Salus Per Aquam

These only up games have almost no reward mechanism which is crazy to me. The gameplay is basically nothing, or actively annoying and the ONLY reward mechanism present is getting a little bit higher each time. But the punishment is having to re-do every bit of mediocre gameplay along the way. Not to mention that a "Silent Narrative" still needs to...you know...BE a narrative. Nothing in this game is linked to a story. I like the audio design and the aesthetic is pretty cool, but this needs more. https://youtu.be/3TLs1uk2NLY

Salus Per Aquam is an atmospheric indie climbing adventure developed and published by Andrea Bacciu that prioritizes symbolism, exploration, and personal interpretation over conventional storytelling. Rather than relying on combat or fast-paced gameplay, it invites players into a surreal world where every ascent carries emotional and philosophical significance. From the opening moments, the game establishes a mysterious tone by placing players in the role of a faceless wooden mannequin wearing an unusual mask, embarking on a journey toward an unknown destination. The minimal narrative leaves room for imagination, encouraging players to discover their own meaning behind the strange landscapes and symbolic imagery scattered throughout the experience. The core gameplay revolves around carefully navigating vertical environments through deliberate climbing and platforming mechanics. Precision is essential, as every jump and movement requires concentration, and mistakes can result in losing valuable progress. This design creates a constant balance between frustration and satisfaction, making every successful climb feel rewarding. Instead of introducing numerous gameplay systems, Salus P…

Atmospheric and chill, a nice break from the chaotic, loud and violent landscape of modern games. Felt kind of nostalgic playing it, between the 3D platforming and aesthetics/OST reminiscent of Team Ico games. Greatly enjoyed it, will be waiting for dev's next game.

Just started and i'm having so much fun thanks to the mix of puzzles and climbing parts. I love problem solving and this game is perfect because you have to understand what action to perform before actually try to overcome the obstacles. Movement is easy and the first part asks you to learn EVERYTHING you need to procede in the game. If you're always in need of something more than just try/repeat from the usual climbing game, this is the game for you.