Bite-Sized FREE Game Review: Atuel
Available on PC (Windows, macOS); Mobile (Android)
Atuel is a free walking simulator that lasts maybe 20-30 minutes. It is atmospheric, relaxing, and made with love and the intent to make you feel philosophical.
It’s a surrealist documentary of the Atuel River Valley in Argentina. Everything you see in-game is inspired by its topography and wildlife. Throughout its course, you hear narrations from scientists, locals, biologists, historians, and more. It’s not meant to be fast-paced; it’s one where you let it sit in your mind.
You play as different animals and elements of Atuel’s ecosystem. Starting as the river itself, and then a fish, and so on. While playing, it had me thinking about the rivers near where I live and how they might have been, at some point, a source of life and refuge. And now most of them run through cities, filled with garbage and the wrong plants. I think about the effects of mankind on the rivers and other bodies of water in the world. If they were people, they would appear to us to lack nourishment and care.
This should be available for museums to play. I know I wouldn’t be against similar walking sims inspired by different areas of the world. Because yes, games like Subnautica and Raft are fun, but they instill a fear of the waters alongside curiosity. And now, especially in the current socio-political climate, we need more people to care.
Games that inspire people to look into marine biology, water conservation, and environmental protection should be given the same amount of attention and love. And I hope that this is a route more game developers take.
If you’re looking for a quiet, relaxing time and you don’t mind feeling a little melancholic afterwards, Atuel is a good game to put on.
