In the heart of Apple Vision Pro’s gaming sanctuary lies a gem named Gibbon: Beyond the Trees, a game that not only captivates with its ecological narrative but also shines as a beacon of innovative design and emotional storytelling. Developed by the award-winning team at Broken Rules, known for their poignant creation Old Man’s Journey and the rhythmically engaging ELOH, this game serves as a bridge between art, technology, and environmental advocacy. Garnering critical acclaim and a plethora of awards, including the prestigious Apple Design Award in 2022, Gibbon: Beyond the Trees embarks players on a journey through the eyes of a gibbon family, navigating the perilous shift from their natural habitat to a world dominated by human encroachment.
At its core, the game introduces players to the concept of brachiation, a real-world locomotion method used by gibbons to swing through trees with grace and agility. This mechanic is beautifully translated into gameplay, offering a free-flowing, dynamic movement system that is both intuitive and exhilarating. Players will find themselves mastering acrobatic feats, from aerial launches off fellow gibbons to executing precise backflips and slides. The game challenges your dexterity and timing, making every leap and swing a thrilling experience.
The narrative weaves a poignant tale of survival, exploring the impacts of deforestation, poaching, and climate change on the gibbon family’s life. This journey is split into two main modes: a story-driven adventure lasting around an hour and a procedurally generated Liberation Mode that challenges players to race to freedom through an ever-changing jungle. Additionally, a Daily Run mode offers competitive leaderboard action, encouraging players to refine their skills and strategies in pursuit of excellence.
What sets Gibbon: Beyond the Trees apart is its stunning visual presentation. The game boasts 2D hand-painted visuals that not only captivate with their beauty but also serve as a poignant reminder of the vanishing worlds they depict. Each environment, from the lush jungles of Southeast Asia to the chaotic realms of human civilization, is rendered with meticulous detail, immersing players in a world teetering on the brink of ecological collapse.
Beyond its entertainment value, the game serves as an educational tool, featuring an unlockable encyclopedia that sheds light on gibbons and their habitats. It tackles challenging environmental topics head-on, presenting them in a manner that is both accessible and thought-provoking. The inclusion of real-world issues such as deforestation and climate change elevates the game beyond mere entertainment, making it a powerful vehicle for social impact.
The game’s innovative approach to storytelling and gameplay has not gone unnoticed in the gaming community. It has been nominated and awarded across several prestigious platforms, including the BAFTA Games Awards and the D.I.C.E Awards. These accolades are a testament to the game’s quality, its visual and narrative depth, and its contribution to raising awareness about environmental issues.
Gibbon: Beyond the Trees is more than just a game; it’s a journey, a statement, and an experience that resonates deeply with its audience. Through its innovative gameplay, stunning visuals, and poignant narrative, it educates, entertains, and inspires. As we swing from tree to tree alongside our gibbon protagonists, we are reminded of the fragile beauty of our world and the urgent need to protect it. Broken Rules has not only created a game but crafted an adventure that leaves a lasting impact on its players, making Gibbon: Beyond the Trees a must-play title on the Apple Vision Pro platform.
