Game Info
GAME NAME: Tengami
DEVELOPER(S): Nyamyam
PUBLISHER(S): Nyamyam
PLATFORM(S): Nintendo Wii U
GENRE(S): Puzzle
RELEASE DATE(S): November 13th, 2014
One game that was on my radar since the first time I laid eyes on it was Tengami from Nyamyam. I love niche art styles and the pop-up book flare really hits the spot on this indie title. Also the fact that it comes from 3 ex-Rare employees had me super excited since Rare was one of my favorite developers through the 90’s and early 2000’s.
The story of Tengami unfolds as a samurai looking character sees the leaves die on a cherry blossom tree. From here, there isn’t too much about the story except a few haiku poems. As you progress through the storybook, you will encounter puzzles through different methods using the touchscreen on the Wii U Gamepad.
Tengami is controlled strictly through use of the touchscreen. You tap on the places you want the hero to go and it will then place a marker where he will end. If you find hidden Miiverse stamps, walking by them will acquire them for you and then can post to the Miiverse if desired. A white light will signify a place of interest, tapping to land on one will bring up an area on the left or right of the screen to swipe which will flip the page of the pop-up book. I would have liked some controller options but the touchscreen works perfectly. From this it makes the experience completely off screen and making the TV just for observers.
The game takes place over 3 levels that all have their unique puzzles and different environments. The puzzles range anywhere from tapping bells in a certain order or memorizing how many of a certain symbol you have seen in strategically placed areas. This may sound vague, but figuring out the puzzles is the fun of the game and I want this review to remain spoiler free.
The art style and graphics of Tengami is definitely a selling point. The beautifully crafted worlds that take place within a pop-up book look gorgeous on the Wii U and really add to the style Nyamyam was trying to achieve. The music is spot on in Tengami and going into the title I had no clue who composed the music. By the third area I knew exactly who it was, one of my all time favorites, David Wise. Just like he does with the Donkey Kong Country franchise, he absolutely enhances the experience with his music that is perfectly blended with the gameplay.
The Recommendation
Even though I beat the game in an hour and forty-one minutes, this was a trip absolutely worth taking. You will be wanting more after you have finished and will find yourself going through for round two. I would have liked more content, but that doesn’t detract from the fact that this is a beautifully crafted and refreshing game that Nyamyam along with the help of the music by David Wise have put together. Any fan of puzzle games and niche titles should make this purchase right away. This has a great foundation and I would love to see more in the future from this indie studio.
