Created by IonFX and published in September 2012, Miasmata Torrent PC Download is an explorative fantasy adventure set in the first-person perspective. It is quite different in terms of its mechanics and setting, as it is set on a gorgeous remote island but has a strong sense of isolation.
Gameplay
The gameplay of Miasmata Torrent PC Download mainly consists of exploring the surroundings while observing the vegetation, or the very fauna that suffers from a plague, and developing maps of the island. Players control Robert Hughes, one of the scientists afflicted by the plague, whose main priority throughout the game would be to look for the ingredients for a cure. One of the objectives of the game involves crafting using various plants, so searching around the island becomes a game objective. Mapping in the game is another key aspect and focuses on determining the relative position of individual players as well as the island to create a cohesive image of what the island looks like. This indeed involves a lot of triangulation and the use of landmarks. The feels associated with exploring and mapping become rather compelling, and create an engaging experience. Miasmata has other elements of survival too.
Plot
The story of Miasmata is very simple and is mostly told through the environment and through random pieces of paper and documents scattered around the island. And Robert is a scientist who the players find was looking into the case of a terrible plague that has damaged the area. He has confined himself on the island searching for a solution, however, he is infected, which is only getting worse. The story revolves around Robert attempting to stay alive and finding a cure. The game does not follow the traditional format of cutscenes and dialogues instead they let the surroundings and the player do the storytelling. Emphasis is placed on how cut off Robert feels and the lurking threat of not knowing what is out there as it adds to the whole narrative.
Graphics & Sounds
One of the most impressive aspects of Miasmata is its graphics. We can notice how the island is portrayed. The graphics of the island blend in well, and include voluminous forests, detailed landforms, and migrating weather patterns. And ancient cultures as well as mountains around the island are among the few things that the surrounding areas feature. The artwork as depicted above serves the purpose well, as it captures the mood or provides a feeling of being cut off from the rest of the world. In contrast to what has been said earlier, the aural perspective of Miasmata is striking to say the least. From animals to the sounds of rain, the island is well depicted aurally. And the absence of proper soundtracks enhances the feeling of loneliness. The visuals and the sound effectively complement each other, which in turn contributes to the feeling of immersion.
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Conclusion
Overall Miasmata is a good game aiming for the eerie atmosphere, encouraging players to pay more attention to minute details and to focus on the science behind exploration. It is a game that sticks in the memory owing to the captivating gameplay, set of mechanics, and prohibition of seeing cutscenes. Relying on purely focus on exploration and leaving out a conventional plot may not sit well with all the players. However, for lovers of immersion, discovery, and environment exploration, Miasmata does not disappoint. It is a true reflection of a narrative told through the environment and the world of gaming altogether.
Miasmata PC/System Requirements:
Windows XP / Windows Vista / Windows 7, Processor 2.5 GHz (Single Core) or 2 GHz (Dual Core), 2GB RAM (4 GB recommended), OpenGL 2.0-compatible graphics card with 512 MB RAM, 5GB HDD, Mouse, Keyboard. Compatibility notice: Some visual artifacts may be encountered on ATI cards.