A Highland Song Reviews

A Highland Song is ranked in the 83rd percentile of games scored on OpenCritic.
9 / 10.0
Dec 5, 2023

A Highland Song is just as unique and nuanced as I had hoped, and the developer did an outstanding job at bringing a wild sense of adventure and emotion to a 2D title.

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80 / 100
Dec 5, 2023

My first playthrough of A Highland Song was a unique and emotional experience, filled with curiosity and the mysteries of the Scottish hills. The game's replayability means each journey can be different, encouraging multiple playthroughs to discover new outcomes. Inkle's creation is an adventure worth experiencing at least once, whether for the captivating landscapes or the beautiful music by Laurence Chapman, Talisk, and Fourth Moon. If you enjoyed Moira's journey, be prepared for many more.

Review in Italian | Read full review

7.5 / 10.0
Dec 15, 2023

While playing A Highland Song we were immediately captivated by its graphic style. The hand-painted Scottish countryside enticed us to travel the moors and hills together with Moira. The hidden objects and stories surrounding these landscapes encourage deeper exploration. The system of finding maps and the points indicated on them is an interesting diversification and an ingenious idea to give our journey a destination. The accompanying music fits in with its calm gameplay, while the rhythm game elements could have been better realised, perhaps by aiming for a different difficulty threshold: two-button combinations are not enough, and in the end A Highland Song is too easy. The plot is simple but clear, and the stories of Moira and her uncle that accompany the game perfectly complement the story. The voice acting is excellent, and we enjoyed the Scottish accent of the main characters. It's just a shame that there is no Italian translation available, which does not make A Highland Song easy to enjoy for those unfamiliar with English. A Highland Song deserves players' attention. The market needs games of this kind: simple, with a good story and attractive, stylish graphics.

Review in Italian | Read full review

70%
Dec 16, 2023

A Highland Song has amazing atmosphere and audiovisuals in general. The rest is quite lacking in direction, though.

Review in Slovak | Read full review

Jan 27, 2024

A Highland Song combines 2D platforming, adventure game elements, survival mechanics, and rhythm sections into a compelling but occasionally confusing package.

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Unscored
Dec 13, 2023

A Highland Song is frequently beautiful, elegiac and magical, but one’s tolerance for its somewhat uneven gameplay will impact how much you will get back out of it. It should also be mentioned that on PC there is no mouse support, and while it plays fine with a keyboard, a controller is certainly the preferred method. Nevertheless, I did enjoy my jaunt across the Highlands, whenever I wasn’t falling off them or getting lost in the rain.

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7 / 10
Dec 10, 2023

I’m in a weird spot with A Highland Song. On one hand, the game didn’t provide me with the kind of experience I was expecting from the trailer. On the other, what actually is here was an interesting and engaging experience. Exploring and finding the various ways forward constantly kept my interest, even through occasionally frustrating moments. The rhythm runs, while disappointingly uncommon, provided nice breaks from the core gameplay flow and some wonderful tunes to listen to alongside. While it wasn’t what I expected, it was a journey worth going on. The Scottish Highlands are calling, and it’s a call that you may just want to answer.

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8 / 10.0
Dec 8, 2023

A Highland Song, though occasionally a little frustrating, invites you to learn more about its heroine, her uncle, and the hills.

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8 / 10.0
Dec 8, 2023

A Highland Song is a beautiful game about a difficult journey, uplifted by gorgeous watercolor art and a gracefully told story. I felt a deep kinship with Moira. This is a game for anyone who has ever looked at the world beyond their window and felt an ache to crest the horizon.  Inkle’s newest release is a meditative adventure that would be perfect for anyone who’s a fan of games like Old Man’s Journey, A Short Hike, or Inside (if Inside was happy and not a horrifying nightmare). It’s not for everyone, but then again, neither is running away. A Highland Song is a game for and made by those who know what it is like to yearn and dare to try.

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8.2 / 10.0
Dec 7, 2023

A charming mix of local folklore, some music, and a sense of adventure

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9 / 10.0
Dec 6, 2023

A Highland Song is a beautiful adventure, platforming and rhythm game that perfectly captures the joy of exploration and the magic of a journey through the wild, untamed Scottish Highlands.

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90 / 100
Dec 6, 2023

A Highland Song is a game with a special place in my memory. The fact that it is a peaceful journey through the Scottish Highlands or has stunning hand-drawn images is not why it is so popular. Throughout the entirety of this game, the Celtic way may be found in every single aspect. Seeing the Gaelic language on the screen and listening to the traditional music as you run over the highlands are great experiences.

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4 / 5.0
Dec 5, 2023

Moira’s adventure can parallel many people’s experiences as teenagers, living that eternally rebellious angst and not knowing what to do about their future. Embracing its cultural inspirations and creating a heartfelt rendition of the Scottish Highlands and everything they represent, A Highland Song is a beautiful reminder that nature is the best teacher.

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8 / 10.0
Dec 5, 2023

A Highland Song is much more than a conventional platformer; is an exciting experience that combines an engaging story, stunning visuals and an enchanting soundtrack. By following Moira on her journey through the Scottish Highlands, we are immersed not only in the girl's search for the sea, but also in a cultural discovery that connects us to the customs and historical richness of these people. The game's ability to evoke feelings, combined with its ability to transport us to a peaceful and captivating world, offers not only entertainment, but an opportunity to disconnect and immerse ourselves in a narrative that transcends digital barriers. A Highland Song not only entertains us, but invites us to appreciate the beauty of the journey, the melodies that guide us, and the cultural richness it presents, making it a unique and memorable experience for players.

Review in Portuguese | Read full review

Loved
Dec 5, 2023

A Highland Song is beautiful and heartwarming; it feels like you are in the highlands of Scotland that’s immersed in the area’s culture. A’body should play this game, enjoy Moira’s thoughts, and skedaddle aff over the auld highlands. A Highland Song is a wee belter of a game and one of the best games I’ve played this year when Moira and I saw the sea.

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9 / 10.0
Dec 5, 2023

It is just a beautiful genre matched with a good story solid gameplay and a real masterclass, I cannot praise or recommend this game enough.

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Dec 5, 2023

A Highland Song might not be Inkle’s best game, but it’s the studio’s most evocative work – it’s a reminder that wherever we are, we are surrounded by stories.

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