| Farewell North | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Gameplay & Story | Release Date | Pre-Order & DLC | Review |
Farewell North takes you on a journey through grief and healing in the Scottish Highlands. Read our review to see what it did well, what it didn't do well, and if it's worth buying.
Farewell North Review Overview
What is Farewell North?
Farewell North is an atmospheric adventure game that combines exploration and puzzle-solving, all through the eyes of a loyal border collie. Set amidst the bleak and desolate islands off the coast of the Scottish Highlands, the game weaves a poignant tale of loss, grief, and healing. As you traverse these colorless landscapes, your goal is to restore the once-vibrant hues that symbolize the emotional journey of your human companion, who is grappling with the weight of a tragic loss.
The greyscale world serves as a metaphor for her inner turmoil, and your role as her steadfast companion is to guide her through the darkness, bringing color and light back into her life. With beautifully crafted visuals, an emotional soundtrack, and deeply embedded themes of Celtic mythology, Farewell North offers a heartfelt experience that resonates with players long after the journey ends
Farewell North features:
⚫︎ Auto Check Points
⚫︎ Themes of Loss
⚫︎ Puzzle Solving
⚫︎ Open-World Indie Adventure
⚫︎ Stunning Visuals with Color Transitions
⚫︎ Immersive Audio and Music Scoring
⚫︎ Exploration of Scottish Landscapes, Celtic Mythology & Gaelic Language
For more gameplay details, read everything we know about Farewell North's gameplay and story.
| Digital Storefronts | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Steam |
 Xbox |
 Switch |
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| $23.99 | |||||
Farewell North Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
 Immersive Atmosphere Distinctive Puzzles Amazing Island Exploration Mini Game - Comfy Boy |
No Map or Quest Tracking Tool Greyscale Makes It Hard to Solve Puzzles Camera Angles Are Sometimes Wonky |
Farewell North Overall Score - 90/100
Farewell North is a remarkable game that stands out for its emotional storytelling, engaging gameplay, and stunning audiovisual presentation. It takes you on a journey through grief, healing, and remembrance, all while providing an immersive and atmospheric experience. The game’s exploration of Scottish landscapes and Celtic mythology adds depth to its world, making it feel rich and alive. Despite a few minor flaws, such as occasional camera issues and the challenge of solving puzzles in greyscale, the overall experience is nothing short of captivating. With a price that feels justified by the quality and depth of the game, Farewell North is a must-play for anyone who enjoys story-driven adventures with a strong emotional core.
Farewell North Story - 9/10
Farewell North tells a poignant tale centered around loss, grief, and the struggle to move forward while finding comfort in memories of the past. The story is both gut-wrenching and heart-breaking, yet it is also profoundly beautiful. It masterfully captures the emotional weight of its themes, making the player feel deeply connected to the journey of Chesley and Cèilidh. The narrative’s exploration of how the past can influence the future, and how healing often involves confronting painful memories, is both moving and thought-provoking. The story's pacing and character development keep you engaged, as each moment feels meaningful, and every memory uncovered brings you closer to understanding the protagonists' journey.
Farewell North Gameplay - 8/10
Farewell North offers a unique blend of adventure, puzzle-solving, and 3D platforming, allowing players to guide Chesley and Cèilidh through their emotional journey. The freedom to explore the islands at your own pace, uncovering hidden secrets and completing side quests, adds depth to the gameplay. While the camera angles occasionally disrupt the flow, the overall experience remains enjoyable. Chesley’s smooth and responsive movements make controlling the border collie feel natural, while Cèilidh’s slightly stiffer animations are noticeable but not game-breaking. The puzzles, which often revolve around helping Cèilidh, are engaging and varied, keeping the gameplay fresh and challenging without becoming overwhelming. The balance between exploration, platforming, and puzzle-solving is well-executed, making Farewell North a satisfying experience.
Farewell North Visuals - 9/10
Visually, Farewell North is stunning. The use of greyscale at the start of each island creates a stark and haunting atmosphere that mirrors the emotional state of the characters. As you progress and bring color back to the world, the visual transformation is both striking and symbolic of the healing process. While the greyscale aesthetic can sometimes make puzzles harder to solve, it’s a powerful artistic choice that enhances the narrative. The shadow rendering and environmental design further elevate the visuals, adding depth and richness to the game’s world. From the detailed landscapes inspired by the Scottish Highlands to the subtle lighting effects, Farewell North is a visually impressive game that knows how to use its art direction to tell a story.
Farewell North Audio - 10/10
The audio design in Farewell North is nothing short of exceptional. The music scoring, in particular, stands out as a highlight of the game. Each piece of music is carefully composed to complement the narrative, evoking the right emotions at the right moments. The soundtrack is a perfect blend of haunting melodies and uplifting tunes, reflecting the game’s themes of grief and hope. The voice acting, especially the performances by the main characters, adds another layer of depth to the storytelling. The ambient sounds of the environment, from the rustling of leaves to the distant waves crashing against the shore, further immerse you in the world of Farewell North. This game demonstrates how powerful music and sound can be in enhancing the emotional impact of a story.
