A Highland Song
Stuff UK|February 2024
Time to set aside all those cliches about tartan, haggis and Irn-Bru: this narrative-focused 2D platformer puts an authentic Scottish spin on survival mechanics and open exploration
Alan Wen
A Highland Song

I don't think I've played a game so intrinsically and faithfully Scottish as A Highland Song. It's absolutely steeped in Gaelic names and traditions, Scottish colloquialisms, and casual profanity. Don't worry if all of that goes over your head, though: instead of bombarding you with text-based choices like most narrative games, here the decisions come from the paths you physically take.

Leaving her mam's house in the middle of nowhere, 15-year-old Moira's journey to her uncle's lighthouse sees her running, jumping and climbing across the Highlands to the seafront in time for Beltane-Gaelic May Day.

There are multiple routes to take, each one an utterly breathtaking hand-painted backdrop, but not all of them lead towards your goal. Sprinting after wild deer triggers fun rhythm-based minigames, where the hills burst alive with glorious Celtic folk music... but getting swept away as Moira skips along to your button prompts could quickly take you off in the wrong direction.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM STUFF UKView all
Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess - It's really not what you expect from a major publisher these days, but Capcom's curious blend of action, real-time strategy and tower defence is one of the most original games you'll play all year
Stuff UK

Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess - It's really not what you expect from a major publisher these days, but Capcom's curious blend of action, real-time strategy and tower defence is one of the most original games you'll play all year

It's really not what you expect from a major publisher these days, but Capcom's curious blend of action, real-time strategy and tower defence is one of the most original games you'll play all year.From its colourful costumes to a pastoral message of healing nature, Kunitsu-Gami is proudly Japanese in its inspirations. Your masked warrior is on a mission to help a divine maiden purge a mountain of an evil 'defilement'... but this is no Link/Zelda dynamic: you'll also rely on villagers to help you beat back monsters.

time-read
2 mins  |
September 2024
Tesla Model 3 (2024)
Stuff UK

Tesla Model 3 (2024)

This is much more than a simple mid-cycle refresh for Tesla's most affordable electric vehicle: now smoother and quieter than ever, the updated Model 3 does everything you could want from a family car.

time-read
1 min  |
October 2024
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
Stuff UK

Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max

This is the best iPhone Apple has ever made.

time-read
1 min  |
October 2024
Cygni: All Guns Blazing
Stuff UK

Cygni: All Guns Blazing

Is this just a nostalgia trip, or does it genuinely offer something new to make it as memorable as the top-down shooters of yesteryear?

time-read
1 min  |
October 2024
Scott Contessa Voltage eRide 910
Stuff UK

Scott Contessa Voltage eRide 910

This is an electric trail bike designed with women in mind – not that you’d know that just by looking at it, because thankfully Scott hasn’t adopted the insulting ‘shrink it and pink it’ approach that many brands take.

time-read
1 min  |
October 2024
Squareless whisper
Stuff UK

Squareless whisper

This budget smartwatch sequel from the Nothing sub-brand no longer looks like an Apple Watch wannabe... but can it improve on the original?

time-read
1 min  |
October 2024
THE MUSICIAN
Stuff UK

THE MUSICIAN

SENNHEISER HD 490 PRO

time-read
2 mins  |
October 2024
CAMBRIDGE AUDIO EVO ONE
Stuff UK

CAMBRIDGE AUDIO EVO ONE

Considering how much the Evo One costs, slicing and dicing your veggies on it probably isn't the smartest idea.

time-read
1 min  |
October 2024
WEAR IS THE LOVE Google Pixel Watch 3
Stuff UK

WEAR IS THE LOVE Google Pixel Watch 3

Anyone who’s ever strapped on one of Google’s wearables will recognise the Pixel Watch 3.

time-read
1 min  |
October 2024
THE CREATE ESCAPE
Stuff UK

THE CREATE ESCAPE

Don’t let the end of summer bring you down – find joy in making stuff. Whether you’re a podcaster, streamer, designer, musician or any other kind of creator, here’s the clever new kit you need…

time-read
2 mins  |
October 2024