
Release Date: June 5, 2018
An experimental, first-person adventure game created by Hollow Tree Games – an independent, Canadian developer. Shape of the World does not offer a plot as such; rather, it focuses on delivering a certain visual experience. The player takes on the role of a nameless traveler who introduces different changes to the world around along his way.
Shape of the World for PC, XONE and PS4 is an ephemeral, first-person adventure game requiring the player to explore a procedurally generated game world and observe it as it changes. The game received a crowd-funding support on Kickstarter and it was created by Hollow Tree Games - an independent Canadian studio founded by experienced gamemakers.
Shape of the World for PC, XONE and PS4 does not offer a plot as such - rather, the gameplay here delivers the player with a distinct visual experience. Assuming the role of a nameless traveller, the player explores the game world, which changes as an effect of one's presence. The changes are both passive (taking place simply as the player follows the designated path) and active. In the latter case, the player shapes the surroundings by giving different colors to places and deciding how much vegetation should there grow.
When revisiting in-game places the player has once been to, they can notice that for instance, trees grow in a completely different manner now. Additionally, special obelisks are scattered throughout the game world - the player is led to these objects by small spirits. Activating one such obelisk changes the scenery the player observes. Despite that, the player is not forced to follow the designated path. Instead, the game rewards the player for wandering off the beaten path and thinking on their own.
As an experimental product, Shape of the World for PC, XONE and PS4 offers unusual and relatively minimalistic visuals generated by the Unreal Engine 4. The game world combines contractual, grey objects and contours with bright colors, which adds a layer of artism to the experience playing the game comes with. Thus this title aims to spark the interest of those searching for something new and original in gaming. Shape of the World offers an interesting visual experience accompanied by atmoshperic music.
Platforms:
PC Windows June 5, 2018
PlayStation 4 June 5, 2018
Xbox One June 6, 2018
Nintendo Switch June 6, 2018
PlayStation 5 July 13, 2021
Developer: Hollow Tree Games
Publisher: Dear Villagers / Plug in Digital / Playdius
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System Requirements for Shape of the World Video Game:
PC / Windows
Minimum System Requirements:
Dual Core 3.0 GHz, 4 GB RAM, graphic card 1 GB GeForce GTX 750 / Radeon R7 260X or better, 2 GB HDD, Windows 7 64-bit.
Recommended System Requirements:
Quad Core 2.4 GHz, 8 GB RAM, graphic card 3 GB GeForce GTX 780 / Radeon R9 290X or better, 2 GB HDD, Windows 7 64-bit.
Game Ratings for Shape of the World Video Game.
TheSixthAxis: 5 / 10 by Jason Coles
Shape of the World isn't a bad game, it just never quite hits its stride in the way a game like this needs to.
WellPlayed: 9 / 10 by Edward Darling
Playing Shape of the World is like having a warm bath in a room designed by Peter Alexander while listening to your favourite playlist
Worth Playing: 8 / 10 by Fran Soto
Overall, Shape of the World provides a relaxing virtual playground for players wishing to create their own world. Gorgeous visuals and soothing ambiance make the game perfect for those wishing to kick back and relax with an incredibly chill explorer simulator. Being able to construct worlds with a variety of seeds gives players a reason to explore each area and come back for more. Multiple levels with their own flora and fauna give players new sights to explore. While walking can be slow at times and some visuals actually hinder progress, Shape of the World makes up for these shortcomings in a memorable sandbox experience that's perfect for casual play.
Average score from votes.