Journey and Studio Ghibli Fans Should Keep an Eye on Europa

Journey and Studio Ghibli Fans Should Keep an Eye on Europa

As a seasoned gamer who has journeyed through countless worlds both virtual and fantastical, I find myself captivated by the upcoming release of Europa. Having traversed the desolate landscapes of Journey and marvelled at the enchanting artistry of Studio Ghibli films, I eagerly anticipate this harmonious blend.


The action-adventure game, titled Europa, created by Novadust Entertainment, is set to launch in October this year. This highly anticipated title has been in development for more than six years, with a focus on providing a peaceful gaming experience that blends adventure, exploration, and meditation. Of particular interest is the indie nature of this game, which has stirred excitement due to its visually stunning art style reminiscent of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Studio Ghibli films.

As a gamer, I’ve found myself captivated by the mesmerizing visuals of Europa, a game that seems poised to make waves in the indie scene. Much like the 2012 classic Journey, it emphasizes exploration and puzzle-platforming, all while delving into deeply moving themes. This thoughtful storytelling technique, coupled with its breathtaking visuals and engaging gameplay, positions Europa well within the competitive indie landscape.

Europa Offers A Peaceful Adventure Tailor-Made for Cozy Gamers

Studio Ghibli Played a Critical Part in Europa’s Design

After unveiling a playable demo on Steam and PC this year, it’s clear that the animation style in Europa is heavily inspired by Studio Ghibli. As revealed by Creative Director Helder Pinto in an interview, movies like “Howl’s Moving Castle”, “Lupin III: The Castle of Cagliostro”, and “Castle in the Sky” have played a significant role in shaping the game’s artistic vision and overall ambiance. This connection to Ghibli’s aesthetic underscores Europa’s aim to deliver a visually captivating and emotionally impactful gaming experience.

In a similar vein to Studio Ghibli’s films which delve into personal journeys and growth, the story of Europa is introspective and deeply personal. The narrative revolves around Zee, an android boy, and his relationship with the world as he embarks on a quest to uncover the truth about the last human who supposedly lives on Europa, a moon shadowed by Jupiter. Previously a utopia, Europa is now described as a paradise that has been terraformed. The game’s lush landscapes, glistening lakes, and towering peaks evoke an otherworldly atmosphere similar to Ghibli productions, making Europa not just a game, but an engaging experience that resonates on both an emotional and visual level.

Europa is often referred to as a lush, paradise-like world, bathed in Jupiter’s shade, which was once the home to a thriving ideal society.

Europa Offers a Familiar Comfort for Journey Fans

Journey and Studio Ghibli Fans Should Keep an Eye on Europa

Much like the game Journey, the title Europa offers a tranquil and introspective experience centered around exploration and discovery. In the 2012 version, players control a figure in robes as they traverse a sprawling desert, moving towards a distant mountain. At times, they can utilize a magical scarf to soar through the air. This flying mechanic accentuated Journey‘s powerful feelings of wonder and isolation, enhancing the game’s emotional resonance.

As a dedicated fan, I’m thrilled about Europa’s unique physics-driven environment that gives off an exhilarating feeling of weightlessness. In the demo, I found myself equipped with a Zephyr jetpack, a tool that lets me fly and glide effortlessly through the air. As the game advances, I can enhance my jetpack, learning to control its capabilities to explore the terrain, conquer the skies, and maneuver within wind tunnels.

Interestingly enough, both games, Europa and Journey, place a strong emphasis on sparse storytelling techniques, using captivating landscapes and subtle hints to convey their tales. The fluid movement and exploration of stunning environments in Europa mirrors the smooth mechanics found in Journey. This suggests that the creators aim to draw players into the experience rather than just focusing on reaching a specific goal or destination.

In a nutshell, as Pinto pointed out, the storyline of the game indicates that the last surviving human, on the brink of human extinction, built an android resembling a child before their demise. This setup hints at chances for players to delve into the narrative about the devastating event that destroyed civilization and assist Zee in understanding his role within this alien environment. Despite some details being vague after the game’s release, it’s expected to strike a chord with fans who appreciate both the enchanting vibe of Journey and Studio Ghibli’s works.

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2024-09-13 23:33