OPUS: Prism Peak

OPUS: Prism Peak is an outstanding adventure. Like its spiritual predecessor, OPUS: Echo of Starsong, it pairs a thought-provoking, emotional story with polished gameplay. At times haunting yet hopeful, it reflects life and reminds us how we grow from experience. I teared up often—sometimes from sadness, and sometimes from the bittersweet yearning to reach for something more, no matter the winding paths we take. The open-ended resolution of Eugene’s journey is moving and lingers with me. Developers SIGONO has once again created an artistic video game masterpiece with OPUS: Prism Peak.

OPUS: Prism Peak is a narrative adventure game that takes place in a spirit realm known as the Dusklands. Developed by SIGONO INC. and published by SHUEISHA GAMES, Prism Peak is the fourth game as part of the OPUS series, though playing the previous three does not seem required. In OPUS: Prism Peak, players play as Eugene, a 40 year old ex-photojournalist whose had a rough time in life. Along with a unnamed kid—Ren—who is fading and smells of Shade, the two must make their way through the spirit realm to the top of a mountain. Along the way, they'll interact and help a cast of different spirits, and search for a person known as the Seer. Through an emotional and impactful narrative, many puzzles to solve in Firebowls and the field journal, and lots of photography, OPUS: Prism Peak is easily a highly recommendable game. I found only a small handful of 'downsides' and these are really just personal preferences that keep it from a perfect 10 out of 10 score. My review probably doesn't do the game justice, but please trust me when I say that its a pretty good game!

OPUS Prism Peak from developer SIGONO, INC. brings one solid narrative to the gaming table. It features humor, drama, compelling characters, and a worthy journey for the player to take on. All of this is wrapped in simple gameplay elements that don’t take the adventure too far away from the story.

OPUS: Prism Peak is a work that offers strength to those at a low point. It shows a strong understanding of a Ghibli-like visual style, with a carefully polished structure, and its photography mechanics blend seamlessly with the narrative to create a smooth, film-like and comforting experience.

The story can be predictable, but the emotions aren’t hollow. It’s a sincere exploration of memories and the turbulent feelings associated with them. Playing Opus: Prism Peak reminded me of what makes photography so important.