THE LONG GAME
Noita
A progress report on the games we just can’t quit
Developer/publisher Nolla Games Format PC Release 2020
Poisoned and bleeding, we hurriedly descend toward a large chest, tucked away in the only visible alcove that isn’t on fire. A second later, its lid swings open, revealing a set of teeth. Chomp. Dead. The best part of four years later, we find ourselves in a similar situation: poisoned and bleeding, we hurriedly descend – this time to escape a projectile-spitting slime, only to hover into range of a thunder mage. Its spell somehow misses us, but collides with the wall behind, the force of the explosion throwing us forward into a cluster of grenadiers. The nearest, rightly recognising we’re too close for him to raise his weapon, instead opts to use his fists. Thwack. Dead.