Cairn: a mountaineering simulator that tests your planning
The studio The Game Bakers is behind Cairn, an adventure where you take control of Aava, a climber who faces the most hostile summits. 🧗♀️ The core of the game revolves around planning every move and managing a scarce inventory to survive in a relentless environment.
Reception by critics and the community
Ratings on aggregator platforms like Metacritic remain at a solid 83-84%, while on Steam users give it an even higher score, nearing 93%. Reviews praise its immersive setting, the soundtrack, and the deep system for managing equipment. However, issues optimizing performance have been reported even on computers with powerful hardware.
Aspects most highlighted by analysts:- High and consistent scores in professional reviews.
- "Very positive" rating from players on Steam.
- Occasional performance issues with high-end graphics cards.
"Sometimes, the greatest danger on the mountain isn't a crevasse, but a dialog box asking if you really want to use your last bandage."
The heart of the game: meticulous management and survival
The gameplay prioritizes making strategic decisions constantly. You must evaluate the terrain, calculate the risks of each ascent, and precisely ration supplies like water, medications, and technical gear. Each attempt requires adapting your plan to weather and environmental conditions, generating a very characteristic methodical tension.
Key survival elements:- Analyze and plan the climbing route before each move.
- Manage limited resources like water, food, and first-aid kit.
- Adapt the strategy to the mountain's dynamic changes.
An experience that goes beyond climbing
Cairn establishes itself as an atmospheric mountaineering simulator that transcends simple action. Its success lies in how it conveys the weight of every decision, where a miscalculation can be fatal. Although some technical issues with performance persist, the overall experience it offers is intense and rewarding for those seeking a cerebral and management challenge. 🏔️