In Two Falls (Nishu Takuatshina), Unreliable Narrators presents an emotionally charged narrative adventure that immerses players in the intersecting lives of two characters navigating the Canadian wilderness of the 17th century. With its thoughtful storytelling, stunning landscapes, and cultural depth, this game is a unique gem in the indie gaming world.

Story and Characters

The game follows two protagonists: Jeanne, a French woman who survives a catastrophic shipwreck, and Maikan, a young Innu hunter investigating disturbances in his ancestral lands. Their stories unfold in parallel, offering a glimpse into contrasting cultures and perspectives on life. Player choices influence their character arcs, interactions, and how events unfold, making each decision feel impactful.

Jeanne's journey is one of survival and faith as she braves the wilderness to find safety. Meanwhile, Maikan's story is deeply rooted in tradition and spirituality, as he confronts the unknown forces threatening his people. These dual narratives are complemented by a rich cast of supporting characters, including a lovable canine companion, and deliver a deeply immersive experience.

Gameplay and Mechanics

Inspired by narrative-driven classics like Firewatch and What Remains of Edith Finch, Two Falls employs a first-person perspective with gameplay focused on exploration and detective-like scene inspections. The game's pace is deliberate, occasionally bordering on slow due to extensive walking, but this aligns well with its introspective tone.

The game also features a codex, which provides fascinating historical insights into the flora, fauna, and folklore of the period. This feature not only enhances the storytelling but also grounds the experience in its historical and cultural context.

My Playthrough, gameplay:

Visuals and Audio

The visuals, crafted in Unreal Engine 5, are striking, though not groundbreaking. The game's environments capture the beauty of 17th century Canada with impressive detail, and character models are well-done, though not the most polished in the genre.

Where Two Falls truly shines is in its sound design. The soundtrack, created by Indigenous artists, is calming and immersive, perfectly complementing the narrative. The voice acting deserves special mention for its authenticity and emotional depth, drawing players further into the game's world. At times, the experience felt reminiscent of Firewatch, especially in how dialogue was delivered with a natural and engaging flow.

Technical Performance

While the game offers a rich and rewarding experience, it is not without its flaws. During my playthrough, I encountered a few bugs, such as a companion character getting stuck and needing to restart the game. There were also occasional FPS drops that slightly disrupted the immersion. These issues are noticeable but do not overshadow the overall quality of the game.

Cultural Representation

What elevates Two Falls above many narrative-driven games is its dedication to cultural authenticity. The developers collaborated closely with Indigenous advisors and creatives throughout the five-year development process. This ensures that the game not only tells a compelling story but does so with respect and accuracy. The inclusion of Indigenous traditions, music, and folklore feels genuine and adds a layer of depth rarely seen in games.

Replayability and Value

For its price point of around $20, Two Falls offers significant replayability. The impact of player decisions makes subsequent playthroughs enticing, as new choices reveal fresh perspectives and outcomes. While the story is relatively brief, the emotional weight and narrative depth ensure it lingers long after the credits roll.

Final Thoughts

Two Falls (Nishu Takuatshina) is a powerful narrative-driven adventure that offers a poignant look at survival, spirituality, and cultural intersections. Despite minor technical hiccups, its heartfelt storytelling, compelling characters, and authentic representation make it a standout experience.

If you're a fan of choice-driven games with strong narratives and cultural depth, Two Falls is a must-play. It's a game that doesn't just entertain—it resonates. Prepare to be moved, inspired, and left wanting more from Unreliable Narrators.