The Dead Tree of Ranchiuna | PS4

EastAsiaSoft's "The Dead Tree of Ranchiuna" is a game with a title that no doubt peaks curiosity. Most would immediately think of a fantasy adventure centered around a dead tree which holds significance in the story being told, and to be fair they wouldn't be too far off. Though rooted somewhat in a human-like reality this walking simulator of a game uses conversations with ghostly apparitions and characters that represent past interactions to weave a tale of life, love, and the pursuit of happiness. It is a tale centered around a main character named Andrei, and his trip down memory lane back through his abandoned village of Craiova, and into the ruinous wilderness that goes beyond it's boundaries. Along the way he collects, and shares his thoughts on life in general. Whether it be the city life he left to return home, or his village sweetheart, and the love interest therein he reflects often on past decisions he made. There's deep wisdom with each textually visible and voice acted reading of the dialogue that appears onscreen, and it comes only as you progress correctly through Andrei's world. Ultimately leading the player, through fantastical means, to a conclusion most gamers won't see coming.

Beyond the storytelling, fantasy, and deep meaning within the contextual conversations "The Dead Tree of Ranchiuna" is a beautifully rendered new-gen worthy visual walking simulator where the lavish environments are brought to light in near realistic fashion, and accented by an instrumental/ambient soundtrack that plays as Andrei is guided by you to his final destination. While there is a clear cut path there is no hand holding in Andrei's journey of discovery, and no map to lead you to the end of the game. The environments themselves, and the multiple branching paths can become very much like a maze at times when trying to complete your playthrough, and the word labyrinth definitely comes to mind. That having been said it's not a dull trek if you admire high quality scenery that isn't a collection of copy and pasted assets. For all those screenshot enthusiasts out there, there are many interesting screenshot opportunities as well. 

As Andrei your tools, and abilities are very limited at base level. You can change the pace of your walking to a jog by pressing in L3, and can bring up a flashlight by pressing in R3. Perspectives can also be changed by pressing R1. This includes a first person perspective, and a 3rd person perspective. It should be noted that in some sections of the game first person is a must as it lets you interact with items, and various key mechanisms. Other than those mechanics there's not much else involved. It's very basic by design, and focuses more on storytelling, character building, and artsy tourism through the rather magical and haunting environments.

When it comes to progress the game automatically saves at tourist map signs that are along the given path choices. You can actually continue from the last save point after quitting out to the main menu via a "Continue" menu option. Between the key sections of interest, and said intermittent save points lies the conversations with misty apparitions and characters that carry the plot forward. Allowing Andrei's own reflective thoughts to add a profound element of hindsight wisdom in regards to the human experience, or life lessons through his own life's journey. Often times Andrei speaks with a mature mindset as he is haunted by his past. An echo in his mind that we, the gamers, are privileged to hearing and reading as we help guide his movements, and actions forward. This journey, of course, leads to twists and turns that keep the player guessing as to where this all will go. It's the kind of experience that keeps you glued to your seat wanting to know what happens next. Much like reading a good book that you can't put down, or stop thinking about.

The Verdict ...

"The Dead Tree of Ranchiuna" is a visual masterpiece befitting of new-gen hardware. Even on the PS4 with 4K HDR turned on it is a magical spectacle to behold. It's on par with the visual design of modern Triple A releases, and truly pushes the PS4 console without breaking it. The lighting, the environmental details, the foliage, fauna, water ... it all comes together in a mostly believable fashion though it is very much grounded in a fantasy perception. Also worth noting is the beautiful soundtrack which compliments what would otherwise be a dragged out, and cumbersome experience without it. Filled with instrumentals, and orchestral ambiance the soundtrack highlights everything that takes place, from start to finish. When it comes to storytelling it's a gripping tale about Andrei's life, and all it's stages including a return to his home village as he tries to figure out what happened to make it so derelict. There's lots to take away from both Andrei's personal reflections, and the various character interactions that you'll encounter. The game has a big heart, and a wise look at life. You can tell the developer went all in on this game's development. That it was more of a passion project than a money grab. Though I got lost in it plenty of times I found my time with the game to be enjoyable, and this is coming from a gamer who isn't the biggest fan of walking simulator style games. Thus it gets a recommendation from yours truly!