The Longing evokes a comparison to Treebeard in Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers:
“You must understand, young Hobbit, it takes a long time to say anything in Old Entish. And we never say anything unless it is worth taking a long time to say.”
The subject of this review, The Longing, feels as though it could have been developed by Treebeard and his Ents. It presents a remarkably slow-paced experience, possibly unmatched in gaming history. However, this does not detract from its merits.
The premise involves residing underground as our king commences a 400-day slumber. Players are presented with the choice of cultivating a fulfilling existence within this subterranean realm, acquiring books, musical instruments, creating art, and generally preparing for the King’s return. Alternatively, one can attempt to escape, thus breaking a solemn promise. The Longing features multiple potential endings dependent on player choice.
The 400 days elapse in real-time; therefore, inaction results in simply waiting over a year for the king to awaken – one possible conclusion. However, engaging with the game involves exploring the cave system. Movement is deliberately slow, with notable events including the occasional falling piece of coal, which can be collected and used for fuel, provided two pieces of flint are located. The game features a “remember” function to facilitate revisiting locations, which is essential due to time-dependent progression mechanics.
For instance, reaching a distant ledge may require waiting a full week (in real-time!) for a stalactite to fall and form a bridge. Alternatively, landing softly in moss necessitates a two-week wait for sufficient growth.
After venturing deep into the tunnels, players can return to their abode to place discovered items or play musical instruments, assuming the necessary components have been found. The return journey also occurs in real-time, as the game lacks any form of fast travel. A feature allows the avatar to proceed to a random location should the player become disoriented.
The player can also read an in-game book, a complete novel spanning 2500 pages. This may seem unusual, but the appeal of The Longing lies in its commitment to a deliberately slow-paced experience, imbued with a distinct character. The game compels the player to relax and unwind, as the avatar moves at a consistently unhurried pace. The Longing performs well both in handheld and docked modes on the Switch, with legible text and graphics in either configuration.
In conclusion, The Longing offers a uniquely designed experience at a reasonable price point. Its unconventional nature makes it a worthwhile recommendation, driven by the player’s curiosity to witness the King’s awakening and explore the depths of the tunnels. One potential drawback is the temptation to engage in other activities while the avatar traverses the environment, whether returning home or venturing to previously visited locations.
