Chris InglisTwo Falls (Nishu Takuatshina), developed by Unreliable Narrators and launched on November for PC 2024 and more recently on consoles, is a story-driven walking sim that offers a unique perspective on the colonisation of North America. Set in the 17th century, the game immerses players in the intertwined stories of Jeanne, a French woman, and Maikan, an Innu hunter. This dual narrative approach provides an engaging viewpoint of the complex interactions between European settlers and Indigenous peoples, highlighting the cultural clashes, misunderstandings, and the impact of colonisation on the Innu way of life.
From the first moments in the game, Two Falls is committed to historical authenticity and cultural sensitivity. The developers collaborated with Indigenous writers, artists, and musicians to ensure that the game accurately portrays Innu culture, traditions, and perspectives. This dedication to representation is evident in the game’s rich details, from the meticulously crafted environments to the authentic dialogue and storytelling.
By alternating between the perspectives of Jeanne and Maikan, the game offers a multifaceted view of the historical events as they play out. Jeanne’s story explores the challenges faced by European settlers as they navigate the unfamiliar and often harsh landscapes of North America. In contrast, Maikan’s journey delves into the rich cultural heritage of the Innu people and the threats they face from the encroaching colonists. This dual narrative not only creates a compelling sense of dramatic tension but with the dialogue choices, allows you as the player to consider the complexities of this historical period from multiple viewpoints.
The gameplay in Two Falls is primarily focused on exploration, dialogue, and decision-making. You get to explore some beautifully rendered environments, interact with a diverse cast of characters, and make choices that shape the course of the story and the development of the main characters. While the gameplay mechanics are relatively simple as you guide each character through various scenery, allowing you to become immersed in the world and the characters’ experiences. The game also features a codex, which provides valuable historical and cultural context for that looking to enhance their educational value of the experience.
The visual and audio design is exceptional, and I often paused to take screenshots of the scenery and lighting. The game’s environments are brought to life with stunning detail, showcasing the beauty and diversity of the North American landscape. The changing seasons, dynamic weather effects, and realistic lighting create an immersive atmosphere and makes you want to explore every corner. The game’s soundtrack, composed by Indigenous musician Eadsé, is equally impressive, featuring haunting melodies and traditional instrumentation that perfectly complement the story and the setting. The voice acting is also commendable, with strong performances that bring the characters to life and convey the emotional depth of their stories.
Some players may find the pacing to be slow at times, as the game prioritises story and character development over fast-paced action. Additionally, while the game’s focus on historical accuracy and cultural sensitivity, the game does not shy away from depicting the harsh realities of colonisation, including violence, displacement, and cultural loss, which may be difficult for some players to experience.
Overall, Two Falls (Nishu Takuatshina) is an enjoyable and thought-provoking walking sim that sheds light on a period in 17th century North American history from two differing perspectives. Two Falls offers a visually stunning experience while also offering to educate, inspire, and foster greater understanding of two cultures. The overarching story is one you can contemplate long after the credits roll, and the in-game codex helps to further education of the topics if you choose to engage with them.
This review utilised a key provided by Purple is Royal and Two Falls (Nishu Takuatshina) is available on Steam, Epic Games Store, PlayStation and Xbox.
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Daniel Agius