Europa (2024)

Even though Europa didn’t turn out to be what I’d hoped for, it’s still worth your time if you’re looking for a completely casual experience. I think I was lead astray by the trailers, which make it look more curious and puzzle-centered than it actually is. I was expecting something more along the lines of Omno or RiME, but what we got was something more akin to a Journey knock-off. It’s not bad by any means, just not quite what I was hoping for.

Europa isn’t quite the boundless adventure that I was expecting. The joyful aerial exploration is held back by portions of lead-heavy ground traversal, slowing the gameplay to a crawl and sapping enjoyment from the experience. The visuals are striking at a distance but fail to hold up to closer scrutiny, making the decision not to make the game an entirely fly-by experience all the more baffling. Underpinned by a meaningful message that’s delivered with real heart, and boasting an incredibly powerful soundtrack, Europa, sadly, feels like an agonising near-miss.

Europa's lovely sights pop on Switch with gorgeous environments and animation but its barebones gameplay becomes rather tedious. 🌝

Europa is a title that stands out for its visually relaxing approach, managing to create an atmosphere reminiscent of the best works of Studio Ghibli. Its light and accessible gameplay, coupled with a thoughtful narrative, makes it perfect for those seeking a contemplative and pressure-free experience. Europa is a journey of exploration that enchants, but may not completely satisfy those who want something innovative and non-derivative.

Europa is a cinematic puzzle platform game inspired by the Studio Ghibli films which delivers an atmospheric and meditative experience. Even though it’s a relatively short visit to the moon of Jupiter, it’s a welcome escape from every day life.