The independent studio Yore & Yonder has announced Northward, an open-world cooperative adventure for PC that takes players to the cold northern archipelago, on a journey filled with sailing, exploration, hidden treasures, and the mystery of a fallen celestial body.
Northward can be played solo or with up to three friends, for a total of four players. At the heart of the game is shared sailing on an improvised boat, where each crew member can have their own role. Someone steers the helm, someone adjusts the sails to the wind, someone maintains the engine below deck, and someone studies the map and plans the next move.
As can be seen from the trailer, a stylized 3D graphic style is used with a cozy atmosphere, low-polygon models, and an emphasis on exploring the cold but charming northern archipelago. We definitely like this graphic style, as it seems to us that the graphics in independent games have never been more beautiful and sweeter.
It has been revealed that the world will contain four different biomes, each with its own challenges, dangers, and secrets. Players will be able to climb mountain peaks, dive into the depths of the sea, watch their temperature and stamina, and avoid dangerous obstacles and creatures during their adventures! Survival also plays an important role, so it will be necessary to gather and cook food, take care of thirst, and choose suitable clothing for colder conditions.
In addition to exploration, Northward will have a ship upgrade and customization system, finding equipment, tools, and items, fishing, cooking over a campfire, character customization, and recruiting new crew members. The developers are keeping in mind all of us who love to explore the world in games down to the last blade of grass. During the adventure, players will be able to find hidden treasures, ancient ruins, quirky NPCs, and gigantic sea creatures resembling leviathans.
We must admit that without reading the accompanying description, based solely on the gameplay trailer, this independent game seems appealing to us. My colleagues and I will be following further news and the release with special attention.
