Song of Nunu: A League of Legends Story Review

Reading Time: 5 minutes

Fast Facts

Since the League of Legends universe expanded with new video games beyond the popular MOBA, all kinds of titles have not stopped coming to light, including a few that have the Riot Forge seal. These are spin-offs that are dedicated to telling other stories of some of the more than 160 different characters that exist, as we have seen previously in offerings such as The Mageseeker or Convergence.

But if there is a game that I have been looking forward to since the first moment it was announced, it was Song of Nunu. Mainly because its protagonists are my favorite champions when playing LoL, but also because behind its development is the Spanish studio Tequila Works, a company that has previously left us with excellent titles. So starting from this basis, everything suggested that on this occasion it wasn’t going to be anything less.

A Tale About Friendship in the Icy Freljord Region

Something that has captivated me with the different spin-offs of League of Legends is the way in which they delve into the stories of the characters in order to get to know them in more depth, since in the MOBA games you simply limit yourself to combat and there is no emphasis on their pasts. That’s why I was looking forward so much to getting to know Nunu and Willump even better.

This curious couple of characters, formed by a boy from a nomadic Notai tribe and his inseparable Yeti friend, have always been together until they became totally inseparable. Their journey will take them throughout the icy region of Freljord, one of the areas of Runeterra, while the bond that unites them becomes even stronger to demonstrate the great friendship they maintain.

The objective of both is to travel through this place in order to search for Nunu’s mother and something called the Heart of Blue. This will take them through all kinds of scenarios where snow and ice are present everywhere. Whilst these snowy locations aren’t very varied, there are forests, caves, castles and much more to explore in this adventure, where gameplay is focused entirely on the single-player experience.

A Game Full of Puzzles and Mysteries

The main feature of Song of Nunu, apart from being a third-person adventure, is the fact that you have to solve dozens and dozens of puzzles in each of its chapters. Most of the time it is Nunu who must be controlled alone, although there are also many occasions when he climbs on Willump’s back to move around the stage with him.

The skills of both are somewhat limited, which means that the way to solve the puzzles is very similar most of the time. For example, both are capable of throwing snowballs that they use to activate levers, shatter blocks of ice or freeze water to pass over it, but both also boast certain exclusive abilities that they don´t share with their adventure partner.

Willump can freeze waterfalls to grip the ice with his claws and thus reach higher places, in the same way that they will help him pass through other parts that also require the same function. For his part, Nunu can also climb overhanging ledges and even take advantage of Sonatara, his magical flute that can perform special effects depending on the melodies played with it.

This doesn´t mean that it can always be used, since it only has an effect in certain parts where symbols based on the notes that can be played (by pressing certain buttons on the controller) appear reflected. This means that nearby platforms are activated or that Willump absorbs an ice fragment that allows him to use it elsewhere to build bridges, walls, levers, etc.

In general, most of the puzzles are somewhat simple, but there are also others that will require you to be very careful to carry them out and, above all, pay close attention to everything that is around, because there are not infrequently ones where I have had to thoroughly explore the entire area to find the solution to the puzzle. And there are even stealth parts where it is necessary to move very slowly to avoid being discovered by other enemies.

Apart from everything mentioned so far, in some parts of the adventure the protagonists will be involved in chases or races through the snow where they must avoid obstacles or any element that could be harmful. And if you are one of those who have played League of Legends, you will be happy to know that all of their abilities make an appearance at a point that it is better for you to discover on your own.

Cooperation Is a Fundamental Part of This Game.

The puzzles and the great narrative component are what stand out the most in Song of Nunu. However, there are also threats that will interfere with our heroes’ mission, which will lead them to have to participate in combat against enemies that, unfortunately, are not very varied. You can practically count on one hand the different types of creatures that appear during the game.

This means that once you learn their simple patterns, confrontations become a real walk. With just a few hits, whether with normal or strong attacks, they will fall to the ground with the possibility of executing a definitive attack that is always worth seeing due to its spectacular sequences. In any case, the combats seem to be more focused so that those who are not very good at the controls can also play, while those who are more expert will never feel that there is a good challenge.

Final Thoughts

Tequila Works has done it once again by giving us a wonderful narrative puzzle adventure with a touch of action. Of course, a better pair of characters could not have been chosen for something like this, because the relationship between Nunu and Willump is magical and inevitably makes you end up becoming very fond of both of them due to the strong friendship they maintain, something necessary to overcome any danger they encounter.

Without a doubt, with great games like this you want to know the history of the characters in this universe even more and it also helps to see so many familiar faces if you’re a fan of the acclaimed MOBA. In short, Song of Nunu is a title that you can play in just a couple of afternoons and is a magical and charming journey that, in the end, leaves you with a smile from ear to ear thanks to the fantastic relationship between Nunu and Willump.

Rapid Reviews Rating

4 out of 5

4

You can buy Song of Nunu: A League of Legends Story in the Microsoft Store