Review - Cairn

Nikolas Tolgyesi
4 hours ago
5 min read

Developer: The Game Bakers

Publisher: The Game Bakers

Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC

Reviewed on: PlayStation 5

Have you ever played a game dedicated solely to climbing? I sure have not. What a unique experience. That being said, you know those games that leave you torn on how to feel once you complete them? My brain feels like it has been torn in half right down the middle, and there is a stalemate situation going on between the two sides. At the beginning, I absolutely was not feeling this title, but by the end, I had warmed up to the adventure quite a bit. However, there were still a number of kinks that left me on the fence. Before I invite you into the theater to view my thoughts, I want to make sure you know what the game is actually about.

In Cairn, you are Aava, a well-experienced mountaineer who has set out to conquer Mount Kami. Considered a death sentence, Aava will have to conquer not only the mountain but also the hazardous weather and personal risks that come with it. In the beginning, players will climb smaller mountains to reach the base of the big kahuna, where the real adventure will soon unfold. With that, let’s get into my experience.

That Art Style, Though

Before the nitty-gritty, I wanted to make sure I highlighted how incredibly well done the art style was in Cairn. I know there is a risk whenever launching a game with a cartoon-like tone. But that was not a problem here, as it turned out to be a masterpiece. From the breathtaking views when looking out during the ascent to the way the rock and ice design calms you during what can very quickly become a deadly embarkation. Despite having hints of cartoon-esque accents, the detail was vivid and all the more astonishing. I also want to note the choice of music, which perfectly fits this adventure. The tranquil tone of the playlist really speaks to how Aava feels and continues to try to feel throughout the story. I also couldn’t help but be wowed by the loading screens. Each time you launch your save file, you are greeted with what can only be described as immaculate scenes of Aava in different stunning locations. Because there are multiple illustrations, each launch provides a brand-new opportunity to be left in awe even before you begin your trek. With that, let us now unpack my internal conflict regarding Cairn.

A Game About Climbing, And Not Much Else

Let’s dive right into the fire. Cairn focuses on climbing and what I feel is sidelining the emotional struggle attached to such an endeavor. There is absolutely no way you set out to climb what I can only imagine is one of the biggest mountains in existence in the eyes of the protagonist without experiencing a rollercoaster of internal feelings and thoughts throughout said journey. There was a wicked possibility to create a story that would leave the player in tears and on the edge of their seat at the same time, which was stepped right over. The game could have dug into the emotions of Aava, linking how she feels, maybe with her experiences from her youth. Maybe she had a close call and was questioning her abilities much more than she did. She could have found the drive to continue from the memory of a family member who believed in her when no one else would. Reaching the peak of Mount Kami undoubtedly changed her forever. I cannot help but feel like there could have been some incredible cutscenes to make that connection interlaced with the beautiful use of color changing to communicate emotion in the later stages of the game.

The Struggles Started Early

Within about 30 minutes of playing, it’s night. I have not even reached the top of my first mountain, and it is pitch dark. I still haven’t figured out which button is used for climbing, and my screen has already gone dark. Now I am left to guess where the next foothold is with instincts I have yet to develop. New players desperately need more daylight to get familiar with game mechanics.

On the subject of mechanics, I cannot remember the last day I could put my leg above my head, let alone while on the side of a cliff. The reason this is significant is that during the hike, while you are trying to place your foot, it can suddenly go wonky and move to a height gymnasts seldom achieve. At times, the pre-selected limb assigned for next use can be illogical, and when you only have a few seconds to decide, the frustration comes on quickly.

As if the uncertainty wasn’t problematic enough, remember you also have to forage for food and water to survive. This would have been alright if I was warned ahead of time. But at no point in the tutorial at the beginning of the game was food mentioned even once. There I was, cozy on my cliff, all of a sudden blacking out with no warning except a little icon under my health bar I knew nothing about. All I ask is that you let me know that I would be battling nature in addition to everything else.

My final point of internal struggle is the speed at which Aava becomes fatigued. Oftentimes, you have less than 3 seconds to decide where to cling to next. Even American football quarterbacks have more time. I would have loved to see a way to upgrade that timeframe, maybe through a stat menu, as it would also be believable that experience climbing Kami provides more familiarity and comfort.

The Higher I Climbed, the More the Story Emerged

I absolutely loved that by the end, you felt a piece of the emotion Aava felt. Right before the final leg of the trip, you find yourself face-to-face with what turns out to be a former climber stuck in his head about his own failed attempt at conquering the Goliath. After befriending him and hearing his tale, he tries to dissuade you from continuing, citing all that have tried, have failed. The weight of his words really makes you stop to think about the decision to continue. The final stretch of the ascent really tugs at your heartstrings as each step almost brings you to your knees, as you are riddled with exhaustion, loss, and what I can only assume is frostbite and possible hypothermia. You can actually feel the elation and determination through the screen as the expedition to the summit comes to a close. What a way to end the game.

Climbing to a Victory!

The battle was real in my control center related to Cairn. But before anyone goes thinking this review was one long rant, I did complete the game within 3 days of receiving it. That alone highlights the replay value. My feedback is only here to hopefully be taken into consideration should the developers welcome it. If not, however, I completely understand, as I am just one voice after all. Completing Cairn was a very unique challenge, and anyone looking to experience a climber bonded by a struggle of survival, all wrapped up in an ending that will leave even the most hardened gamer thirsty for more, needs to give this one a try.