Mutazione

My First Impression and Experience
When i first found this game, i had to choose between either buying it or buying something else; I didn't even know what 'Mutazione' was at the time. But it ended up completely changing my video game preferences, and i can confidently say that Mutazione is is probably my favourite game of all time. It was the first story oriented game i ever played. I used to mostly play crappy mobile RPGs and Strategy games so it was a new experience for me. It was kind of strange, it didn't demand that i login and play it (else my elo rank would drop to 0 or something), it was slow...and i liked it. It felt like more than just a game, like you're with these people, and every time you play it's like you're seeing them again. I didn't play it as often as i'd play other games, there'd be week long gaps between each session, but deep down in my heart, i knew that Mutazione was my favourite. At some point my computer broke down and i couldn't play for a while, i was pretty sad about it; then i thought it was fixed and i tried to play again...but it wasn't, then i was super sad. I couldn't play for months, but eventually i got myself a new computer and i was playing again; it felt like seeing a close friend after a long time, and i didn't forget a thing, not even their names! Soon enough, i was close to reaching the end of the game, i played even less then. I guess i wanted to hold onto it for a little longer. Then today happened, i was playing some game (don't worry, it's not very good) and i realised, "why am i playing this when i could be playing Mutazione?". So i played it, and i ended up finishing it. I wanted to cry so badly...but i was happy; I finally finished that weird mutant gardening game, and now i'm here. I'll actually get to reviewing the game Now (as best as i can)
The Visuals
The way that this game looks is truly special, the landscapes, the plants, the wildlife, everything looks distinctly unique and interesting. It's pretty weird too, considering everything is all mutated and stuff, which was actually the thing that made the game capture my attention in the first place. It's always fun to just imagine what the areas would look like in real life, cause they're a spectacle. If you're into nature, or weird stuff (or both), then i think you'd enjoy Mutazione.
The Gameplay
The gameplay of Mutazione can be divided into 3 things: Walking, Gardening, and Interacting with The World.
Walking a ton wasn't a problem for me, mostly because the game is so beautiful. Most of my playtime is actually just spent wandering around, but this may be a turn off for others.
Gardening is pretty cool, but you don't do it a lot unless you switch to Gardening Mode (which is basically just a sandbox for gardening). All of the plants and their sounds are unique, i reckon you could make a lot of interesting songs with them, not to mention that they sound great. The melodies/growth songs were my favourite part of gardening by far, they sound amazing, and i couldn't help but like them even more than the plants.
As much as i liked to wander and complete the gardens, i enjoyed interacting with the world the most, talking to characters and inspecting objects. It was incredibly fun, and the dialogue can be extremely funny. The sheer amount of detail that this game has is amazing, and i know there's still a ton of things that i missed.
The Characters
The heart of every community is the people, and Mutazione is no different. The characters are the reason i love this game so much; all of them are likeable, even Graub. I enjoyed seeing and interacting with them. I wanted to see how they were; i genuinely loved everybody. I felt like i knew them, they felt like my friends. Now that i've finished the game, it's fun to think back to when i didn't know who they were, and how i grew to know them. Miu will probably be the only cat-girl i'll ever like (understandably). I'm glad that we play as a character ourselves; it's a lot easier to feel like a part of the world when you don't have to play as a mindless, no-name avatar. The characters of Mutazione are all fun and interesting, i grew to love them all; they made me feel like i was home.
The Story
The story of this game is honestly amazing. I couldn't get enough of hearing about Mutazione's history and the Papu tree; and hearing about the characters' stories too; some fascinating and wonderful, and others heart-wrenching. The events that unfold and the characters themselves make this game beyond memorable; it was what differentiated it from being just a game to me, it felt like an emotional expereince. When i play this game i forget that i am playing something, i just feel things. I won't say too much, because it's kind of hard to explain. Just trust me when i say that you're in for a real ride.
The End of this Mostly Anecdotal Review
I honestly can't thank the people who worked on Mutazione enough. This was amazing, and i'd pay 20 more dollars if i needed to. I never expected to love this game as much as i did, but i'm glad i was proven wrong. Thank you for reading all of this. It means a lot that i'd get to share my experience with others. If you still feel unsure about if you'd like Mutazione, it's cool, i was unsure too, but trust me when i say that you'll love it (mabye you won't please don't sue me)
Note: I actually had to type this thing out TWICE, because i accidentally deleted it; i poured my heart and soul into the first draft; it was an immediate post-game review, and i'm pretty bummed out to say that this one is like a watered-down version of it. Still, my back hurts a ton and i probably game myself arthritis from all of this typing. Either way, it was a pleasure.

Cozy, memorable interactive fiction game about visiting a town of friendly mutants some 50 years after a disaster. But be prepared! This is more of a visual novel than typical video game. It's very easy to complete.
PROS:
- Beautiful, detailed visuals in cute art style.
- Awesome character animations perfectly expressing emotions.
- Moving story and interesting characters.
- A lot of quirky dialogue feeling very human.
- Decent music and nature sounds. There is no voice acting.
MEH:
- A lot of reading. You must be prepared for this.
- After a while walking to some locations becomes tedious.
CONS:
- NONE
GAMEPLAY 7/10
GRAPHICS 9/10
AUDIO 7/10
STORY 10/10

This game is a guide for socialisation 101, how to handle seemingly mundane conversations and listen to / support others like a pro.
The storytelling is interesting because at the 1st half of the game, you don't really know your purpose in this town except to just listen to small town gossip. Later on, you'd realise that among that gossip, you start to realise that everyone, including yourself, has something they're hiding (not on purpose, but perhaps haven't found the right way to deal with the emotions) whether it's loss, grief, dissatisfaction etc.
Conflicts are inevitable as the protagonist , and the reply choices are kind, patient while still being vulnerable.
If you're socially inept and want to level up in being a better friend to your loved ones, I'd take a page or 2 from this game.

