Track of Nunu: A League of Legends Story

The expanded universe of Legend of Legends simply bought somewhat greater right this moment with The Track of Nunu. 

Developed by Tequila Works and printed by Riot Forge, Track of Nunu: A League of Legends Story is the fifth League of Legends expanded universe standalone sport. It’s the third Riot Forge title launched this 12 months, following on the heels and success of The Mageseeker: A League of Legends Story and CONV/RGENCE: A League of Legends Story in April and Might, respectively. 

Track of Nunu places you into the sneakers and paws of League of Legends’ friendliest duo, Nunu, and his finest pal and the final residing Yeti, Willump. The 2 do all the things collectively, with Nunu utilizing his creativeness to spin tales of journey to Willump. 

However right this moment, that journey is actual. 

We should be a part of Nunu and Willump as they enterprise throughout the treacherous Freljord in quest of Nunu’s mom, Layka, and one thing she known as the Coronary heart of the Blue.

World’s Mightiest Musical Instrument

Nunu’s specialty is his magical flute, Svellsongur. Utilizing this flute, Nunu can play 4 completely different music notes to open doorways and passageways, attraction creatures to make use of as platforms, and convey out the ability of magic ice, often known as True Ice, that you will discover all through Freljord. Nunu might want to play these notes individually or generally together. 

I truly assume Track of Nunu may’ve gone deeper into Nunu’s use of Svellsongur. Whereas it is attainable to play all 4 music notes directly, you’ll seldom must play greater than a mix of two notes at a time. If Tequila Works did not need to go down this route within the story, I might’ve been okay with tougher musical goals for hidden unlockables. However given how quick the sport is, I can perceive there solely being time for one hidden track to find. 

The sport’s ending does depart loads of room open for extra Nunu and Willump adventures, so if Tequila Works wished to up the ante in a future installment, I would not complain about it.  

The Energy of Friendship versus Freljord

Whereas Willump could also be a mighty Yeti who does the heavy lifting (Actually), he and Nunu are a staff and work finest collectively. 

With the powers of platforming, snowballs, musical notes, and Yeti claws, the 2 should work collectively to traverse treacherous terrain, remedy numerous puzzles and defeat enemies. As you get additional into the sport, you may want to mix as much as a number of of Track of Nunu’s primary sport mechanics collectively to progress by way of sure sections. 

Alongside the best way, you should utilize all the things to uncover hidden Yeti murals, assist unhappy Poros, and discover the stanzas of a track left behind by Nunu’s mom. 

Willump is the Bestest Boy

Companions in lots of video games, even in current-gen titles, are fairly inconsistent relating to high quality. We have all in all probability performed video games the place your companions are glorified knapsacks. They comply with you want Brahmin and solely come to life while you work together with them. 

Willump just isn’t like this. 

Willump will chase after butterflies and get annoyed when one lands on his nostril, however he cannot catch it. He’ll snatch a fish out of the closest physique of water or seize berries off a close-by fruit tree or bush and pop them in his mouth for a snack. He yawns and sneezes. He’ll scratch his again utilizing a wall. When you’re busy determining a puzzle, Willump may plop down and take a relaxation. 

Willump will generally make snow figures or paint on partitions. Willump loves snowball fights with Nunu most however will go off and begin (One-sided) snowball fights with random creatures. Willump looks like an precise residing companion and never simply an extension of the participant.

Willump’s AI can be nice. Since Willump and Nunu rely closely upon one another to resolve puzzles, it might be troublesome if Willump wasn’t an clever Yeti. Fortunately for us, he’s. 

When you’re having hassle along with your present goal, take a look at Willump. He’ll typically level at an object that may provide help to or imitate Nunu enjoying his flute to point you have to escape Svellsongur and play some notes. After I wanted Willump to do one thing on his personal so we may progress, I by no means had any points with him. 

Oh, and did I point out you’ll be able to hug Willump? 

You’ll be able to hug Willump. 

Paws to the Wall

As you’d anticipate from a duo of an 8-year-old flute participant and a Yeti, Willump handles many of the combating. And struggle, he does. 

Gamers acquainted with video games like Risen or Elex will get a fast grasp on the fight in Track of Nunu (Although the fight right here is much much less brutal, in fact). Simply await an enemy to assault, dodge, do a combo, then repeat till they go down. 

