The Longing

Rating Summary

Based on 20 critic reviews

OpenCritic Rating

Top Critic Average

80%

Critics Recommend

Based on 20 critic reviews

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General Information

Available on:PCMar 5, 2020

Developer: Studio Seufz

Publisher: Application Systems Heidelberg

Genres: Adventure, RPG

Description:

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UNUSUAL MIX OF AN ADVENTURE AND AN IDLE-GAME. Play as a lonely Shade, the last servant of a king who once ruled an underground kingdom. The king's powers have faded and he falls asleep for 400 days to regain his might. It is your duty to stay in the earthen palace until he awakens. As soon as you start, the game inevitably counts down the 400 days - even when you stop playing and exit the game. It is now up to you to decide what to do with your solitary existence beneath the soil. Don't stress yourself, you have plenty of time. CHOOSE YOUR PLAYING STYLE: Start the game and simply come back after 400 days to see how it ends. You actually don't have to play the game at all. But the Shade will be even more lonely without you. Or explore the caves and collect items for your comfortable underground living room. Just send the Shade to take a stroll - the walking speed is slow, but luckily there is no need to hurry. Read tons of classic literature from Nietzsche to Moby Dick right in the game - or at least have the shade read them. After all, time goes by faster if you learn to keep your mind occupied. Ignore the king's commands and advance to the outer regions the cave. It will be a long and dangerous journey into darkness... FEATURES Slow exploration of a vast, hand-drawn cave. Atmospheric Dungeon Synth soundtrack. Various endings. Lots of well hidden secrets. Time-based puzzles. A lonely but cute protagonist.

The Longing Critic Reviews

View All (20 total)

The Games Machine

Emanuele Feronato

7.5 / 10.0

The Longing's gripping storyline and multiple endings clash with the lack of puzzles and too many pauses. Worth to try if you are looking for an original story, but if you love to have your brain continuously tested and challenged, this is not your cup of tea.

Review in Italian | Read full review

Nintendo Life

Stuart Gipp

5 / 10

We can't lie - we hated The Longing. We hated every second of playing it for review. Is it a resounding success at presenting all of its themes? Is it thought-provoking in a way that few games manage? Is it an exhausting slog we wouldn't wish on our worst enemies? The answer to all these questions is yes. But, with all that said, you cannot help but respect the developer's audacity and unwavering commitment to their principles. What the game sets out to do it accomplishes with flying colours, and it's filled with clever ideas and meditations.Ultimately, The Longing is one of those video games that defies traditional scoring metrics. What kind of score would you give a game that succeeds so triumphantly at being utterly, utterly tedious? A one? A ten? It feels inadequate and somewhat trite to split the difference, but here we are.

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Jump Dash Roll

Jesse Gregoire

7 / 10

Like all of the most meaningful art, The Longing's gameplay struggles to be what is traditionally considered to be "fun" at times. However, it is a dark and thoughtful journey that tackles profound subjects, and is well worth your time if you're looking to experience something truly unique.

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KeenGamer

Ben Johnson

8.1 / 10.0

The Longing is a game about waiting for time to pass. It may not sound appealing, but the game comes with lots of tricks up its sleeve, resulting in a melancholy meditation on silence and loneliness. Find out whether it's worth the wait.

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View All Critic Reviews (20 total)

View All Critic Reviews