Harmony: The Fall of Reverie is an upcoming narrative adventure game developed by Don’t Nod, the studio that brought us titles such as Life is Strange, Tell Me Why, and Vampyr. The game has a unique twist that doubles the significance of each decision made by the player, as it affects not one but two separate worlds. The game gives you a gift of prophecy, enabling you to see glimpses of branching timelines of fate to avoid unfavorable outcomes. Despite this apparent advantage, the game surprises players with unforeseen results of their choices. Harmony: The Fall of Reverie is visually appealing, featuring a dystopian yet colorful and vibrant world. The Mediterranean inspirations in both the environment and diverse cast of characters are charming, augmenting the familiar story of everyday people fighting nefarious capitalist-fueled corporations. Each character is brought to life with full voice acting and animation. The game is scheduled to launch for PC and Switch on June 8, with Xbox Series X|S and PS5 versions following on June 22.
The Storyline
In Harmony: The Fall of Reverie, players assume the role of Polly, who returns to her hometown in search of her missing mother. The game is set in a world where the corporation MK has gained immense power and control of the community by having a stake in almost every commercial commodity, owning the police, and monitoring the population through drones, cameras, and social media accounts. On returning home, Polly discovers a mysterious necklace that transports her to Reverie, the realm of the god-like Aspirations, where she learns that she is the Aspiration known as Harmony, like her mother before her. Utilizing her new ability of clairvoyance, she must ensure Reverie returns to balance, or both the Aspirations and humanity will come to an end.
The Gameplay
The game requires players to traverse back and forth between Earth and Reverie, where their actions inform the fate of both worlds. At every narrative junction, players can view the timeline of fate, with branching paths and available outcomes at the end of each chapter. Some results are immediately apparent, while others require considering the bigger picture to unearth their impact. The Aspirations in the game, Bliss, Power, Bond, Truth, Chaos, and Glory, can gain or lose power depending on the player’s choices. The dominant force will have the authority to shape the destiny of Reverie and provide aid for Polly in her Earthly concerns such as finding her mother, protecting her friends and family, and fighting against MK.
Every decision has implications for the story, with some consequences entirely removing other opportunities and unlocking specific outcomes. As a result, it’s imperative to think ahead and plan accordingly to achieve the desired ending.
The Challenges
Players must weigh their options even more carefully because although the timeline of fate is visible, the journey to reach the branch is also significant. The choices made along the way may mutate the desired outcomes, changing what is most valued in the story. It can cause some regret for the choices made and the need to go back and change decisions.
The game constantly reinforces the notion of being strategic with decision-making, with Harmony’s ability to see further than the immediate scene and its consequences. The game rewards creativity, curiosity, and careful consideration, as it enables unlocking new areas with new information that are available only after specific choices.
Conclusion
Harmony: The Fall of Reverie promises to be an enjoyable game with stunning visuals, immersive gameplay, and an intricate storyline that will keep players engaged throughout the game. The unique twist of two separate worlds affected by every decision is a refreshing take on the typical narrative-driven adventure games. With its release slated on June 8, fans are eagerly anticipating the release of the game.
