The Path of Motus Review

A Childish Journey
By Brett Wolfe
Reviewed on Xbox One
Released on July 17th, 2018 on Xbox and PS4 (Also Available on PC)
Developer: MichaelArts
Publisher: MichaelArts

We all have dreams that we want to come true. Whether it deals with a certain job, lifestyle choice, or just happens to be something you never thought you would be able to do. These ideas seem great and we all try to do whatever we can to make it become a reality. So, how do you feel when someone tells you that your dream is not possible, or you shouldn’t attempt it. It is heartbreaking, isn’t it? What do you do? Just give up and go with the social norm or do you chase that dream with open arms? All these questions and more are asked upon a forest goblin named Motus as he plans to begin the journey of a lifetime.
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The Path of Motus is a side-scrolling platformer developed and published by MichaelArts, which happens to be comprised of only two people. It tells the story of our protagonist, Motus, on his adventure to be the first goblin to travel completely through the forest. However, he is met with discouragement from everyone, including his father, girlfriend, and others alike. Motus shows perseverance and decides that this is his destiny and me must attempt this venture. Can he make it to the end? Or will he fall to the pressure of others and just give up?

The gameplay mechanics present throughout this game require the players to navigate the terrain and solve various puzzles. Most of the challenges encountered while playing are in the form of bridges and ‘Thought Doors’ that must be unlocked to continue the story. None of them are too challenging but evolve enough to keep the game alive. While I enjoyed solving these puzzles and I found them innovative, I felt that the platforming part was more important to the story overall.

Something that was offered that I was not expecting for a game of this caliber was branching paths that Motus could take on his adventure. In the process of growing up, Motus encounters various bullies and it is up to you how he deals with their negativity. The fighting mechanic when attacking is pretty cool too. All attacks are colored, and this is useful for blocking and attacking as a whole. Motus blocks by mimicking the enemies’ color and can only get a successful hit by using one of the different colors. However, be careful as you are vulnerable during this as well. You can either attack them and give them what they deserve or take the higher road and peacefully deal with them. I really enjoyed this aspect as I was not expecting something so deep, the game even provides a different ending if you take the pacifist route to express the true meaning of the game. These characteristics mixed with the story-telling elements flow well together and shows the passions the creators had in making The Path of Motus.

The visuals in this title were less than favorable and I was a little disappointed at that. I mean they are not terrible, especially for only one person working on it, but it doesn’t look great either. I enjoyed the variety of colors and differing backgrounds, but the visuals overall were lackluster at best. The sounds didn’t bring much to the table either. The beginning song was a nice touch to the game, but the other sounds were minimal and could have been better.

I keep bringing up that it was only made by two people and I feel that is why I am letting a few things that I would be completely negative on with other games slide. I have played a lot of games developed by small teams that were really bad, but I have also seen games that were on the other side of the spectrum. I feel that if you have the passion to make a great game, then you can. I understand that resources are limited when dealing with small developers, but again I feel that most people can make the most of it. The Path of Motus is not the best game I have ever played, but it is not the worst either. Most features do lack, but I feel that one aspect, the story, shines very bright.

The story is hands-down the best part of this otherwise average game. I found myself relating to the trials and tribulations that Motus went through on his journey and I felt that the developers told a story from their heart. The game seemed more of a life lesson on how we should act in society and how we should not give up even if the time gets tough. Not often do I see a video game that resonates with me on a personal level, other than pure enjoyment.

In the end, The Path of Motus is alright when it comes to actual gameplay. The game is priced at $15 USD, which is a bit pricey. I believe that the story is a great selling point, but I would not spend $15 on this game. Plus, the game is very short, I found myself beating it in around an hour to an hour and a half. I recommend picking this title up at some point but wait for a sale. Do not keep your dreams waiting.

*Note: A copy of this game was provided for the purpose of the review.

Final Score: 5/10

+Amazing Story
+Interesting Puzzles
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-Lackluster Visuals and Soundtrack
-Pretty Short
-Average Overall
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