Barbara
UNIQUE AND ORIGINAL ARTICLE:
FLYING HIGH WITH NETFLIX’S NEW GAME LAYA’S HORIZON
Netflix has done it again, this time with Laya’s Horizon, the latest game release that takes players on an exhilarating flight through a handcrafted 3D open-world island, full of secrets waiting to be uncovered. Developed by Snowman, the studio known for serene snowboarding games like Alto’s Odyssey, this new game is a significant step up from their previous works, both in terms of ambition and scope. In Laya’s Horizon, players soar through the skies using a wingsuit instead of snowboards, gliding over the idyllic island with ease.
Unlike other games with limiting goals and stories, Laya’s Horizon offers an open-ended experience full of short quests aimed primarily at exploring the vast island, uncovering hidden spots, and enjoying the freedom of flight. The game points players in the direction of missions, and as each quest is completed, new capes are unlocked, each with their characteristics that fit every player’s style, making the journey more exciting.
The game’s naturalistic controls are one of the most challenging parts to develop, according to Jason Medeiros, the designer. The controls’ unique scheme is available by placing both thumbs on either side of the screen and pulling both down to ascend and pushing them up to dive down while tilting them to steer left or right. You can make a parachute out of them and slow down when you are speeding down a waterfall or skimming along the ground.
This game is the studio’s biggest and most ambitious project to date, taking five years of development, starting with a small team that grew over time. Laya’s Horizon is full of less-ostentatious storytelling approaches, where players learn more about the world by uncovering secrets and looking at details. The game has a similar aesthetic to Alto’s Odyssey, right down to its soothing adaptive soundtrack.
In conclusion, Laya’s Horizon is a must-play for all Netflix subscribers, available for free on iOS and Android devices. It is an exhilarating and unique game that captures the thrill of flying while still providing a sense of peace and serenity.
