Cairn

Cairn would mean nothing without the journey, and like both the mountain you are challenging and the climb itself, it is an incredible one.

Maybe it was just the entrancing physicality of Cairn's central climbing and survival mechanics. But at some point, whatever wall existed between myself and the game came down and I was there with Aava and she was with me.

A brilliant climbing adventure that siphons the rage out of navigation puzzlers like Death Stranding and Baby Steps, resulting in something prickly, but warmly approachable.

There is beauty in Cairn's golden hour-soaked world.

When all its merits were added together, I was constantly drawn back to the climb to see the next vista. Cairn is challenging as a game and as a story; because, and not despite its many differences from other games you’ll play this year, it deserves your time and attention.

A punishing, beautiful survival game that turns mountaineering into an intimate test of endurance, fixation and emotional resolve – you'll be in tears by the end

Cairn is a great climbing simulator, one that presents you with an entire mountain and complete freedom to traverse it as you please. Some light survival mechanics apply just enough pressure to push you forward, and the purposely slow pace encourages careful climbing and proper planning. Aava's expedition is simultaneously meditative and fraught with danger, with death just one slip away at all times. While we have some small reservations about the story, and the frame rate struggles to measure up to Mount Kami, those looking for a challenging, satisfying journey will find Cairn a unique adventure to conquer.

Cairn is a phenomenal climbing game. There were times where I wanted to throw in the towel because of some minor animation hiccup, but, like Aava, I couldn’t stop. There’s this intriguing parallel at play here, one that I found myself thinking about in those moments where I needed to rest my sweaty palms and Aava needed to recharge her stamina. Neither of us could stop. We had to see it through to the end, in whatever form that took. By the time the credits rolled, I knew that Cairn would stick with me for a long time. This is a game you absolutely have to experience.

Cairn is exactly what an adventurer is looking for: someone tired of their current life and in search of a purpose, like conquering a summit. If you're into games that simulate such experiences, don't miss Cairn.

Cairn delivers a unique experience that redefines climbing games. It goes beyond simply simulating movement and realistic climbing by crafting a demanding journey that captures the struggles of climbers, with well-balanced challenges and an emotional depth. All of this enhances the overall experience, making it appealing to anyone seeking tough adventures and exploration. If you’re looking for a challenging and different kind of adventure, Cairn is undoubtedly worth your next pick.