“Let us cultivate our garden.” - Voltaire
Note: The entirety of the game was played on the Steam Deck; this review reflects my opinion on this platform - playing it on PC might be a different experience.
Preface
I know I have a tendency to use big words in my reviews, and some of my claims may sound completely exaggerated. On most occasions, I feel like I’m unable to adequately describe the range of sensations and emotions I experienced when playing a game I found particularly enjoyable.
However, Mutazione taught me about the many facets of life: the wide variety of human feelings, the deep secrets that lie deep within everyone, the joy of giving, and the importance of strong bonds.
Even if I never learn from my past mistakes, I’m certain that this game is one of the most moving and enriching experiences I've ever encountered, and I think everyone should experience it at least once in their life.
The Land Of Mutazione
A meteorite named Moon Dragon smashed into the island of Mutazione over 100 years ago. Once a bustling tourist destination, the holiday resort has almost entirely vanished, along with most of its population, and a mysterious mutation has started to spread. The island's vegetation and wildlife have undergone radical changes, and the descendants of those who refused to leave the island are now only human in their hearts.
Our heroine, Kai, is a 15-year-old girl who receives a letter from her grandfather's friend urging her to travel to the island immediately. Nonno, the grandfather she has never met, has been terminally ill for months, and he is desperate to meet his granddaughter for the first and maybe final time.
Even though Kai's mom has strong objections to the plan, she realizes she can't prevent her daughter from going - and with this, the journey of a lifetime begins!
The story is told in a deliberate and cryptic fashion, during which you will spend the vast majority of your time listening to the conversations and exchanges of other characters. The fact that the game advertises itself as a "mutant soap opera" is by no means a coincidence. Most of the plot's information regarding the past, as well as long-kept secrets, profound emotions, and even just simple, happy moments are disclosed during the course of the conversations.
While some visuals and video sequences may give the impression that Mutazione is an adventure or a platformer title, the game is less concerned with traditional gameplay and more interested in the player's experience of the odd village, the people who live there, and the rhythms of rural life.
Because people only visit the island to research and examine its inhabitants, everyone who lives there is intimately acquainted with the pain of isolation.
Kai is the first human visitor to the island in over 20 years, and the islanders feel relieved because she isn't terrified of them.
On the surface, it appears that their everyday lives are routine with no place for drama; nonetheless, there are numerous scars left inside everyone, as well as unspoken feelings.
Infidelity. An urge to flee. Unrequited love. The never-ending agony of a parent who has lost a child. Some of them erupt with the ferocity of burning metal, while others try to forgive and forget, sometimes not in the most acceptable way.
The central storyline mainly focuses on Nonno and the little errands he gives Kai; however, most of the time I’ve found myself just wandering around and talking with the locals. These sympathetic characters are not there to provide impetus and context for Kai's heroic journey; rather, their stories and secrets are the reward for the player who loves to explore. Neither their problems nor their solutions can be accomplished with a few button presses, as the typical central character would. These moments may not be as rewarding in the traditional sense as, for example, a never-ending supply of experience points, but that may be precisely why they are so meaningful. Of course, this can only work if the dialogue is well written and the situations are engaging - and thankfully Mutazione is.
Visually, Mutazione is a work of art. The hand-drawn graphics have a special charm, with brilliant colors and intricate settings that bring the mutant-infested planet to life. The accompanying evocative soundtrack wonderfully compliments the pictures, setting the tone and heightening the emotional effect of the narrative.
The Influence of Giving
Exploration and gardening serve as the primary gameplay elements.
Mutazione's tranquil and breathtaking landscapes are at your disposal thanks to the exploration mechanics. Every action you perform in the game, from exploring new areas to finding new mysteries to having meaningful talks with the mutants, furthers the game's theme of human connection and development.
Tending your garden serves as a metaphor for the characters' and their emotions' interconnectedness.
You indirectly influence the emotional states of the characters as you cultivate your garden, planting and caring for a range of exotic plants. Gardening becomes a healing activity, creating a palpable sense of development and restoration in the community.
There's also a touch of magic in this mechanism. Each garden needs to have a distinct atmosphere, which is accomplished by planting multiple plants of the same type. Kai early on receives a magical drum from his grandfather, on which, if she drums the right melody, the plants will grow rapidly.
Final Conclusion
Mutazione is a stellar game with a narrative that isn’t afraid to delve into harder topics. It's a must-play for everyone looking for an original and introspective adventure thanks to its charming characters, compelling story, and breathtaking visuals.
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Very basic point and click adventure where the settings and drawings certainly stand out. We will take on the role of a girl who finds herself in a city of mutants and will have to take care of her sick grandfather. It is a very relaxing adventure without any difficulties. my rating 8/10

god this is such a good game. it would absolutely have an incredibly dedicated fanbase if it wasn't so niche. perfect game for people like me who love reading dialogue and interacting with other characters.

I find myself coming back to this game when I'm stressed and overwhelmed. Not only are the visuals calming and charming, but the audio is an absolute masterpiece. From the environmental sound effects, to the atmospheric music, to the unusual dialogue noises that are not your typical electronic bleeps and bloops, but instead made up of subtle, beautiful concoctions of intricate sounds. It's especially wonderful with headphones and a good sound system.
Not a game you must play, but a game you must experience. If you go into this wanting to play, you're out of luck. If you're here to spend some time in nature, talk to neighbors, uncover a mystery, and plant gardens, this is for you.