind herbalist. The character is just as ambivalent as everything else I encounter in the world of Blacktail a little later.
And here it suddenly becomes magical Instead of just relying on pretty landscapes, the developers tickle an incredible amount out of their world. It is packed with surprises, mysterious encounters and dubious finds.
Once I shoot a pulsating plant oozing slime, which Yaga promptly comments on with a sad, “I could have saved it too. Inside was a bird that I could have saved if I had been more careful.”
Elsewhere, I discover a beehive in a tree. “Shoot it down!” whispers a mysterious voice in my ear. But this time, I look around carefully and find a vase in which I put a flower. The bees buzz around me gratefully, leaving some honey with which I can improve my arrows later.
Elsewhere, I notice a small, dark creature with glowing eyes perched on a branch, watching me. I hesitate, but then bring it down with an arrow, which gives me a clue for the next quest – and an indignant comment that someone (or something) does not approve of my actions.
The world of Blacktail constantly asks me exciting questionsand wants to permanently lead me astray until I no longer know myself what is right and what is wrong.
Disney meets Dark Fantasy
The morality system seems simple – depending on whether I do good or evil, different powers, potions or options are available to me.However, nothing is ever as it seems at first glance. Mushroom creatures, for example, want me to slay a dragon for them. Only then will they help me repair the bridge that will take me closer to my missing sister.
These weirdos laugh and flirt with me, but something feels off and sends a chill down my spine. Another mushroom helps to further this seed of doubt. There is no such thing as a dragon, only an idea. Evil is something else entirely.Should I set a trap for the mushrooms? Will that affect my morality negatively?Is the story manipulating me in such a way that I will actually become Baba Yaga in the end?
Most games place a great deal of emphasis on making sure I can clearly see what is happening. I should understand what a certain action leads to or how a character perceives my reaction. Everything is under my control.
Blacktail doesn’t feel that way. On the contrary: The more I play, the less I understand and the more I become a pawn of others who seem to know who I am – or want to make me into someone I’m not.
This makes me walk through the game world quite differently. I am suddenly skeptical, more critical, but also incredibly curious because I don’t know what to expect.Like a child, I want to try everythingand let myself be guided by my imagination.
Open-world fun with a few obstacles
Blacktail is very minimalistic to play: I shoot with my bow, craft special arrows, use spells. Over time, new abilities are added, such as a broom that distracts my opponents from me and throws them back so that I can heal myself in between.
Enemies can be eliminated with a few well-aimed shots, but direct combat with many opponents is much less elegant and fluid. However, such situations and especially boss fights are relatively rare in the game –The main focus remains on exploring the unique fantasy world.
The (English) voiceover and sound design create a dense, sometimes even threatening atmosphere that makes the story even more thrilling – even though it develops only at a leisurely pace and the quest design is rather spartan.
If you want a glossy open-world game full of comfort and polished mechanics, you won’t be happy here. But story fans and explorers will get their money’s worth for just nine bucks. The regular price of around 30 is a bit steep for the 10 to 15 hours of gameplay, but the next Steam sale is sure to come.
