Munin

A puzzle game that's simple yet complex, fun yet intricate. It felt like solving a Rubik's Cube on a computer.

The game is a puzzle platformer with a beautiful art style and engaging mechanics. While the puzzles are interesting, they can become repetitive. It’s a decent game for puzzle enthusiasts but lacks long-term appeal.

Munin is a clever and atmospheric 2D puzzle-platformer developed by Gojira and published by Daedalic Entertainment that stands out for its unique blend of Norse mythology and innovative level design. Released in 2014, the game casts players as Munin, one of Odin’s two raven messengers, who has been transformed into a mortal by the trickster god Loki. To regain her feathers and divine form, Munin must traverse nine mythological worlds, each inspired by the realms of Norse legend. The game’s minimalist narrative is enriched by its moody aesthetics, runic symbolism, and haunting soundtrack, creating an experience that feels both cerebral and deeply rooted in mythological lore.
The core gameplay mechanic of Munin revolves around rotating parts of the environment to solve traversal-based puzzles. Instead of giving players traditional jumping or combat abilities, the game’s innovation lies in allowing players to manipulate sections of each level—rotating platforms, walls, and entire structures by 90 degrees to alter gravity and open up new paths. This mechanic transforms the platforming experience into a spatial puzzle challenge, requiring players to think geometrically and anticipate the consequences of each rotation. As the game progresses, new mechanics are gradually introduced—such as water, lava, boulders, and movable platforms—that interact with the rotation system in increasingly complex ways.
Each of the game’s 77 levels is meticulously designed to challenge a player’s logic and spatial awareness without relying on reflex-based action. There is no time pressure or enemy threats, making Munin a purely contemplative experience. This slower pace may not appeal to everyone, especially those looking for fast-paced platforming or action-heavy gameplay, but it perfectly suits the game’s puzzle-focused design and mythological atmosphere. The difficulty curve is steady but unforgiving at times; some puzzles can feel particularly opaque or demand trial-and-error experimentation, though the sense of reward upon solving them is consistently satisfying.
Visually, Munin embraces a subdued, hand-drawn art style with a muted color palette that complements its somber, mythic tone. Each world is distinct in aesthetic, representing different realms from Norse mythology—like fiery Muspelheim, misty Niflheim, and forested Alfheim—each with environmental themes that influence the puzzles within them. The visual storytelling is subtle but effective, with backgrounds filled with runes, silhouettes of mythical creatures, and ancient ruins that quietly reinforce the game’s setting and lore.
The sound design also contributes significantly to the game’s immersive quality. The ambient soundtrack is sparse but atmospheric, combining soft instrumental melodies with echoing, mythic tones that reinforce the sense of isolation and divinity lost. Sound effects are minimal but purposeful, underscoring key actions like rotations and environmental interactions, giving the game a quiet intensity that enhances focus and reflection.
One of the game’s strengths is how well it respects the intelligence of its players. Munin doesn’t rely on tutorials or over-explaining mechanics. Instead, it lets players experiment and discover through interaction, which feels empowering but can also lead to moments of frustration when a puzzle’s logic feels unclear. A more robust hint system or optional guidance might have helped maintain momentum during some of the tougher levels. Additionally, the game’s lack of variety in character animation and a somewhat static protagonist can make long play sessions feel visually repetitive, despite the thematic diversity across worlds.
In conclusion, Munin is a thoughtful, challenging puzzle-platformer that offers a unique gameplay hook wrapped in a rich mythological setting. Its core mechanic of rotating environments is not just a gimmick but a fully realized system that consistently tests and rewards player intelligence and patience. While it may not be for everyone—particularly those seeking action or quick gratification—Munin excels at what it sets out to do: deliver a cerebral, myth-infused puzzle experience with atmosphere, ingenuity, and quiet depth. For fans of mythology, challenging puzzles, and games that dare to do something different, Munin is a rewarding journey worth taking.
Rating: 8/10

Munin is a beautiful game that takes place in the worlds of Norse mythology.
You have to unlock paths in each level by turning blocks and also move objects to collect feathers.
Every world begins simply, but the levels get harder and harder and take time to master.

munin is amazing puzzle platformer, pretty long for that type of games.
there are 9 chapters, each of them introduces new mechanics, and the difficulty of levels gradually increases. some of them might look a little bit too complex at first glance, when you need to figure out what exactly specific thing does, but I don't see it as a drawback.
I really enjoyed playing it and would like to play more games by this dev, even though it's unlikely he will do another game, considering the amount of time that has passed since this game was released.

This is a game that I buy it from cdkey, it's a first cdkey game in my library.
It's a cool puzzle game, but not in my interest.

Game Review: Munin
Munin, developed by Gojira, is a puzzle platformer that has captured the attention of many players since its release. With a unique approach and polished execution, Munin stands out for offering an immersive and challenging gameplay experience. Here is a detailed analysis of what makes this game so special.
Storyline and Setting
Munin is inspired by the rich Norse mythology, presenting the story of the raven Munin, one of Odin's companions. After being transformed and separated from his brother Hugin, Munin must explore a series of magical worlds to regain his original form and reunite with his brother. The storyline, steeped in Norse legends, creates a fascinating backdrop for the player's adventure.
Positive aspects:
Engaging narrative: The story based on Norse mythology is engaging and provides a rich and interesting context for the game's puzzles and challenges.
Diverse Environments: Each world that Munin explores is visually distinct and immersive, keeping the experience fresh and exciting throughout the game.
Gameplay and Mechanics
Munin’s gameplay is a unique combination of platforming and puzzle-solving. The game centers around the level rotation mechanic, where players must rotate the world around Munin to create paths and overcome obstacles. This innovative mechanic provides a constant and rewarding challenge.
Pros:
Mechanical Innovation: The world rotation is a creative idea that adds a layer of complexity and originality to the puzzle genre, challenging players to think in new ways.
Puzzle Design: The puzzles are well-designed, striking a balance between difficulty and accessibility. They are challenging but not overly frustrating, providing a sense of accomplishment upon solving them.
Gradual Progression: The game introduces new elements and mechanics gradually, allowing players to adapt and improve their skills as they progress.
Graphics and Music
Munin features a charming graphic style, with visuals reminiscent of storybook illustrations and mythology. The art is rich in detail and contributes to the game's magical atmosphere. The soundtrack complements the experience with compositions that help create an immersive and engaging environment.
Positive aspects:
Visual Aesthetics: The art design is visually appealing, with a vibrant color palette and careful detailing of the environments, which help transport players to the game's Nordic world.
Atmospheric Soundtrack: The music is well-crafted and fits perfectly with the game's tone, adding depth and emotion to the overall experience.
Length and Replayability
Munin is a relatively short game, with an approximate duration of 4 to 6 hours to complete, depending on the player's skills. However, the challenging nature of the puzzles and the desire to improve performance encourage replayability.
Pros:
Adequate length: The gameplay time is ideal for a compact and rewarding experience, without dragging on unnecessarily.
Re-engaging challenges: The difficulty of the puzzles and the search for more efficient solutions provide an incentive to revisit levels and improve performance.
Conclusion
Munin, developed by Gojira, is a work of creativity and innovation in the puzzle-platformer genre. With a unique level rotation mechanic, an engaging narrative based on Norse mythology, and a charming visual design, the game provides a memorable and entertaining experience. If you are a fan of clever challenges and rich aesthetics, Munin is an excellent choice that is worth exploring.
I hope this review helps highlight what makes Munin special and why it deserves players' attention!