A gorgeous game with well-designed game mechanics and a beautifully orchestrated soundtrack.
Fe turned out to be a nice surprise. I chose to play this game simply because I loved the trailer. The narration combined with the song Dirty Paws by Of Monsters and Men in the background had me hooked. This isn’t the first time I purchased a game solely based on the trailer, and it probably isn’t a surprise this often produces mixed results; however, in this case, Fe delivered.
The surprise wasn’t necessarily that the game was entertaining, but that it was entertaining and engaging despite being different than I expected from the trailer. After the preview, I expected a story driven adventure with some form of fantasy combat system, something like a 3D version of Gex or Spyro (probably not the best examples, but what came to mind immediately). Instead, I was treated to an open-world fantasy game with emphasis on discovery rather than combat, and I loved it.
You start the game as a youngling creature in the woods and Fe provides you with almost no other background or information short of a few helpful control hints. You quickly realize that something has gone amiss in this forest and it is up to you to determine the cause.
I admit I was initially frustrated with the lack of guidance, which was likely fueled by my initial disappointment this was not a straightforward adventure game. As I looked around the landscape, unsure where to go next, I considered switching games. Then I noticed the green diamond; an icon the developers had included to help guide you to the next location. This undoubtedly saved me from quitting and missing out on this amazing game, but this can be turned off in the settings for those that feel this detracts from the challenge.
As you progress, the story begins to unfold as you learn about the “dark ones,” creatures that have arrived on this world and have begun to trap and steal the inhabitants. Each section of the world you visit will bring you closer to understanding what has happened to your world and the history behind the “dark ones.” I personally enjoy games and movies with slow story discovery, where you may not know what is truly happening until the finale. If this isn’t your cup of tea, then Fe may not be the game for you.
Each region features a different, beautifully rendered terrain ranging from forest to swamp to snowy mountains. The terrain presents different challenges that require use of special skills or local friends to overcome the obstacles.
Each region is also primarily populated by a different animal species, each experiencing individualized trauma induced by the “dark ones”. Your task is to solve a challenge typically presented by a lead adult of each species. For example, the lead bird will need help retrieving eggs that were stolen from her. If you successfully complete the challenge, the lead animal will teach you the call of its species, enabling you to work with these animals who will help you on your journey. The calls also provide the ability to interact with different plant elements in the environment.
I don’t recall any other game using an element similar to the calls for game advancement. I guess a comparison could be the songs Link would play in Ocarina of Time, but the calls in Fe are more organic and truly feel like a part of the natural world laid before you. Switching between calls is also fairly seamless, using either the D pad or left joystick. At no point did I feel that I missed a jump, move, or flight opportunity because I couldn’t switch calls fast enough and it made for fascinating gameplay.
As you navigate the world, you will also find purple crystals. These are important because collecting them allows you to gain new abilities like climbing trees or gliding through the air. Each of these abilities adds to the natural feel and flow of the game. There really isn’t anything quite like just floating from the top of a waterfall down to the forest below.
Becoming truly aborbed in this stunning environment wouldn’t be possible without an equally immersive soundtrack. Fe’s music also delivers and is now one of my favorite game soundtracks, permanently added to my favorite playlist. Joel Bille composed a perfect combination of stringed instruments that generates a feeling of peace and solitude which puts me into a true state of relaxation. When faced with an adversary, the music changes to emphasis on bass and foreboding sounds that provide just enough music to leave you unsettled but not distracted. I have included a link to the soundtrack on Spotify here. Track #2 is one of my favorites.
One final element worth noting the occasional ability to see things through the eye of the enemy. Scattered throughout the world are remnants of former “dark ones” which provide a crystal eye to glimpse a bit of their past. Check out the video below.
Fe is a fun adventure in a stunning natural world that reminds us of the interconnectivity of all living things. It is both visually and aurally beautiful, while providing stimulating gameplay with smooth mechanics. If you enjoy a slow story build and an immersive environment, I would give this game a try.
For additional fun, check out the two videos below where I learned to piggy-back on a ghost and where I am pretty sure I broke the game and found myself running in mid-air.