Farewell North Value for Money - 9/10
At $23.99, Farewell North offers an experience that feels well worth the price. The game provides a deeply emotional and immersive journey that is hard to find elsewhere. Its combination of compelling storytelling, beautiful visuals, and exceptional audio design ensures that you get a lot of value for your money. The game’s replayability, with its open exploration and hidden secrets, gives players plenty of reasons to return to the world of Farewell North even after the main story is completed. While some minor gameplay issues exist, the overall quality of the experience makes this game a fantastic investment for anyone looking for a meaningful and memorable adventure.
Farewell North Review: An Epic Highland Odyssey
Time and time again, I've said that one of my key criteria for a great game is its music scoring. For Farewell North, the music is nothing short of perfection. It’s not just a background element but a storytelling tool that conveys the game’s emotions and meaning. The music in Farewell North is embedded into the narrative, accentuating key moments and making the experience more immersive. It was riveting, aligning perfectly with the story’s emotional depth and enhancing every moment.
Speaking of the story, Farewell North handles themes of loss and moving forward with grace. The narrative follows Chesley and Cèilidh as they navigate the aftermath of losing Cèilidh's mother. Their journey is both literal and metaphorical, as they return to their roots to confront their grief and move on. The game beautifully merges past and present, using memories to guide players through their emotional journey. It’s a poignant exploration of reminiscing and the struggle to find closure while also embracing the future.
The gameplay in Farewell North is a blend of adventure, puzzle-solving, with some 3D platforming. As players explore various islands, they can choose to follow the main story or dive into side quests and hidden secrets. The freedom to explore at your own pace is refreshing, making the game feel more like a personal journey. The puzzles, which often revolve around helping Cèilidh navigate through dark clouds of memory, are thoughtfully designed and provide a satisfying challenge. If you’ve enjoyed games like Journey, Abzu, or Sky: Children of the Light, then Farewell North will be right up your alley.
One of the most visually striking elements of Farewell North is how each island starts in greyscale, only to burst into color as you progress. It’s a perfect metaphor for the emotional journey of reminiscing—starting with pain and gradually finding joy in memories. This transformation adds a layer of emotional depth to the exploration, making each discovery feel significant. I also loved collecting the scattered musical notes, culminating in the completion of Cèilidh’s mother’s song. It felt like piecing together fragments of the past to create something beautiful.
Playing as Chesley, a border collie, was another delightful aspect of the game. Herding animals, while occasionally frustrating, was a cute and charming feature that made me appreciate the role of farm dogs. The second and third arcs of the game were some of my favorite moments. The stark contrast between the two—the race scene at the end of the second arc and the melancholic scene of Chesley being alone at the start of the third arc—was astonishing in terms of music, imagery, and overall atmosphere. It’s a transition that left a lasting impression on me, and I wish I could experience it for the first time all over again.
And then, there’s the ending. I would pay to experience that ending again. Starting with the final chapter, something changes in the game—one that I won’t spoil because it’s something you need to witness and notice for yourself. The ending sequence, with its perfect scoring and cinematic visuals, was an emotional climax that left me in awe. It was a fitting conclusion to a journey that had been as much about healing as it was about exploration.
Before I wrap up this review, I want to mention the cultural elements woven into Farewell North. The game draws heavily from Gaelic cultures and the landscapes of the Scottish Highlands, particularly the isles of Orkney and St. Kilda. In Celtic mythology, trees represent gateways between worlds, and in Farewell North, deciduous trees serve as pathways that light up the otherwise cold and dark surroundings and other archways provide different perspectives that help in puzzle solving. These subtle yet meaningful touches add layers to the world, making it feel richer and more alive.
A massive thank you to Kyle Banks, John Konsolakis, Mooneye Studios, and everyone who worked tirelessly to bring us this beautiful game. And, of course, a special shoutout to Siobhan Miller for their stunning vocals in "My Heart’s in the Highlands." Farewell North is a game that invites you to explore at your own pace until you’re ready to say goodbye. So, as I bid farewell to this review, I leave you with this verse: "Farewell to the Highlands, farewell to the North. The birthplace of Valour, the country of Worth." And thank you, Chesley—you’re an absolutely good boy.
Pros of Farewell North
| Things Farewell North Got Right |
|---|
|
Immersive Atmosphere Distinctive Puzzles Amazing Island Exploration Mini Game - Comfy Boy |
Immersive Atmosphere
One of the standout features of Farewell North is its immersive atmosphere, which is deeply rooted in the landscapes and cultural heritage of Scotland. The combination of breathtaking visuals, evocative music, and meaningful exploration creates a world that draws you in and keeps you engaged from start to finish. The game does an excellent job of making you feel like you're a part of its world, whether you're traversing the islands, solving puzzles, or simply taking in the scenery.
The game draws inspiration from the breathtaking Scottish Highlands, as well as the isles of Orkney and St. Kilda, creating a world that feels both mystical and grounded in reality. In addition to the stunning visuals and evocative music, the game also incorporates elements of Celtic mythology, particularly in the way trees represent gateways between worlds. This blend of cultural inspiration and mythological elements enriches the world of Farewell North, making it feel alive, mysterious, and deeply connected to its roots.