Willump has mild and powerful assaults and might seamlessly mix the 2 for quite a few combos. He can even do a ground-pound assault that additionally features as a dodge. Some enemies require Willump to make use of sturdy assaults to interrupt their guard first earlier than he can do injury. Different enemies will defend their allies, and you will need to cope with them first.

Nunu just isn’t ineffective in fight. Nunu can launch snowballs at enemies to get their consideration and goad them into attacking. Because of Willump’s powers over True Ice, Nunu can even throw ice balls and enemies that briefly freeze them in place.

To remain alive, Willump can bounce or facet sprint out of the best way of enemy assaults. After depleting an enemy’s well being bar, Willump, and Nunu can end them off with considered one of their many finisher strikes. If Willump’s well being is getting low, use as many finishers as you’ll be able to, as finishers restore his well being. Willump additionally can’t take injury whereas doing a finisher. 

Restricted Fight however in a Good Manner

Track of Nunu just isn’t like typical action-adventure/platformer video games the place you’ll be able to encounter enemies wherever within the sport world. Track of Nunu solely has Area-style mob battles and boss battles. 

Most mob battles, even the fight tutorial, are gauntlets of a number of waves of enemies. Since Tequila Works spaced them out, these gauntlets by no means get tedious. It is an issue in lots of video games that love throwing gauntlets at you (I am taking a look at you, Prince of Persia: Sands of Time), so I am joyful Tequila Works did not make that mistake. 

The boss battles are few in Track of Nunu, however all stand aside from the others. League of Legends followers shall be happy with some particular visitor appearances by some iconic League of Legends champions, not simply as allies however as enemies, too. 

My solely actual criticism with the fight is that the ultimate boss battle is longer than I might’ve appreciated. The fight mechanics in Track of Nunu’s boss battles do not change, which is okay since most are comparatively quick. However the ultimate boss struggle has the least number of any boss struggle within the sport, and it goes on the longest. It is a worthy game-ending showdown, however not the excessive notice it may’ve been.

Track of Nunu: A Easy however Thrilling Story

Track of Nunu is a healthful and simple coming-into-oneself story of a boy who at all times dreamt of being a hero and really changing into one. There may be energy inside Nunu, however it takes somewhat encouragement from a number of mates and his mom for Nunu to understand how sturdy he actually is. 

As Nunu and Willump inch nearer to their final objective and the stakes get increased, Nunu should rise above his fears, not only for himself however presumably all of Frelijord. 

A Story of Two Pals

Nunu and Willump are two loners with out their individuals, and the sport does not draw back from reminding you of that once in a while. However what Track of Nunu does much more is remind you that these two guys are finest mates. Even when issues get harmful, that does not cease Nunu and Willump from having enjoyable. 

The very best illustration of their friendship is what introduced the 2 collectively within the first place: a snowball struggle. 

There are a number of “official” snowball fights Nunu can have with Willump, however you’ll be able to have unofficial snowball fights with Willump at any time. And no, there is no “level” in doing this or achievement to unlock. You do it as a result of Nunu and Willump are mates, and it is enjoyable.

On the finish of the day, Track of Nunu is a narrative of two finest mates happening a grand journey collectively, and it doesn’t matter what Freljord throws at them, their friendship by no means wavers, and the enjoyable by no means ends. 

Track of Nunu: A League of Legends Story – 8/10

Track of Nunu is fairly quick, however that is okay. It is simply the appropriate size and one thing you’ll be able to end in a weekend. It is splendidly charming, and performs out like a Disney film. Apart from a number of notable exceptions, just like the endgame areas, which look deliberately bleak, nearly all of the sport’s environments are diverse and delightful. Freljord is meant to be this brutal and unforgiving place, however you could possibly’ve fooled me after enjoying this sport.

I by no means discovered something overly difficult, however the sport does not outright maintain your hand, both. There is a wholesome steadiness of platforming, puzzles, and fight, and even a cool stealth degree in the direction of the tip of the sport. Nunu might need a future as a Splinter Cell. 

Nice for the children, nice for the adults, and nice for the adults who’re children at coronary heart. It is a welcome addition to the expanded League of Legends universe and a very good pickup for any LoL fanatic. The Track of Nunu is certainly price listening to. I give it 8 joyful Poros out of 10.