Beautiful Desolation
May 28, 2021 5 years ago
A post-apocalyptic adventure game set in a world you have never seen before. The Penrose appeared without warning. One day the sky was empty, and the next it was filled by an impossibly shaped monolith. Tragedy hit home for Mark and Don Leslie, when an incident tore apart their brotherly bond in this dramatic story that spans the 1980s and beyond. Allow the Leslie family's story to unfold as you delve into a unique adventure with BEAUTIFUL DESOLATION, to explore this futuristic wasteland to discover villages, destroyed cities, and uncover the secrets of strange and abandoned technology. The never before seen, African, post-apocalyptic setting opens up a menagerie of bizarre creatures and vibrant characters, alongside a new world inspired by Sub-Saharan flora and fauna. But beware, newcomers are either revered or hated.
What it’s like
Beautiful Desolation offers a poignant journey through a vibrant, Sub-Saharan-inspired post-apocalyptic world, anchored by the fractured relationship between two brothers. The experience is defined by its striking visual identity and immersive atmosphere, blending isometric exploration with point-and-click mechanics to uncover the mysteries of the Penrose monolith. While the narrative delivers emotional weight and strong character dynamics, the gameplay loop relies heavily on traversal rather than complex systems. Players will spend significant time navigating the landscape, encountering bizarre flora and fauna, and engaging in dialogue-driven interactions that shape their standing among local factions. The tone balances melancholy with moments of wonder, creating a unique aesthetic that stands out in the genre. However, the structural integrity of the experience is uneven; while the world-building is compelling, the mechanical execution often feels loose, prioritizing mood over tight design.
Strong in Atmosphere / MoodAudio / MusicCharactersExploration / WorldStory / NarrativeVisuals / ArtWriting / Dialogue
Keep in mind The game suffers from aimless exploration and mediocre puzzle design that can feel repetitive. It may frustrate players seeking tight mechanics or high difficulty, as the combat and progression systems lack depth.
AI-generated from catalog data, informed by reviews from metacritic.com, nintendolife.com, opencritic.com, steamcommunity.com.
Screenshots
Releases
| Platform | Region | Type | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Linux | Worldwide | Full release | Feb 26, 20206 years ago |
| Mac | Worldwide | Full release | Feb 26, 20206 years ago |
| PC (Microsoft Windows) | Worldwide | Full release | Feb 26, 20206 years ago |
| Nintendo Switch | Worldwide | Full release | May 28, 20215 years ago |
| PlayStation 4 | Worldwide | Full release | May 28, 20215 years ago |