Distinctive Puzzles
Farewell North stands out for its unique take on puzzle-solving. The puzzles are designed in such a way that they are accessible to players of all skill levels, making the game approachable and enjoyable for everyone. However, these puzzles are not merely straightforward, they require exploration and observation to solve. The game's environment is intricately tied to its puzzles, and players need to pay attention to the world around them to uncover solutions. This approach makes the puzzles feel deeply integrated into the gameplay, offering a satisfying sense of accomplishment when solved.
Amazing Island Exploration
The island exploration in Farewell North is one of its strongest points. Each island is brimming with secrets and side quests that encourage you to venture off the beaten path. The game rewards curiosity, and the cutscenes that follow the completion of each arc are a testament to that. These cutscenes serve as both a narrative payoff and a visual reward, making exploration feel purposeful and rewarding. The fact that there’s always more to discover beyond the main storyline adds a layer of depth to the game, making the world feel alive and worth exploring in every nook and cranny.
Mini Game - Comfy Boy
At some point in the game, you unlock a mini-game called Comfy Boy. This delightful platformer lets you control a dog whose objective is to collect clothing items and then make his way to a cozy sofa. While it might seem like a small addition, it’s these quirky, light-hearted moments that add charm to the overall experience. Mini-games like Comfy Boy serve as a fun distraction from the main storyline and add variety to the gameplay. I always appreciate when developers include these little touches, as they can break up the more intense moments and keep the game feeling fresh.
Cons of Farewell North
| Things That Farewell North Can Improve |
|---|
|
No Map or Quest Tracking Tool Greyscale Makes It Hard to Solve Puzzles Camera Angles Are Sometimes Wonky |
No Map or Quest Tracking Tool
While the game provides a journal for keeping track of verses, it lacks a proper map or quest tracking tool. For an adventure game that encourages exploration, the absence of a map can be disorienting. It’s easy to lose track of where you’ve been or which areas you’ve yet to explore. Although the game does indicate unexplored islands, the lack of a clear map can make navigation and backtracking cumbersome. A quest-tracking tool would also have been a helpful addition, particularly for players who prefer a more structured experience.
Greyscale Makes It Hard to Solve Puzzles
The greyscale aesthetic of Farewell North is a powerful metaphor, representing the emotional journey of the characters. However, this artistic choice can also be a hindrance when it comes to solving certain puzzles. The lack of color can make it difficult to distinguish important objects or clues, leading to frustration in what would otherwise be simple puzzles. While I appreciate the symbolism behind the greyscale, it sometimes made the gameplay more challenging than necessary, especially in areas where visual clarity is key to progressing.
Camera Angles Are Sometimes Wonky
At times, the camera angles in Farewell North can be a bit frustrating. Whether it’s during tight platforming sections or when navigating enclosed spaces, the camera doesn’t always cooperate, leading to awkward perspectives and missed jumps. While this doesn’t ruin the experience, it can interrupt the flow of gameplay and make certain moments more difficult than they need to be. A bit more refinement in camera control could have gone a long way in making the gameplay smoother and less frustrating.
Is Farewell North Worth It?
Absolutely, It Is A Journey Worth Barking On
Farewell North isn’t just a game—it’s an emotional experience that lingers. The story it tells, filled with themes of grief, healing, and hope, resonates deeply, offering a powerful reminder of the importance of remembering and moving forward. The stunning visuals, masterful audio, and engaging gameplay all come together to create a world that feels both real and fantastical, grounded in the rugged beauty of the Scottish Highlands and enriched by the whispers of Celtic mythology.
The game doesn’t simply entertain; it invites you to reflect, to explore, and to find solace in the journey. At $23.99, Farewell North offers an experience that is worth every penny, providing both depth and heart in equal measure. And if nothing else, get the game for Chesley, the good boy who makes every step of this journey worthwhile. For those ready to step into a world that challenges and uplifts, this game is a must-have.
| Digital Storefronts | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steam |
Xbox |
Switch |
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| $23.99 | |||||
Farewell North FAQ
What Are the Will of the Wisps in Farewell North?
Will of the Wisps are tiny orbs scattered around the game, if approached, these orbs will move away. Continue following and eventually, you’ll be able to collect these and it’ll add more stamina to Chesley.
Is There a Way to Make Canoeing Less Hard in Farewell North?
Yes, access your pause menu and on the left tab there is a setting for canoe controls. Turn on "Simplified Controls" and you should be able to move in the northern seas much easier.
What Languages Does Farewell North support?
Currently, its audio is in English only. But the interface and subtitles are available in English, French, German, Spanish, Japanese, Polish, Chinese, Ukrainian, and Czech. It also has a Gaelic subtitle under the main subtitle, which highlights the developer’s mission to preserve the language.
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Farewell North Product Information
 | |
| Title | FAREWELL NORTH |
|---|---|
| Release Date | August 16, 2024 |
| Developer | Kyle Banks |
| Publisher | Mooneye Studios |
| Supported Platforms | PC(Steam), Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch |
| Genre | Adventure, Puzzle |
| Number of Players | 1 |
| Rating | ESRB E |
| Official Website | Farewell North Official Website |
